Nosara, Costa Rica Surf Breaks

The Playas de Nosara area includes the beach-side communities of Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada, as well as the pueblo of Nosara. Nosara is in the province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, on the Pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Nosara possesses a unique combination of natural beauty, abundant wildlife and world class surfing. This area sees less crowds than other beaches in Costa Rica while still offering a variety of activities to keep you entertained. The area is teeming with wildlife, and boasts the best and most consistent surfing in the country. The Nosara beach communities border the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, which stretches for 15km from the northern end of Playa Ostional to the southern end of Playa Guiones. Within the Ostional wildlife refuge, the first two hundred meters of beachfront is protected land and is home to hundreds of howler monkeys, iguanas, birds and more amazing Costa Rica wildlife.

Playa Guiones - A gorgeous, six kilometer stretch of white sand beach is the closest and home to most of Nosara's businesses and restaurants. Playa Guiones is a perfect beach break with plenty of room to spread out. The wave size here increases dramatically the further that you paddle out, so you can chose a wave that suits your skill level. The sandy bottom and deeper water allows for safe wipeouts while learning. If we head far enough south, there are tide pools that make for excellent swimming and a great relaxation spot after a long day of surfing.

Playa Pelada - Possibly the most beautiful place in Nosara, Playa Pelada is a small, curving white sand beach tucked between Punta Nosara and Punta Guiones. The surfing level here is rated intermediate to expert and has a reefy bottom. Maybe not an option for your first surfing experience but a must see while on your Costa Rica surf vacation. A trail at the northern end of the beach winds up onto the cliffs of Punta Nosara and continues on to the Nosara River. At the southern end of the beach, a blowhole shoots water into the air when the tide is right.

Playa Nosara - A long, dark sand beach that stretches from Playa Ostional to Punta Nosara and the Nosara River mouth. Before it empties into the ocean, the Nosara River forms an estuary backed by lush mangroves, which are filled with birds and other wildlife. The best ways to explore the mangroves and estuary are by kayak, or from the Reserva Biologica Nosara (accessed from the Lagarta Lodge). Nosara beach is most often deserted, with the exception of the occasional fisherman, surfer or Olive Ridley turtle. At low tide, you can easily cross the Nosara River and reach the beach where the views are wonderful and great spot to unwind.

Playa Ostional - Is just north of Playa Nosara, and is another long and beautiful dark sand beach. While surfers do come here to ride the big and often hollow waves, Ostional is best known as one of Costa Rica's most important turtle nesting sites. During an arribada, Olive Ridley turtles arrive by the thousands to come ashore and lay their eggs. An arribada is most likely to occur between July and December, and usually lasts for about a week. Arribadas cannot be reliably predicted, but most commonly occur during the last quarter phase of the moon or shortly after the new moon and is once in a lifetime event that should not be missed.

Playa Avellanes - Surf conditions in Avellanas are perfect throughout the year with swells coming in both from the Northern and Southern Hemisphere. Dry season is from December - April with blue skies and steady offshore winds. El Parqueo, a beach break at Playa Avellanes has long, smooth waves which make them suitable for less experienced surfers. This beautiful beach is only about an hour away from Playa Nosara and is mainly used for an alternate surf break for those who can’t get enough adventure and want to experience a less tourist traveled beach.

Professional Surf Lessons

Your surfing instructor Russell, has been surfing for over 20 years and he has been teaching surf lessons professionally for the past 5 years. He has split his time between Costa Rica and Maui, Hawaii for the last 7 years. While working at Maui’s oldest surf school, Russell achieved senior surf instructor and has personally taught over 6,000 beginner students to surf up to an intermediate level in just a few short lessons.

Russell's proven surf instruction techniques have yielded success in taking first time students to intermediate surfers in just one week. Russell is patient, passionate and he really knows how to turn surfing lessons into a fun time! He has received the finest training in safety and water rescue while becoming a merchant marine. He is also certified in CPR and emergency first response. Russell is witty, charming and over-all a great person to be around, which will make your Costa Rica surfing vacation and your surfing lessons that much more enjoyable!

Nosara is the ultimate Costa Rica surf destination for beginners and experts alike due to the variety of surf breaks in a small stretch of coastline. This area catches swell from different directions, assuring waves can be found year round. There are many sandy bottom beach breaks nearby that will help you to feel safer when trying Costa Rica surfing for the first time. All of your surfing lessons will take place in the morning to take advantage of glassy waters that make paddling out easier and riding waves more enjoyable. My Costa Rica Surf Vacation specializes in teaching surfing at your ability and comfort levels. This is the advantage of having a professional surf instructor just for your private group. In a typical surf lesson elsewhere you could share your lesson with strangers and be stuck with whatever conditions are at their designated beach. My Costa Rica Surf Vacation is mobile and can change locations based on wave size, wind conditions or just to see another spectacular beach. Our ability to customize your surf lessons allows us to proceed at your pace while we search for your perfect wave.

We provide everything that you will need to enjoy your private surf lessons including your surfboards that will be custom selected for your height, weight and skill level. We also provide rashgaurds, surf shirts and surf boots when needed. You only need to bring a swimsuit and sun block. For men we recommend board shorts or swim trunks that come just above your knee for maximum mobility. For women we recommend board shorts, bikini or one piece as long as it is comfortable. Your Costa Rica surf lessons will begin with a land lesson where we will talk about safety, paddling techniques, surfing etiquette and proper form. While on the beach we will also work on pop-ups (the proper way to get to your feet). Once in the water you will learn about timing, reading sets and your position in the line up. When you are ready your surf instructor will guide you into your first wave, a moment you will always remember for the rest of your life!

All of your private surf lessons and Costa Rica surf outings will be photographed and DVD video will be taken to study and help improve on your surfing techniques. At the end of your Costa Rica surf vacation, you will receive a full photo diary of your entire surfing experience as well as a DVD to watch and share your Costa Rica surfing adventures with friends and family.