Nosara, Costa Rica is internationally known for its consistent surf breaks, warm water, and welcoming surf culture. Located on the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste, Nosara offers year-round waves for beginners, intermediate, and advanced surfers alike.
Whether you’re learning to surf for the first time or looking for clean, uncrowded waves, the surf breaks in Nosara deliver reliable conditions just minutes apart.
This local guide covers the best surf breaks in Nosara, when to surf them, and which skill level they’re best suited for.
Playa Guiones – The Most Popular Surf Break in Nosara
Playa Guiones is the most famous surf beach in Nosara and one of the best beginner surf beaches in Costa Rica. This long, sandy beach features multiple peaks, allowing surfers of all levels to spread out along the shoreline.
Best for: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced surfers
Wave type: Sandy beach break with soft, forgiving waves
Best conditions: Early morning sessions and mid-tide
Why surf here: Consistent year-round surf, easy access, surf schools, and board rentals nearby
If you’re taking surf lessons in Nosara or looking for long, playful waves, Playa Guiones is the ideal place to surf.
Playa Pelada – A Quieter Surf Spot Near Guiones
Just south of Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada offers a quieter surf experience with slightly more powerful waves. This Nosara surf break is well-suited for surfers who already have some experience in the water.
Best for: Intermediate surfers
Wave type: Beach break with rocky sections
Best conditions: Mid to high tide
Why surf here: Fewer crowds, more defined peaks, and a relaxed local atmosphere
Playa Pelada is a great option if you’re ready to progress beyond beginner waves while staying close to town.
Boca Nosara – Advanced Surf Break at the River Mouth
Boca Nosara is located at the mouth of the Nosara River and is known for strong currents and powerful, fast-breaking waves. This surf spot should only be surfed by experienced and confident surfers.
Best for: Advanced surfers only
Wave type: Powerful river-mouth surf break
Best conditions: Clean swell, light offshore winds, low crowds
Why surf here: Fast, hollow waves and high-performance surf
If you’re unfamiliar with the conditions, it’s best to observe first or surf Boca Nosara with a local guide.
Ostional – Powerful Surf Breaks North of Nosara
Located just north of Nosara, Ostional Beach offers some of the most powerful surf in Guanacaste. With fewer surfers and open beach breaks, Ostional is a favorite for those seeking space and heavier waves.
Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers
Wave type: Strong beach break with powerful sections
Best conditions: Larger swell days with offshore winds
Why surf here: Uncrowded lineups, consistent swell, and raw energy
Ostional is also known for its natural beauty and is well worth visiting even on non-surf days.
Best Time of Year to Surf in Nosara, Costa Rica
Nosara’s west-facing beaches receive consistent swell throughout the year, making it one of the best year-round surf destinations in Costa Rica.
Dry season (December–April):
Clean conditions and smaller waves, ideal for beginners and surf lessons
Green season (May–November):
Bigger swells and more powerful waves for intermediate and advanced surfers
Best time of day:
Early morning before onshore winds develop
Stay Close to the Best Surf Breaks in Nosara
One of the biggest advantages of surfing in Nosara is how accessible the surf breaks are. Morning surf sessions, beach walks, and sunset swims are all part of daily life here.
At Ocean Breeze Nosara, you’re just minutes from Playa Guiones and close to all of the area’s top surf breaks, making it easy to surf when conditions are best and relax in comfort afterward.
Plan Your Surf Trip to Nosara
Whether you’re visiting Nosara to learn to surf, improve your skills, or simply enjoy Costa Rica’s laid-back surf lifestyle, the surf breaks here offer the perfect balance of consistency, accessibility, and natural beauty.
Explore availability at Ocean Breeze Nosara and make surfing part of your everyday routine.
