High season (typically the December holidays through Easter week) in Nosara is special for a reason. The weather is sunny, the ocean is warm, and everything feels a little more alive with more people, more energy, more buzz around town. But with that comes a few realities: restaurants fill up, surf lineups get crowded, and “we’ll figure it out when we get there” doesn’t always work the way it does in the quieter months.

The good news is: you don’t need to overplan. You just need a few simple strategies that make high season feel easier, and a lot more enjoyable.

Here are the tips we always share with guests staying in Playa Guiones, Costa Rica during high season.

Start Early (It Changes Everything)

If you want Nosara to feel calm during high season, move your day up by a couple hours. 

Mornings are quieter, cooler, and smoother across the board:

• surf sessions feel less crowded

• coffee spots are easier

• the beach feels wide open

• errands and drives are quicker

Even if you’re not a morning person, try it for a day or two. Between the 5:30am sunrise and the howler monkeys in the trees, waking up early feels surprisingly easy here, and it’s absolutely worth it. Sunrise in Nosara sets the tone for the whole day.

Know the “Peak Times” for Playa Guiones

Playa Guiones is known for having some of the best surf in the area because it’s consistent and accessible. But that also means the lineup can get busy.

A few localtips:

• surf early (before mid-morning if you can)

• if it’s crowded, walk a little farther north or south

• don’t assume the main peak is the only wave

• whether you’re learning or not, we highly recommend a lesson with a local surf school like Chorotegas so you know where and when to go

High season surf is still amazing, it just helps to be a little more aware and flexible.

Make Dinner Reservations… But Only for the Places You Really Care About

This is not the time of year to assume you can walk in everywhere, especially for dinner. But you also don’t need to plan every meal.

The simple approach:

• pick 2–3 “must-do” restaurants and reserve those

• leave the rest open for casual meals, spontaneous plans, and low-key nights

You’ll get the best of both worlds: a few guaranteed highlights, plus room to explore.

Book Wellness and Experiences Early (Especially Anything Private)

Massage appointments, private yoga, surf coaching, photography sessions, and guided experiences can fill up fast during high season in Nosara.

If there’s something you know you want, reserve it early in your stay so it doesn’t slip away. Then you can relax knowing it’s set.

Don’t Underestimate Travel Time (Even Short Distances)

Nosara distances can be deceiving. Roads are slower, parking can be limited near the beach, and sometimes it takes time just to get from one side of town to the other.

A few helpful habits:

• give yourself buffer time

• avoid trying to stack too many stops

• plan “one main thing a day,” then let the rest be flexible

• take advantage of the bicycles for guests at Sendero Hotel

Nosara is not a place to rush through, especially in peak season.

Carry a Little Cash (It Comes in Handy)

Most places take cards, but cash can still save you in high season—especially for:

• small local vendors

• tips

• quick purchases

• some parking situations

• roadside fruit stands

It’s one of those small things that makes your day smoother.

Pack for the Sun (and the Bugs)

High season in Nosara is sunny, and that sun is strong.

Bring:

• reef-safe sunscreen

• a hat you’ll actually wear

• a rash guard (great for long surf sessions)

• light layers for evenings

• bug spray or repellent for dusk

This is especially true if you’re spending a lot of time outside (and you will).

Choose Walkability if You Can

One of the easiest ways to make high season feel calmer is staying somewhere you don’t have to coordinate for everything. When you’re close to the beach, you can skip parking stress, avoid peak traffic moments, and move through the day more naturally.

That’s one reason guests love staying at a boutique surf hotel in Playa Guiones like Sendero Hotel you can surf, eat, and relax without needing a full logistics plan.

The Best High-Season Tip: Don’t Try to Do Everything

High season in Nosara brings a lot of options. But you don’t need to squeeze them all in. The best trips here usually include:

• surf + one great meal

• beach + a nap

• a slow afternoon

• a sunset walk

• time with zero agenda

It’s the simplest things that tend to become the best memories.

Ready to plan your vacation? Book your stay at Sendero today.