Playa Guiones
Playa Guiones is Nosara's main event—seven kilometers of consistent beach break peaks that have transformed this remote corner of Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula into a world-renowned surf and yoga destination. The wave is endlessly forgiving, with soft walls perfect for longboarding and learning, yet capable of punchy peaks when larger swells arrive. The community that has grown around these waves blends wellness culture with surf stoke in a way that defines modern tropical surf travel. Consistent, warm, beautiful, and welcoming—Guiones delivers exactly what it promises.
Playa Guiones 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
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.5m - 2m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (80°)
- Offshore range
- 40° - 120°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 2m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Sand
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: 2hrs from Liberia airport. Scenic drive through jungle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Playa Guiones?
Playa Guiones is a beach break in Nosara, Costa Rica, with peaks that run both left and right over a sand bottom.
What swell works best at Playa Guiones?
Playa Guiones picks up swell from the S round to the WSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SSW. It starts working at around 0.6m and handles up to about 2.5m, with the sweet spot around 1.5 to 2m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. NW winter swells can also wrap into exposed Guiones banks. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Playa Guiones?
An E wind is dead offshore at Playa Guiones, and anything from the NE round to the ESE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 5am to 10am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Playa Guiones?
Playa Guiones has a preferred tide range, roughly 0.5m to 2m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Playa Guiones?
The most reliable run of swell at Playa Guiones comes May to Nov. There's a second window in Dec to Apr too. Year-round. S-SW green-season swells are the primary power source; winter NW pulses can also work.
How cold is the water at Playa Guiones?
The water at Playa Guiones averages around 28°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Playa Guiones good for beginners?
Yes, it's one of the friendlier waves around, rated 3/10 for difficulty. Expect a moderate crowd (5/10) when it's on. Gentle waves. Beginner friendly. Some rips on bigger days.
How do I get to Playa Guiones?
The nearest airport on our list is LIR, then it's roughly a 2-hour drive. 2hrs from Liberia airport. Scenic drive through jungle.
What other surf spots are near Playa Guiones?
The closest breaks we track are Nosara (1.1 km), Playa Negra (25 km) and Playa Avellanas (29 km), handy when Playa Guiones isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: May-Nov
Secondary: Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr
Year-round. S-SW green-season swells are the primary power source; winter NW pulses can also work.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Nosara
🧘 Yoga surf paradise • Mellow beach breaks • Pura vida wellness
Playa Negra
🖤 Guanacaste's premier left • Consistent reef quality • Urchin territory
Playa Avellanas
🐷 Beach pigs fame • Lola's legendary • Quality upgrade
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 Playa Guiones
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