Nosara & the south · Costa Rica
Surfing Nosara (Playa Guiones N)
A beach break in Nosara & the south, Costa Rica, for beginner surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner
- Size2-5 ft
- Best monthsDec-Apr
- Crowd3/5
The wave
Nosara is a three-kilometre ribbon of consistent, easy-going beachbreak that has become the wellness-and-surf capital of the Nicoya coast. The peaks are forgiving and roll in with metronomic regularity, which makes this one of the most reliable places in the country to learn or to log endless mellow rides between yoga sessions.
The town sits back from the sand in the jungle, keeping the beach itself refreshingly natural despite the area's rapid growth. Surf schools line the access roads and the water is warm enough for boardshorts year-round.
Because the swell window is wide open, there's almost always something to ride, and the gentle sand-bottom peaks spread the crowd along the strand. Keep an eye on your gear, the region does suffer from opportunistic theft, but in the water Nosara is pure, low-stress fun, best on a clean south-west swell with a light morning offshore.
9.955, -85.68 · Swell SW · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Nosara (Playa Guiones N)
Nosara (Playa Guiones N) is at its best from December to April. Conditions it likes: Swell SW. This is how the year looks across Guanacaste:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| December to April | Prime | Dry season, offshore mornings, sunshine, clean NW-fed 3-4ft waves almost daily |
| May to July | Good | Green season begins; bigger SW groundswell, afternoon showers, fewer crowds |
| August to October | Good | Peak SW swell and empty line-ups, but the wettest, muddiest roads |
| Nov | Quiet | Transition, rains easing, swell easing, a quiet shoulder month |
Waves near Nosara (Playa Guiones N)
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playa Guiones | Nosara & the south | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 5 km |
| Ostional | Nosara & the south | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 5 km |
| Playa Negra | Nosara & the south | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 29 km |
| Playa Avellana | Nosara & the south | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 32 km |
| Langosta | Tamarindo | Beach Break | Intermediate | 41 km |
| Tamarindo | Tamarindo | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 42 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Nosara & the south
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Nosara & the south surf guide →
A week here costs from about $822 with flights from Europe, or around $1,596 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Nosara (Playa Guiones N): common questions
When is the best time to surf Nosara (Playa Guiones N)?
Nosara (Playa Guiones N) works best from December to April. Ideal conditions: Swell SW.
Is Nosara (Playa Guiones N) good for beginners?
Yes. Nosara (Playa Guiones N) suits beginner surfers.
How crowded is Nosara (Playa Guiones N)?
Nosara (Playa Guiones N) is usually moderate: 3 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Nosara (Playa Guiones N)?
Nosara (Playa Guiones N) is in Nosara & the south, in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica (9.955, -85.68). The nearest wave we cover is Playa Guiones, about 5 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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