Surf spot

Ostional

Forecast conditions and map view for Ostional in Costa Rica, Guanacaste. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: Costa Rica, Guanacaste
Coordinates: 10.0397, -85.7455

Metric
Metric	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00
Wave height (m)	1	1.2	1.1	1	0.9	1	1	1.1	1.1	1	0.9	1	1	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8
Wave direction	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SSW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	WSW	WSW	WSW	SSW	WSW	WSW	WSW	WSW	WSW	S	S	S	S	S	S	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW
Wave period (s)	11.9	10.6	11.1	12.3	12.2	11.2	10.8	9.8	9.8	9.3	8.7	9.6	9.5	11.3	11.2	10.8	11.1	8.7	10.3	10.3	10.3	10.3	10.3	8.3	7.3	7.2	7.2	7.2	7.1	7	7	6.9	6.9	6.9	6.9	6.8	6.8	6.7	10.1	13.4	13.2	12.9	12.7	12.5	12.4	12.3	12.2	12	11.8	11.8	11.7	11.5	11.3	11.3	11.2	11.1
Wave energy (kJ)	286	313	298	279	261	251	243	226	224	187	134	199	195	172	144	135	127	78	110	110	103	103	97	59	46	45	48	50	52	53	59	67	67	67	67	61	61	60	136	241	244	248	239	242	227	224	220	203	198	195	201	178	173	162	159	156
Wind speed (km/h)	6.4	7.1	7.9	10.2	9.9	9.2	7.9	4.7	5.4	6.4	7.2	6.6	12.4	7.8	2	6.2	4.3	5.9	5.2	4	9.3	7	8.4	7.1	6.9	7.6	8.2	5.6	9.1	7.8	2.6	6.2	6.2	6.4	6.2	6	10.8	7.6	4.1	3.4	5.3	5.5	5.4	3.8	5.5	9.3	3.3	5.2	4.7	2.8	6.7	4.9	7.6	5.8	6.4	5.6
Wind direction	NECross-off	NECross-off	NECross-off	ENECross-off	SOnshore	SSWOnshore	SSEOnshore	EGlassy	NECross-off	NECross-off	NECross-off	ENECross-off	SSWOnshore	WSWCross	NEGlassy	ECross	EGlassy	NECross-off	NECross-off	EGlassy	SWCross-on	SSWOnshore	NECross-off	ENECross-off	NECross-off	NECross-off	NECross-off	NECross-off	SOnshore	SSWOnshore	SWGlassy	ECross	NECross-off	NECross-off	NECross-off	ENECross-off	SOnshore	SOnshore	ESEGlassy	ESEGlassy	ESECross-on	ENECross-off	NECross-off	ENEGlassy	SSWOnshore	SSWOnshore	SGlassy	NECross-off	NNEGlassy	NEGlassy	NECross-off	ENEGlassy	SSWOnshore	SOnshore	SSEOnshore	SECross-on

Ostional, Costa Rica (Guanacaste) is a remote, rugged beach break on the Nicoya Peninsula, best known for its long, powerful waves and uncrowded lineup. It sits near the famous Ostional Wildlife Refuge, so the area has a wild, natural feel with dark sand beaches, strong currents, and a very local, low-key vibe.

Surf character

Wave type: Mostly a beach break with shifting sandbars
Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers
Wave quality: Can be very good when it’s working, with long, lined-up rights and lefts
Consistency: Better during swell season and with the right sandbar conditions
Power: Can get strong and heavy, especially on bigger swells

Conditions

Tides: Often works best on mid to high tide, though this can vary
Swell: Picks up Pacific swell well, especially during the wet season
Wind: Offshore winds are typically best in the morning; afternoons can get bumpier
Hazards: Strong rips, currents, and a sometimes unforgiving shorebreak

Atmosphere

Ostional is not a crowded tourist surf town. It feels more remote and authentic, with a small local community and a natural reserve nearby. The beach is also famous for the arribadas—mass nesting events of Olive Ridley sea turtles—making it a special place beyond surfing.

Best for

Surfers looking for uncrowded waves
Those comfortable with powerful beach breaks
Travelers who like a quiet, nature-focused surf destination