Nosara is one of the most popular surf destinations in Costa Rica, with clean, rolling waves for every ability level. Here, most surfers head to Playa Guiones, which has earned a reputation of one of the longest, most reliable breaks in Central America. This guide explores everything you need to know about Guiones surfing, including the best time to go, rentals, and more.
Jump to:
- Guiones Surfing Overview
- The Best Time of Year to Surf Guiones
- The Best Time of Day to Surf Guiones
- Surf Equipment Rentals
- Guiones Surfing Lessons
- Nearby Breaks
- Guiones Need-to-Know Info
Guiones Surfing Overview
The Nosara region is renowned for its surfing. But while “Nosara” is commonly thrown around to describe the larger region, the bulk of the action takes place in the nearby neighborhood of Playa Guiones.
Here, you’ll find gently-peeling waves up and down the 3.5-mile crescent-shaped beach, with plenty of room to spread out and find an uncrowded stretch of surf.
Conditions
Guiones surfing conditions are as consistent as you could realistically expect from Mother Nature, with waves offering something for every ability level.
As a whole, waves here are smooth peelers, best suited to longboard-style riding. Advanced surfers looking for more vertical cut-backs may get a bit bored after too long, but for the most part, everyone from beginner to advanced riders will find something fun in Guiones.
Beginners will also benefit from Guinoes’ sandy bottom. There are no underwater rocks or reefs to affect currents (or create more painful wipeouts).
Types of Waves
You’ll find both left and right breaks along Playa Guiones, offering something for both the regular and the goofy-footed.
Waves break fairly far out, providing long rides along the face for intermediate to advanced surfers. Meanwhile, beginners can catch the whitewater closer into shore, yet still enjoy a lasting ride.
In winter, waves are smooth, gentle, and smaller, typically ranging from hip to shoulder high. During the summer months, the rainy season can grow swells up to slightly overhead.
Water Temperature
Water temps are heavenly, year-round: sitting in the low 80s Fahrenheit and only deviating by 1-2 degrees between summer and winter.
The Best Time of Year to Surf Guiones
While Guiones surfing is doable all year long, the smoothest (and most consistent) waves are during the dry season, between November and April. Peak season runs January – March, promising abundant sunshine and light offshore winds.
During the dry season, conditions are great for beginner to intermediate surfers.
Advanced riders may also want to keep an eye on the summer months: there’s more variability in conditions, but along with the chance of rain comes larger swells (and less people).
Winter Winds: it's worth noting that during the winter months, despite the usual “light offshore” days, the Guanacaste province can also get a few windy days with gusts reaching upwards of 25 mph.
Similar to California’s famed Santa Ana winds, the weather pattern usually lasts only for a few days. While it may appear anytime between December and February, likelihood peaks in January.
We’ve surfed Guiones in these conditions, and while not pleasant, die-hards will still be able to catch some waves.
The Best Time of Day to Surf Guiones
As with most regions, Guiones surfing conditions are usually best in the early morning and late afternoon/evening. Light winds will help create glassy conditions and smooth rides.
Winds
Along the Guanacaste coast, winds frequently run onshore in the morning, and offshore in the afternoon.
But that’s not to say surf is unridable in the mornings: you’ll still get clean conditions up until mid-morning.
Return in the afternoon, when offshore winds typically prop up well-formed waves that last until sunset.
Tides
Watch the tide forecast for the days you’ll be out. Guiones typically functions best during mid-to-high tide.
Waves hollow out during low tide, but especially during the dry season, they’ll be too small and mushy to do much with.
Crowds
Early morning and evening are the most crowded times to go (although “crowded” is relative, in Guiones). Conditions are glassy, and locals have time to join the lineup before or after work.
If you’re looking to have the beach almost to yourself, early-to-mid afternoon can be a solid bet: winds are offshore, but only the tourists have the free time to surf at this hour.
Surf Equipment Rentals
There’s no need to bring your own board to Guiones (unless you want to). Surf shops are plenty, and all offer reasonable rates by the hour, day, or week.
We personally like Juan Surfo’s, which offers week-long rentals for about $100. They’ll also let you swap out your board for another, as often as you want.
Guiones Surfing Lessons
It’s no exaggeration to say there are upwards of 20 surf schools within a mile of each other in Guiones.
If you’re staying at a hotel, ask your concierge, as many hotels offer their own in-house surf lessons (and will do all the planning for you).
Conversely, you can also book lessons on your own, either via Viator or one of the local surf shops. Some of Nosara’s more famous schools include Nosara Surf Academy, Nosara Surf School, and Agua Tibia.
Nearby Breaks
If you’ve had your fill of Guiones surfing and are looking to explore surrounding breaks, most surfers head to either Playa Pelada or Playa Garza.
Both of these waves are reef breaks, and best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers.
Playa Pelada is just north of Guiones – so close, they’re often lumped into an extension of each other. The beach here is idyllic, and feels much more remote than Guiones, just on the other side of the point. You’ll find a blend of both left and right-breaking waves here.
Conversely, Playa Garza sits a 15-minute drive south of Guiones. It’s a small village (more like a loose collection of buildings) with an offshore reef break. Beginners and intermediates can still ride the waves on calm days, but Garza can get big with the right swell. When it’s pumping, it’s better suited for intermediate to advanced levels.
Guiones Need-to-Know Info
Pricing
While surfers were the first to discover Guiones, the spot has exploded in popularity over the last few decades, with its active lifestyle expanding to include the yoga/wellness crowd, as well.
Those expecting a “cheap” Costa Rican vacation will get a bit of sticker shock at the very American prices in Nosara – including lodging, food, and shopping. Not more than pricing you’d expect in a place like L.A. or Miami, but comparable.
Getting to Guiones
The closest major airport is Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, about a 2.5-hour drive from Guiones.
From the airport, you can either book a private shuttle to Guiones, or catch a 20-minute puddlejumper flight to Aeropuerto Nosara.
Where to Stay
Guiones is overflowing with luxe, boutique hotels – a few of the most famous resorts include the Harmony Hotel, Sendero, Lagarta Lodge, Tierra Magnifica, and the recently-opened Silvestre. The Bodhi Tree is much more yoga-focused, but with that comes plenty of on-site yoga classes to help you stretch and restore after a day of surfing.
The more budget-minded traveler will find clean, neat hotels mostly on the southern side of Guiones. Although there are no true backpacking hostels here, some of the more affordable hotels include Hostel Nosara, Ride On, and Green Sanctuary Hotel.
AirBnbs are also a popular option in Guiones.
Safety
As with anywhere, petty crime can exist in Guiones, although the area is largely very safe. Take the same precautions you would anywhere (don’t leave valuables unattended, etc.) and you should be fine.
Have more time to explore Guiones? Check out our guides to the best places to eat and things to do, along with the best yoga studios to help you stretch out after a day on the waves.