Nosara & the south · Costa Rica
Surfing Ostional
A beach break in Nosara & the south, Costa Rica, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate
- Size2-6 ft
- Best monthsDec-Apr
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Ostional offers fun, lip-smacking walls without the crowds that plague the marquee names, and that easy-going character is the whole draw. The beachbreak peaks are user-friendly and playful, ideal for turning practice and long, relaxed sessions, and the wider area even hides a quality left for those who go looking.
The village is best known for its arribadas, the mass olive-ridley turtle nestings that turn the beach into a wildlife spectacle at certain times of year, all inside a protected refuge. That means the vibe is conservation-first and delightfully undeveloped.
There's plenty of accommodation appearing along this coast, but keep valuables locked away, as the whole Nosara-to-Ostional stretch has a reputation for petty theft. Surf it on a south-west swell across the tides for consistent, uncrowded fun, and quieter than the busier reefs up the coast.
9.995, -85.703 · Swell SW · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Ostional
Ostional 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 Ostional
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nosara (Playa Guiones N) | Nosara & the south | Beach Break | Beginner | 5 km |
| Playa Guiones | Nosara & the south | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 10 km |
| Playa Negra | Nosara & the south | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 24 km |
| Playa Avellana | Nosara & the south | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 27 km |
| Langosta | Tamarindo | Beach Break | Intermediate | 36 km |
| Tamarindo | Tamarindo | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 37 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 →
Ostional: common questions
When is the best time to surf Ostional?
Ostional works best from December to April. Ideal conditions: Swell SW.
Is Ostional good for beginners?
Yes. Ostional suits beginner and intermediate surfers.
How crowded is Ostional?
Ostional is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Ostional?
Ostional is in Nosara & the south, in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica (9.995, -85.703). The nearest wave we cover is Nosara (Playa Guiones N), about 5 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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