Surfing
Costa Rica's
Blue Zone
We're based in Nosara, on the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica, a place that draws surfers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to slow down and reconnect.
Our home breaks, Playa Guiones, Playa Ostional, and Marbella, offer warm water and consistent waves year round, surrounded by jungle, wildlife, and one of the most peaceful stretches of coastline in Central America.
Playa
Guiones
Playa Guiones is one of our home breaks, known as one of the most consistent beach breaks in the world. Seven kilometers of sandy bottom, multiple peaks, and waves ranging from knee-high to double overhead make it as suitable for a first lesson as it is for an experienced surfer working on their turns. No wetsuit needed, and clean offshore mornings that make early sessions something worth waking up for.
What makes Guiones special is its versatility. It works at all tides, handles different swell directions, and suits every board type. In the dry season, consistent offshore winds groom the surface and hold the waves open longer. The rest of the year brings more size and power. Either way, there's almost always something to surf.
That kind of reliability is rare. It's why surfers keep coming back.
Playa
Ostional
Located inside the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, this is one of those places that reminds you why you came to Costa Rica in the first place. Playa Ostional is a world-renowned nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles, and surfing here means sharing the coastline with one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles on the planet.
The waves reflect the character of the place. More powerful and less forgiving than Guiones, Ostional is better suited to intermediate and advanced surfers looking for something with a bit more bite. The reward is worth it. Fewer people, raw surroundings, and the kind of session that stays with you long after you've dried off.
Marbella
Marbella, locally known as Playa Frijolar y Playa Coco, is a different kind of surf spot. Black sand, jungle pressing in from all sides, and fast, hollow waves that demand experience and commitment. This is not a beginner break.
What draws experienced surfers here is the quality of the barrels and the character of the place. The dramatic black sand beach and surrounding jungle create a setting that feels a world away from the rest of the coast. Warm water year round, no wetsuit needed. Come prepared, and it will deliver.
Playa Garza
Playa Garza is a quiet right-hand point break tucked between Nosara and Samara, known for its outer reefs and more sheltered waves. When the swell picks up and the main breaks get heavy, Garza becomes the smart call.
Beyond the surf, Garza has its own rhythm. A favorite spot for fishing tours, with boats heading out at dawn into calm, productive waters. The kind of place where you can decompress after a hard session, or simply do nothing for a while.
Playa
San Juanillo
A small fishing village with white sand beaches, calm water, and the kind of unhurried pace that's becoming harder to find. The contrast with the black sand beaches nearby is striking, and the sheltered, crystal clear water makes it a go-to spot for snorkeling along this stretch of coast. The marine life here is varied and surprisingly accessible, no boat needed, just fins and a mask.
Not a surf destination. San Juanillo is where you go when you want a quieter day, a glimpse of authentic coastal Costa Rica, and a reminder that there's more to this coastline than waves.
Playa Pelada
Playa Pelada is the kind of beach you stumble onto and decide to stay. Relaxed, natural, and a welcome change of pace from the busier breaks up the coast. The rocky shoreline forms natural tide pools that fill with warm water at low tide, perfect for a quiet soak with nothing but ocean views in front of you.
Locals do surf it when conditions line up, but most of the time it's simply a good place to breathe, slow down, and remember why you came here.
Beyond
the Waves
Nosara is more than a surf town.
After a session in the water, you might find yourself in a yoga class, on a meditation cushion, or simply cruising the beach on an e-bike watching the sun go down. There's always something to do, and never any pressure to do it.
Step away from the coast and the options open up quickly. Watch Olive Ridley sea turtles nest at Ostional, one of the most remarkable wildlife spectacles in Central America. Head out on a fishing tour at dawn, hike to a waterfall, ride horses through the jungle, zipline through the forest canopy, or rent a quad and explore the rugged terrain that makes this part of Costa Rica so special.
Your Questions, Answered
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There are a few options depending on your budget, flexibility, and how much luggage you're bringing.
Nosara has its own small airstrip (NOB) with domestic flights operating from San José and Liberia via Sansa or Costa Rica Green Airways. It's convenient but worth knowing a few things before you book. The runway is not all-weather and operates as a basic landing strip rather than a full-service airport. Domestic flights are sometimes poorly synchronized with international arrivals, which can mean an extra night in San José or Liberia. Included luggage allowance is also much lower than on international flights, with extra kilos charged separately. And if you're travelling with a longboard, flying into Nosara is not a realistic option.
For most visitors, the most practical way to get here is by private transfer or shared van from San José or Liberia. The drive takes around four to five hours from San José and about two and a half from Liberia, with the last stretch into Nosara on unpaved road. A 4x4 is recommended, especially during the rainy season. Several local companies offer reliable shared and private transfers that can be booked in advance, which takes the stress out of the journey entirely.
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Any time. Nosara is one of the few places in the world where you can surf more than 360 days a year. Conditions vary, but there is almost always something rideable.
That said, the seasons do have a character of their own.
From roughly November through April, waves tend to be smaller with plenty of waist-high days, cleaner conditions, and consistent offshore winds in the mornings. The dry season also means blue skies and very little rain, making it the most popular time to visit. The lineup reflects that.
From May through September, the average wave size steps up with more head-high and overhead days, the jungle turns a deeper green, and there are generally fewer people in the water. Afternoon showers are common but rarely affect the surf, and the occasional tropical system might bring a day or two of rain without much wind.
It's worth keeping in mind that these are seasonal averages, not forecasts. We still get overhead days in winter and waist-high days in summer. The ocean doesn't follow a schedule.
Whatever conditions you find when you arrive, we'll make sure your time in the water is fun and productive.
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The great thing about surfing in Nosara is that in the water, all you need is your boardshorts or bikini. The tropical water is warm year round, no wetsuit required. A light 1mm neoprene top can come in handy on early morning sessions when strong offshore winds make the surface feel cooler. Given how strong the sun gets out there, a surf hat and a light rash guard are worth having in your bag.
On land, Nosara is a laid-back jungle beach village and the dress code matches. In the evenings, bring some light long-sleeved garments to keep the mosquitoes off.
For sun protection, pack a good nature-friendly sunblock to protect both your skin and the ocean environment around you. And don't forget insect repellent for the evenings.
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Very much so. Playa Guiones is safe and beginner-friendly, making it a great beach for families with children. Beyond the surf, there's yoga, wildlife watching, hiking, horseback riding, fishing tours, and some of the best nature Costa Rica has to offer. Non-surfers tend to find plenty to keep them busy, and many end up wanting to try surfing by the end of the trip.
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Nosara is considered one of the safer destinations in Costa Rica. It's a small, close-knit community with a large international population and a generally relaxed atmosphere. As with anywhere, basic common sense applies. Don't leave valuables in your car, be aware of your surroundings at night, and respect the ocean. Rip currents exist on all Costa Rican beaches and should be taken seriously. Our coaches always cover ocean safety before any session.
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Low-key and unpretentious. Nosara is not a party destination. Most surfers are up before dawn, which tends to set the tone for the evenings. There are good restaurants, a handful of bars, and occasional live music nights, but the nightlife here is more about sharing a meal and a cold beer after a good day in the water than anything else. If that sounds like your kind of evening, you'll fit right in.