Six kilometres of beach. A consistent break that works for almost every level. This is the wave we paddle out to every morning — here's what you should know before your first session.
Playa Guiones is one of Central America's most reliable surf breaks. It works year-round — not just on the right swell or the right tide, but most mornings, most of the year. That consistency is why people come to Nosara once and keep coming back.
The beach itself is six kilometres of dark sand, protected inside a national wildlife refuge. No development on the shoreline. No vendors, no umbrellas, no noise. Just the break, the jungle behind it, and however many other surfers showed up that morning.
"It works year-round — not just on the right swell, but most mornings, most of the year."
Dry season runs December through April. Offshore winds in the morning, glassy conditions, smaller and cleaner surf. This is the ideal window for beginners — the waves are forgiving, the water is warm, and the light at sunrise is something you don't forget. It's also the busiest time of year, so if you want the break to yourself, paddle out before 7am.
Green season runs May through November. The rains come in the afternoon but mornings are clear. The swell picks up — sometimes significantly. Experienced surfers come specifically for the green season because the crowds thin out and the waves get serious. Rates drop too, which makes it the best-value time to stay at Nalu.
A few things worth knowing before you get in the water:
- Rip currents are real. Guiones has strong lateral currents, especially during green season swells. If you get caught, don't fight it — paddle parallel to shore until you're out of it. Our concierge team can brief you before your first session, and we always recommend going with a guide if you're not an experienced ocean swimmer.
- Board rentals are easy. Several shops along the main road rent longboards, mid-lengths, and shortboards by the day or week. Our concierge team can arrange it before you arrive so there's a board waiting when you check in.
- The best lessons are private. Group lessons exist but a private instructor — one-on-one in the water — is worth it. You'll progress faster and spend more time actually surfing. We work with a handful of trusted instructors and can arrange it for any level, including kids.
- Arrive at low tide. The sandbars shift, but low tide generally offers the cleanest shape. Check the tide chart the night before — the locals can tell you when it's going to be good.
Nalu Nosara sits a short, flat walk from the beach — close enough to hear the ocean from your villa in the morning. The concierge team can organise everything from a first lesson to a guided dawn patrol session with a local instructor who knows where the banks are breaking.
The wave will still be there when you get back. That's the thing about Guiones — it's patient. Come once, and you'll understand why people rearrange their lives to be near it.
See you in the water,
The Nalu Nosara teamSteps from Playa Guiones. Boards, lessons, and a concierge who knows the break.
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