Nosara
Inside Scoop
For more info on Nosara, check out : www.nicoya.com and www.surfingnosara.com.
Also, Ross Cruden from CFLsurf.com has written a great travel guide for the area.
Getting There
To drive there over land from the airport it would take from 5 to 6 hours, most all of it on a paved road. You take the Highway towards Liberia and follow it about an hour past the Puntarenas interchange, where you started driving north. Look for the Tempisque Bridge signs and make a left at the gas station. Then drive slowly, as there are a lot of cops in this area giving speeding tickets until about 10 kilometers past the bridge. From there follow signs to Nicoya, another 30 km, and then on to Nosara. It is best to get there during the day, since at night the last section can be tricky. The quickest way is to fly from San Jose to Nosara on either Sansa or Nature Air, and then arrange a taxi for the final 10 minute ride. (Remember these airlines don't take boards over 7 feet) Reservation Request
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| Upcoming Event: 4th Annual Nosara Wildlife Rescue Fundraiser & Auction, February 3rd, 5 - 8 p.m., Selvamar Clubhouse. 100% of all proceeds go directly to the C.R. non-profit organization that rescues & cares for injured, orphaned and displaced wild animals - www.nosarawildlife.org |
From the SurfingNosara.com newsletter - The Surfing Nosara Foundation extends a big thank you to Safari Surf School for hosting the Donavon Frankenreiter concert, and to all local and international sponsors to the Charity Auction and Raffle held in mid-November. Proceeds to the SNF and Nosara Animal Care from the event are anticipated at $3,663 total, bringing $1831 to each charity. That is a big chunk of change!
Some of the biggest draws to the Auction were: round trip airline tickets from Southwest Airlines and Nature Air, tour packages with Miss Sky Canopy Tour, Playa Ponies, Boca Tours, surf lessons from Safari Surf School, Dinner and massages from Harmony Hotel and Healing Center, original pottery by Kristen Brousseau, massages by Tica Massage, fantastic raffle prizes including a dinner basket from Guiones Mini Market, signed 'Switchfoot' band gear, and the grand prize- a Billabong backpack full of brand goodies. Two surfboards signed by Donavon brought in a combined $1,000 in a live auction just before the concert. Even the 'Buy It Now' online auction sold four auction packages prior to the event!
The SNF plans to invest the funds into the current project 'Lunchroom' at the Serapio Lopez Elementary School. This infusion of cash will finally complete what has been a year-long new lunchroom build in the making. Thank you again to all of our fantastic community members who donated to the Charity Auction, to the Friends of Nosara for accepting Paypal payments on our behalf, to our tireless volunteers that evening: Gene, Aimee, Rick, Sara, Paul, Kristen, and the Sarahs, and to everyone who purchased raffle tickets and supported our Auction on November 18th!
If you would like to help out when you come down, bring school supplies, clothing etc., and/or shoot us an email at Info@SurfingNosara.com to see if there is anything in particular that we are collecting and/or any projects that you can help out with.
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Below is a list of just a few of the upcoming events sponsored by our local non-profit organizations. More information, changes and additions will be added to the event calendar as we receive the information www.friendsofnosara.org/EventCalendar.html
10 January - 8 a.m. - Nosara Civic Association's Information Meeting
31 January - 8 a.m. - Nosara Civic Association's annual General Assembly meeting. Your membership must be paid in order to vote
1st Week of January - First day of the Escuelita's summer day camp. Passports to sponsor a child can be purchased throughout Nosara
8 January 10 a.m. - Annual Meeting of the Friends of Nosara Board of Directors Sunday, at Marlin Bill's Restaurant. Public is encouraged to attend to learn about all the good work done by Friends of Nosara Partner Organizations and about their plans for the coming year;
14 January 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. - Del Mar Academy Scholarship Committee's Summer Under the Stars, featuring live music, bocas and a Silent Auction, will be held at La Luna Restaurant. Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased in the school office or call 2682-1211
15 January - Biblioteca David Kitson's annual Patrons' Thank You Party, a special event held to thank the library's core donors who commit $200 or more per year to support its budget. This year's event will be held at the home of Jessica Sheffield and Bram Shook. Contact Beverly Kitson for more information. New Patrons welcome.
21 January - Nosara Annual Fashion Show at Estancia Nosara, Silent Fashion Auction to benefit local Schools.Tickets c2,500. Doors Open 7 pm Show starts at 9 p.m. Featuring local Designers from the Nosara area.
3 February - Nosara Wildlife's 4th Annual Save the Howler Monkey Fundraiser and Auction. Enjoy cocktails, entertainment, and the best bocas in town while supporting a wonderful organization. All funds are used to treat injured wildlife and efforts to protect them from further injury caused by our encroachment into their habitat.
Paula White
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| From SurfingNosara.com ~ Check out the contest photos from the 1st Annual Copa Nosara held this weekend in Playa Guiones. Link |
| Del Mar Surf Camp has been working with the Harmony Hotel in Playa Guiones to help keep the beaches clean around Nosara. Read about their efforts on the DMSC blog - LINK. |
Buena Vista Villas in Nosara recently hosted the founders of the Encompass Foundation. Read their March newsletter here - LINK. Buena Vista is a new, small hotel located Nosara on a mountain top with 360 degree views! They have 8 villas available and every villa has a mini cocina, ocean / mountain / jungle views, large private bath with instant hot water and can sleep 4-6 persons.
