Nosara, located on the Pacific shore of Costa Rica, is the perfect destination for a tranquil surf experience.

Its stunning white-sand beaches, great waves, and lush landscape are a fantastic combination for those trying to escape the hustle and bustle of large tourist crowds. Nosara offers all the elements to make it a memorable, peaceful getaway.

If you’re staying at Sendero Nosara, you can take advantage of our resident surf school, Chorotegas Surf School. At Sendero, you are steps away from surfing against the breathtaking backdrop of an expansive white sand beach and a lush junglescape of Playa Guiones. From an impressive selection of surfboards to rainfall showers for rinsing off post-surf, Sendero has all the amenities you need to have a great surfing experience.

Chorotegas Surf School and Sendero Hotel offer surfing lessons tailored for all levels, from beginners to advanced surf. For beginners, the focus is on fundamental skills like standing up on a surfboard, body positioning, and understanding the ocean intuitively. Intermediate lessons cover paddling techniques, wave prediction, and surf etiquette, emphasizing proper positioning and riding the face of the wave. Advanced lessons delve into advanced maneuvers such as carving, cutbacks, and barrels. The hotel’s approach includes surf-specific yoga stretches, personalized coaching, and video analysis, making it suitable for surfers of varying abilities.

With that said, here are the top five best surf spots to go to in Nosara, Costa Rica (bonus: they’re all within a 25 minute drive of Sendero Hotel!):

1. Playa Nosara

Playa Nosara is the least crowded beach in Nosara, making it perfect for intermediate and experienced surfers. The beach features two types of breaks: beach break, which offers high peaks and powerful barrels, and reef break, which has shallow swells that turn to the left.

2. Playa Guiones

Playa Guiones is the place to be for avid surfers and beachgoers alike. With its long stretches of white sand and consistent surf, it’s no surprise why so many people flock to this beach. From beginner surfers looking to sharpen their skills to experienced surfers looking to tackle the biggest swells, Playa Guiones has something for everyone. Sendero’s resident surf school, Chorotegas, provides a variety of packages with lessons and tours, as well as Sendero Hotel’s wellness classes, making it the perfect spot to experience the best of Nosara’s surf culture.

3. Playa Pelada

Situated to the north of Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada is the place to be if you want a unique beach experience. When the swell is right, the rocky reef on the north side creates choppy waves and an irregular surf break, making it best to visit during high tide. The beach is a haven for those who want to explore its caves, coves, and tide pools. If you’re after a refreshing dip, the blowhole here is ideal for a natural shower. With its irregular break, Playa Pelada is a great option for those looking for something a bit different.

4. Playa Garza

Playa Garza is an ideal spot for those looking to get away from it all and enjoy a peaceful day at the beach. The waves can be unpredictable, but at high tide with the right swell, they can reach a height of up to chest-high and provide great surfing experiences. The beach has inside and outside reefs that create waves that break in both directions. Despite its serene atmosphere, it is mostly deserted, making it the perfect place to unwind and take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Pro tip: Playa Garza is famous for it’s fishing and boat tours. Talk to Sendero Hotel’s concierge for more information on fishing tours as well as sunset tours and wildlife boat tours.

5. Playa Ostional

Playa Ostional is a great destination for experienced surfers seeking a challenge. With strong swells from the northwest, west, and southwest, surfers can enjoy rides of up to 300 meters. The wave is strong and hollow, and barrels easily. Not only that, but the beach also hosts surprise visitors a few times a year— thousands of Olive Ridley Sea Turtles!

Nosara, Costa Rica, is a great destination for surfers of all levels. With its perfect waves, warm waters, and beautiful scenery, it is no wonder why Nosara is a popular destination for surfers. Surfers can choose from various beaches, with Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada, Playa Ostional, Playa Garza, and Playa Nosara being the most popular. Each beach offers something unique to the surfer, making for a truly memorable experience. With its warm climate, crystal clear waters, and consistent waves, Nosara is the perfect place to enjoy a day of surfing.

Sendero Nosara is a luxury hotel in Nosara, Costa Rica, tucked away in a lush nature reserve with only a Sendero (trail in Spanish) between you and the breaking waves. Immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of the animals and birds and the abundance of jungle plants and trees while still in the heart of Nosara. Surf the waves and enjoy a refreshing departure from the norm with the boutique surf hotel Sendero Nosara. Book your stay now!