SURFING IN NOSARA
A Local's Guide to Guiones, Pelada & Nearby Breaks
After years of bouncing around Costa Rica's Pacific coast, I've found my home base in Nosara. We've got it all here. Yoga studios down the road from surf schools. Jungle trails leading to hidden coves. A town that still feels like Costa Rica even as the world discovers it.
This guide covers what I wish someone had told me when I first rolled into this town with just my backpack and board bag.
Playa Guiones: The Heartbeat of Nosara Surf
- Skill level: Beginner to Advanced
- Break type: Beach break (sandy bottom)
- Best tides: Mid to high tide for longboards; lower tide reveals edgy peaks
- Best swells: South/Southwest (April–October), Northwest (November–March)
Playa Guiones is the break that put Nosara on the surf map. And honestly? It deserves the hype.
This is one of those rare beaches that works almost every day of the year. The west/southwest-facing bay catches swells from multiple directions, and the sandy bottom means you can wipe out without worrying about smearing yourself on coral or rocks. For beginners, the soft, rolling waves on smaller days are absolutely ideal.
On bigger days (head-high and beyond), the outer peaks fire up with longer, more powerful rides that keep intermediate and advanced surfers happy. I guess the thing that never ceases to amaze me is how consistent it is here: we very literally have waves every day.
Local tip: Show up at dawn, not only for the glassy conditions but to beat the crowds. You'd be forgiven for thinking 7 AM is early, but here it fully isn't. Also worth noting: on average, by 10 AM the wind shifts from kick-ass offshore to onshore bummerness. Earn your waves with your alarm clock.
Playa Pelada: The Contrast Spot
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Break type: Reef-influenced beach break (sand and rock)
- Distance: ~3 km north of Guiones, but you can walk from one to the other
- Best tides: Mid to high (low tide is a no-go!)
- Best swells: South/Southwest
If Guiones is the friendly teacher, Pelada is the challenging coach. Located just north of Guiones, this spot offers shorter, punchier waves that break over a mix of sand and exposed rock.
Pelada shines when the south swell is firing (April through October). The waves here have more power and a quicker section compared to Guiones' mellow rollers, perfect if you feel comfortable in your bottom turns and want something with a bit more bite.
Important note: Check the tide. At low tide you'll see more of the rocky bottom, and that changes things: it can be a body smear, a fin box bust or worse! High tide dials in the water coverage and smooths out the ride. When in doubt, arrive an hour before high tide and watch how others are playing the peaks.
Playa Ostional: For Those Seeking Hollow Waves
- Skill level: Advanced
- Break type: Beach break (hollow, faster sections)
- Distance: North of Pelada (~5–7 km from Guiones). You fully have to drive there.
- Best tides: High tide
- Best swells: Northwest (winter months)
Ostional is where Nosara gets serious. This black-sand bay faces northwest, making it the prime destination when winter swells roll in. The waves here are famously hollow and wally, especially at high tide, with long, fast rides. If you're on the upper side of intermediate or an advanced surfer, you'll be stoked here.
Warning: This isn't for beginners. On big days (double overhead and beyond), just the paddle-out can kick your ass. The lineup is predominantly experienced surfers, and the waves break harder and faster than what you'll find at Guiones or Pelada.
Wildlife alert: Ostional is famous for olive ridley sea turtle nesting. During arribada seasons (mass nesting events), you'll need to respect protected zones and avoid disturbing the turtles and their nests. Even as a local I'm not always sure when the beach is closed. I've rolled up to Osti many times stoked for a session, only to see the beach is closed, and then it's a turnaround and drive back to Guiones.
When to Surf in Nosara
Green Season
April–October
Swell: South/Southwest
Peak surfing months, head-high waves
Dry Season
November–March
Swell: Northwest
Smaller, mellow waves, knee to chest high
The truth is, Nosara surf works year-round. But if I had to pick my sweet spot, it's the shoulder months, November and December, when the dry season begins, offshore winds settle in, and the jungle is still super lush and green.
July and August are consistently excellent, with south swells producing reliable head-high waves. The only thing is it may rain on and off. Many locals consider these the peak surfing months.
Other Nearby Breaks Worth Knowing
Playa Marbella
Further north, Marbella can be EPIC. It's about a 45-minute drive from Guiones. I've scored there a bunch, but I've also pulled up only to be fully skunked. There's a nice little breakfast and lunch spot on the beach right in front of the break.
Playa Grande
If you're an experienced surfer who's down to drive for a couple of hours (two hours, to be exact), you'll be stoked to surf Playa Grande. The wave is hollow, and the locals there say "Barrels every day", and they're fully right. I absolutely love Playa Grande: the paddle-out is easy, the waves are hollow and super fun, and the locals are super friendly too.
There's a local surf shop there called Frijoles Locos. If you find yourself there, ask for the owner, Drew, and tell him Andy from Nosara sent you. He'll get a kick out of that!
That said, if you're a beginner, there's no need to make that drive. Guiones will be much more your speed.
Practical Local Tips
Rental & Lessons: Plenty of surf schools operate near Guiones. If you're learning, invest in a proper lesson. The local knowledge about where and when to paddle makes a huge difference.
Board Storage: Most accommodations offer secure board storage. Lock it up anyway. Theft is uncommon but not unheard of.
Water & Sun: People here often say the sun is the most dangerous thing in the lineup. Nosara is hot. Saltwater + tropical sun = serious dehydration risk. Hydrate before, during and after. Zinc sunscreen (reef-safe) is non-negotiable.
Respect the Lineup: Nosara's surfing community is friendly but has unwritten rules. Don't drop in. Don't be that guy; no one likes that guy. Watch how locals position themselves. Bring good vibes and you'll get good vibes back.
Yoga After Waves: Nosara is a yoga capital for a reason. Soothe those shoulders with an evening stretch. There are loads of yin yoga classes that will fully make the difference. Your paddle tomorrow will thank you.
Golf Carts: Many places will rent you a golf cart, and some vacation rentals come with them. Use them and have fun, but just keep in mind that not everyone is on vacation. If you're drinking your beer driving down the road, full vacation mode engaged, and you have a line of cars behind you, be kind, pull over and let us pass. EVERYONE will be stoked on you.
Where to Base Yourself
Stay close to Guiones if surf is your primary mission. Walkable access beats driving with a board on your roof. If you prefer quiet, look further inland, just factor in the commute to the beach.
Budget-conscious travelers can find hostels with surf packages. Mid-range options include boutique hotels with ocean views. Luxury seekers have access to private villas with dedicated staff and often private instructors.
Get Photos of Your Session
I'm a Nosara surf photographer, and I shoot the Guiones lineup most mornings. If you surfed today, your wave might already be in my Daily Surf Galleries.
Want photos of a specific session? Book a private or group session and I'll focus on you, with your photos delivered the same day.
Final Thoughts
Nosara is a vibe. You'll leave with salt in your hair, a new tan, and probably a few new friends from around the world.
Wherever you end up surfing, remember: the ocean doesn't care about your ego, your profession or your bank account. Respect it, and it'll give you some of the best moments of your life.
See you out there!
Have questions about specific conditions, gear or planning your trip? Drop me a line. I'm happy to share what I've learned over the years in these waters.
~Andy Marin