Surfing in Nosara

Introduction

Nosara has become increasingly popular amongst traveling surfers as it offers a more laid back, relaxed atmosphere than its bustling neighbor to the north, Tamarindo, while boasting world class surf almost all year.

The small community of Nosara offers visitors a unique experience with a variety of moderate accommodations, activities such as surfing, fishing, horseback riding and more.

Nosara has become a popular destination for repeat visitors to Costa Rica who are looking for a different experience than Tamarindo or Hermosa. This is one of Costa Rica's most beautiful areas and the only noise that you will hear in Nosara is the sound of the waves crashing and the monkeys howling.

Getting There

Nosara is accessed by taking the ferry from Tempisque Ferry across the Nicoya Peninsula and then drive for 2 hours until reaching Nosara.

There is also a small airport.

Breaks

This area receives consistent swells, good wind conditions and has become a popular spot for longboarders.

Junquillal

A beach break and a left reef that work better on higher tides. There are many peaks with hollow, fast rights and lefts. The waves jack up off the sandbar creating a tough entry. On a large enough swell, try surfing at Playa Blanca directly in front of the Iguana Azul which offers double overhead epic lefts.

Playa Marbella

Located between Junquillal and Ostional, this is one of the area's most consistent breaks offering excellent conditions with the presence of offshore winds. No services.

Playa Ostional

Beach and reef break with rights and lefts that works on higher tides and south to southwest swells. Located north of Nosara.

Playa Nosara

Great beach break with peaks and shallow rock reef lefts that get barrelling with a large south or southwest swell.

Playa Pelada

A rock reef on the north side which is best with a north swell at incoming high tide. Not very consistent and gets very crowded
(L & S).

Playa Guiones

A beach break with a left point that works better at high tides and early in the morning. This area offers some of the most consistent year-round surf ranging from head-high to double overhead and much less crowded than the Tamarindo area.

Playa Camaronal

Located waaaay down there between Nosara and Mal Pais. Nice beach break that is surrounded by rocks. This break is very consistent and offers surf year-round Best conditions from the south, or southwest.

Places to Stay

The small community of Nosara offers visitors a unique experience with a variety of moderate accommodations.

Harbor Reef Lodge

Located only 2 minutes walking distance from Playa Guiones. This Lodge is surrounded by jungle and gardens, and offers suites, cabinas and rooms which are all extremely comfortable and quaint with plenty of privacy and seclusion. more >

Casa Serenity

Just what the names says. Pretty peaceful, a small place with fairly spacious rooms. Call for details.

Casa Pacifica

A two-bedroom, two bath house that is about 200 meters away from the shoreline. The house can accommodate up to 6 people comfortably. Call for details.

Hotel Harmony

Just minutes from the beautiful beach of Playa Guiones. It's a small hotel, with seclusion and jungle. Swimming pool. more >

Café de Paris

Featuring a range of accommodations, from basic, clean, and comfortable to spacious, finely-appointed, with breathtaking views, Hotel Café de Paris is a great place to stay while in Nosara. 3 minute walk from an incredible beach with surfing. more >

Villa Ventana

La Ventana offers three luxurious suites and can accommodate up to 10 people. Each suite includes a private bath, air conditioning, queen size canopy bed, a twin day bed, and private balcony with ocean views. more >

Places to Eat

Harbor Reef Restaurant

Located at the Harbor Reef Lodge, excellent food open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Large portions, and great taste…Highly recommended

Cafe de Paris

Full bakery as well as hotel restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Marlin Bills

Some of the best food in town including fresh fish, as well as a large menu of international cruising located across from the Cafe de Paris on the hillside.

The Gilded Iguana

This is a local favorite for a hangout, grab a beer or enjoy their great food and full bar.

La Luna

One of the best meals and most romantic spots in Nosara. Located on the beach just before the entrance into the Hotel Nosara. You can have an incredible meal and watch the waves break on the beach just 50 yards away.

Blew Dog Surf Club

Great place. Good food. All types of meals. Full bar. Very popular with surfers and locals.

Giardino Tropicale

Just re-opened under new chef and is right around the corner from the heart of Guiones on the mail road. Offering a variety of foods from fresh fish, Italian food, pasta and pizza. Full bar.

Things to Do

Nosara is pretty egalitarian, laid back with incredible sunsets and beautiful coastline. Playa Rosada has a pink beach that's pretty interesting.

Other Adventures

• Surf Lessons in Nosara - Instruction program is customized for each student. All instruction packages include 2 lessons each day, a one-on-one private lesson in the morning, and a late afternoon group lesson. Videotaping of the morning session is viewed during lunch, which is included. These are multiple day lessons, and it's very comprehensive.
• Stop by the Harbor Reef for a post surf cocktail at their poolside bar
• Guiones Beach - aside from excellent surfing, this is a great place to watch the sunset
• San Juanillo Beach - excellent for snorkeling, or just a quiet day trip
• Playa Rosada - visit the pink beach of Playa Rosada, located about 2 hours from
• Canopy Tour in Nosara - Includes equipment, bilingual guides, transportation and snack.
• Diving - Includes equipment, boat, captain & crew, snacks and beverages. Maximum 5 divers per boat. Trip to Samara, Trip to Garza, Trip to Coco Beach, Trip to Catalina Island, Trip to Bat Island, Resort Course, Open Water Course, Snorkel 2 hours, Snorkel 3 hours.
• Horseback Riding - through the forest, including sunset beach spot. Also, we'll view the Mala Noche Waterfall.
• Sport Fishing, Surfing & Ocean Tours - There are two boats that we have a special connection to that operate out of this area. The first is Aventura Pelada, which is a 23' boat, great for fishing or surfing (to remote places.) Includes food, drinks, bait and tackle. The second boat is from Half Moon Bay Charters, which takes southern and northern surfing and fishing tours to Camaronal and Marbella. Group packages available.

Things to Avoid

Nothing really. Pura vida, baby.

Surf Shops and Surf Camps

Surf camp: There are Instruction programs here, customized for each student. All instruction packages include 2 lessons each day, a one-on-one private lesson in the morning, and a late afternoon group lesson. Videotaping of the morning session is viewed during lunch, which is included.

Travel Packages

Here are the surf travel packages for the Nosara region:

• The Surfer's Dream