Surfing in Nosara: A Guide to the Best Beaches

Nosara has surf for every level, and the beaches are close together. Beginners and families head to Playa Guiones, the long, forgiving main beach. More experienced surfers go to Playa Ostional, Playa Pelada, or Playa Marbella for stronger, faster waves. All of them are near The Sanctuary Estate, which sits about ten minutes from Playa Guiones.

Why is Nosara good for surfing?

Warm water, consistent swell, and offshore winds. Nosara is on the Nicoya Peninsula, and the offshore winds here help clean up the waves for much of the year. There’s surf across the seasons and across skill levels, which is a big part of why people settle in around it rather than just visit.

Where should beginners surf in Nosara?

Playa Guiones. It’s the center of Nosara’s surf scene — a long white-sand beach that runs several kilometers, with gentle, consistent waves that suit people learning as well as those refining their technique. Waves generally run in the 3-to-6-foot range through the year.

The other reason it’s good for beginners and families is the bottom: sand, not rock or reef, which makes for safer wipeouts. The beach sits inside the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, so development is limited and the shoreline stays protected.

Where can experienced surfers go near Nosara?

A short drive from the estate, Playa Ostional has stronger, faster waves that break closer to shore — a good step up from Guiones. Ostional is also known for its arribadas, the mass nesting events when thousands of sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs. Surf and turtles in one place is unusual.

Two more worth knowing:

• Playa Pelada — just north of Guiones, quieter, with a mix of sand and rock reef breaks. Suits intermediate surfers, and the tide pools and rock formations make it a calmer spot overall.
• Playa Marbella — farther south, known among experienced surfers for fast, hollow waves. It’s remote and stays relatively uncrowded.

Learn at Guiones, then work your way north to Pelada or south to Ostional and Marbella as your surfing sharpens.

Are there surf schools and board rentals in Nosara?

Yes. Nosara has several established surf schools covering all levels, whether you want lessons for kids or coaching to sharpen your own surfing. Surf shops rent boards and run private lessons and surf camps, so you don’t need to arrive with your own gear.

The short version: Surf Playa Guiones if you’re learning — long, sandy, gentle, about ten minutes from the estate. Move to Playa Ostional, Playa Pelada, or Playa Marbella as you improve. Surf schools and board rentals are easy to find in town.

At a glance

• Playa Guiones — beginner-friendly, sandy bottom, waves 3–6 ft, ~10 min from the estate
• Playa Ostional — stronger waves for experienced surfers; famous for turtle arribadas
• Playa Pelada — north of Guiones, quieter, sand and rock reef, intermediate
• Playa Marbella — south, fast hollow waves, remote and uncrowded, advanced
• Lessons and gear — surf schools, board rentals, and surf camps in town