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Playa Nosara

9.9446, -85.6724

Overview

Quality
Regional classic
Crowd
Crowded
Experience
Good for all levels
Bottom
Sand

About this Spot

Playa Nosara is a surf spot located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The beach features black sand and is known for its consistent and high-quality beach breaks. The waves break over a sand bottom, and the spot works on all tides, with a preference for higher tides. The length of the ride ranges from 50 to 150 meters. Playa Nosara is suitable for all levels of surfers, including beginners, longboarders, kneeboarders, and groms. The spot is often crowded, especially in front of a large, lone palm tree where most surfers gather, but you can paddle down the beach to find less crowded peaks. The spot provides both left and right waves. During the winter months, offshore winds are common, and the wave is more forgiving than nearby breaks, even on bigger days. Access to Playa Nosara involves traveling on dirt roads and following signs from the center of Nosara. Free parking is available near the beach. The area is surrounded by other surf spots like Olga’s, Pelada, Playa de Nosara, Barrigona, and Ostional. When the surf is up, check the surf forecast, report, and map before heading out. There is no webcam directly on the spot, so local knowledge and checking conditions in person are important. Always respect the locals, especially when the spot is crowded, and follow surf etiquette in the lineup. Check your skills before paddling out, be sure that the spot and conditions match your level. Hazards can be present, so avoid turning your back to the ocean. Playa Nosara is hard to get to, but the consistent surf and variety of waves make it a well-known spot in the region.

Optimal Conditions

Best Swell
NE, E
Swell Direction
22.5°-112.5°
Best Tide
All tides are good
Best Size
Good from 0.6 meters
Wave Length
50 - 150 m
Frequency
Very consistent (more than 150 day/year)

Location

Coordinates

9.944583° N, -85.672433° W

Open in Maps

Use these coordinates in your preferred mapping or forecast application

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