Nosara
Nosara has evolved into Costa Rica's yoga-and-surf mecca—a wellness-minded beach town where the mellow, consistent waves perfectly complement the morning vinyasa flow. The main breaks of Playa Guiones offer long stretches of forgiving beach break peaks, ideal for learning and longboarding, while better surfers find fun walls during larger swells. The vibe is decidedly New Age meets pura vida, with green juice stands and spiritual retreats lining the dusty roads. For those seeking warm water waves without the intensity, served with a side of holistic living, Nosara delivers exactly what it promises.
Nosara surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 190° - 250°
- Size range
- 0.5m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.2m - 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 12s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (80°)
- Offshore range
- 40° - 120°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.5m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
6/10
Access: Beach access from town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Nosara?
The Nosara profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.3m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Nosara?
The Nosara profile uses wind from E (80°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 40° to 120°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Nosara?
The Nosara scoring profile favors swell from SSW (190° to 250°), a swell-height range of 0.5m to 2m, and a reference period of 12s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Nosara?
The main season at Nosara is Apr-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. Year-round. Rainy season has bigger swells.
How do I get to Nosara?
The spot profile lists LIR as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 120 minutes. Beach access from town.
What kind of wave is Nosara?
Nosara is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 3/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Year-round. Rainy season has bigger swells.
Getting There
👨👩👧👦Family Travel
Nearby Spots
Playa Guiones
🌅 7km of beach break • Yoga surf fusion • Costa Rica consistency
Playa Negra
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Playa Avellanas
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Tamarindo
🌴 CR's famous town • Beginner paradise • Complete package
Playa Grande
🐢 Turtle sanctuary • Powerful hollow • Conservation surf
Santa Teresa
☀️ Pura vida showcase • Consistent beach peaks • Yoga surf fusion
Plan a trip around Nosara
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