Surf spot

Playa Nosara

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

Country: Costa Rica, Guanacaste
Coordinates: 9.9446, -85.6724

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	1.1	1.1	1.1	1.1	1	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	1	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.7
Wave direction	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	WSW	WSW	WSW	WSW	WSW	WSW	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	S	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	S	S	S	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW
Wave period (s)	10.1	9.7	9.8	9.7	9.6	9.9	10.4	10.3	10.3	10.2	10.3	10.3	7.9	7.6	7.5	7.5	7.3	7.2	7.2	7	7	6.9	6.9	6.9	7	7	7	6.9	6.8	6.8	6.7	11.1	10.9	13.2	13.1	12.8	12.7	12.6	12.4	12.3	12.2	11.9	11.6	11.3	11.3	11.2	11.2	11	10.9	10.8	10.8	10.7	10.6	10.5	10.4	10.4
Wave energy (kJ)	263	228	238	234	221	190	154	144	137	133	128	124	68	63	62	58	58	60	60	64	64	67	70	74	79	83	82	81	78	74	70	181	177	268	276	280	273	267	272	270	261	261	228	209	196	186	175	171	169	157	148	139	129	114	113	112
Wind speed (km/h)	8.7	8.7	7.8	4	16.2	10.6	4.2	3.9	5.4	7.2	7.7	6.3	10.2	8.3	1.1	8.5	9.2	9.2	7.8	3.8	15.1	3.4	6.8	4.2	5.7	7.6	7.3	4.1	15.9	9.4	5.9	6.6	4.3	7.4	7.7	6	11.8	16.6	9.9	4.1	7.9	6.3	7.1	7.7	16.8	10.7	6.5	4.8	6.4	1	6	0.7	8	10.1	5.4	4
Wind direction	NECross-off	NNECross-off	NNECross-off	EGlassy	SSWCross	SWCross-on	SSWGlassy	ESEGlassy	NECross-off	NECross-off	NECross-off	NNECross-off	SSWCross-on	SCross	ESEGlassy	NECross-off	NNECross-off	NNECross-off	NECross-off	NEGlassy	SSWCross	SSWGlassy	SSECross-off	ENEGlassy	NNECross-off	NNECross-off	NNECross-off	ENEGlassy	SCross	SCross	SECross-off	ENEOffshore	NEGlassy	NNECross-off	NECross-off	ENEOffshore	SSECross-off	SSECross-off	SSECross-off	NEGlassy	NECross-off	NNECross-off	NNECross-off	EOffshore	SCross	SSECross	SCross	SEGlassy	SECross-off	NEGlassy	NNECross-off	SGlassy	SWCross-on	SWCross-on	SWCross-on	SGlassy

Playa Nosara, Costa Rica (Guanacaste) is a well-known surf beach on the Nicoya Peninsula, near the laid-back town of Nosara. It’s part of a long, scenic stretch of Pacific coastline with a relaxed, jungle-meets-beach atmosphere.

Surf characteristics

Wave type: Mostly beach break with shifting sandbars
Best for: Beginners to intermediate surfers, depending on the day
Consistency: Can be very consistent, especially during the wet season and south swells
Wave quality: Fun, surfable waves rather than highly reef-defined perfection
Crowds: Popular, but often less hectic than Costa Rica’s more famous surf towns

Conditions

Tides: Tides can significantly affect the waves; some peaks work better mid-tide
Wind: Offshore winds are common in the morning, making early sessions best
Swells: Responds well to south and southwest swells typical of the Pacific season
Hazards: Watch for currents, shorebreak, and shifting sandbars

Vibe and surroundings

Nosara is known for its healthy, eco-conscious, and tranquil vibe. The beach is backed by tropical vegetation and a nature-rich environment, with wildlife often nearby. It’s a great spot for surfers who want a mix of good waves, beautiful scenery, and a mellow atmosphere.

Best time to surf

Dry season: More offshore mornings and cleaner conditions
Rainy/green season: Often the most consistent surf with stronger swells
Early mornings: Usually the best window before winds increase