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| Christian Surfers Weekly Meeting 7PM @ Rancho in Harmony Hotel |
Every Saturday
The Escuelita de Nosara has a booth at the Nosara Organic Farmers Market located at Giardino Tropical. Help a child participate in summer day camp by purchasing one of the calendars made by the children at last year's camp. Volunteers also do face painting and give hair cuts for donations. New this year is horseback riding for the children.
1st Sunday of every month - 7 a.m.
Volunteers gather at the beach entrance points to work together on beach clean-up
3rd Tuesay of every month - 8 a.m.
Board meeting of the Nosara Civic Association. Members welcome. To become a member contact the NCA.
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| Check out Nosara Spanish Institute if you need Spanish lessons in Nosara |
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The break in Nosara was called Olga's since you can see it breaking from the restaurant. It needs a big swell to work with a lot of West in it. The left goes for about 150 meters and it is rarely crowded, since it does not break that often. There is also a right that breaks only at high tide over a rock shelf.
Nosara is the town just inland and to the north of this beachbreak, called Guiones. Playa Pelada is the beach about 1 km. north, look for the giant lookout tower on the Nosara Beach Hotel. The beach is beginner friendly on the inside, but when it is on, can be double to triple overhead on the outside. It gets deep here and the bottom is sand so it is easy to get under the big ones. Best size is waist high peelers for longboarders to double overhead barrels for shortboards. Only the biggest sets close out and rides can go for 200 meters to the beach. The crowds seem to be worst between January and March, and in July. But this only on the main peak, and there are empty peaks up and down the coast. Best tide is mid to high tide.
Playa Garza is never crowded because there never seems to be a wave here. But at high tide there is a spot right on the dot that works when it is chest high or bigger. The rumor is that the north and south ends of the bay will fire when the swell is two feet overhead. It is about a 1/2 km. paddle out and it is guessed that low to mid tide works best.
Playa Samara is a great place for beginner surfers. The waves are small and break gently, with the swell mostly blocked by offshore rocks. At higher tide is best for the beachbreak, offering decent longboard waves when there is any swell. Waves form at the edges of the bay during lower tides, but the 1/2 km. paddle keeps most everyone away. It also needs a lot of south swell to break.
Surf Camps
Name |
Contact |
Phone |
Location |
Certification |
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2643-3197 |
Nosara & Playa Hermosa |
n/a |
| Description: The Nosara Beach house offers the perfect accommodations for small groups, allowing personalized attention just steps away from the beach. They put together a healthy and delicious menu to keep the clients strong during the intensive surfing camp, and combined it with a few dinners out at the best local restaurants. They also included daily yoga sessions and relaxing massages in the program in order to help the girls feel grounded, strong and relaxed. Finally, they put together a fully qualified and 100% local team to guide the groups through their surf camp experience in the best way, including surf instructors, yoga teachers and massage practitioners. |
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(866) 433-3355 |
Nosara |
Official Billabong Camp |
| Description: Safari Surf’s new Women’s Surf Adventures is the ONLY Official Billabong Women’s Surf Camp located in beautiful Nosara, Costa Rica. We provide exclusive vacation packages that allow women to learn to surf, experience adventure, and rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit in the comfort of one of the world’s foremost wellness communities. We are dedicated to helping women of all ages seek out adventure and learn to surf or improve their skills. Whether you’ve never surfed a day in your life, or you’ve been in the water for years, Safari Surf will help you reach your individual goals. |
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1-866-598-1380 |
Tamarindo and Nosara |
n/a |
| Description: Surf Vacations for surfers of all levels and abilities. The beginner surfer / student will join their Costa Rica Surf Camps. Surf camp guests enjoy hands on surf instruction while learning the proper surfing techniques necessary to consistently catch fun waves. They will have you riding waves your first day. Intermediate to advanced surfers looking to surf Costa Rica's best surf breaks will join their Guided Surf Tours. For surfers that already have the basics down, but are still looking for surf instruction, the Performance Surf Coaching is a great option. |
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2682-0573 |
Nosara & Santa Teresa |
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| Description: There is no fixed start and finish the surf school program, so you are free to arrange your trip to fit your schedule. We offer packages that include a variety of options - from local airport shuttle service or private charter flights, to your choice of lodging, meals, and multiple types of activities, such as massages, yoga, and horseback riding. Standard Packages are based on a 7day/7night stay with your choice of accommodations. There are 3 packages to choose from; Tortuga, Iguana or Zancudo. If your stay in Nosara will be for more than or less than 7 days or if you have multiple people in your party; then a custom package is perfect for you. Get completely pampered on their vacations with the ultimate vacation package called the Luxury "Pura Vida" Package. |
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888-454-7873 |
Nosara |
NSSIA certified |
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646-233-3139 |
Nosara |
CPR, ISA certified |
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321-956-3268 |
Nosara |
n/a |
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800-428-7873 |
Nosara |
n/a |
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2682-4089 |
Nosara |
n/a |
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2682-5082 |
Nosara |
n/a |
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2682-0574 |
Nosara |
ISA certified |
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(506) 2682-4076 |
Nosara |
ISA & RLSS certified |
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(831) 423-0928 |
Nosara |
25 yrs. experience |
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8306-5478 |
Nosara |
n/a |
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858-454-8273 |
Nosara |
n/a |
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2656-0086 |
Camaronal |
n/a |
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Hotels
Name |
Contact |
Phone |
Location |
Price |
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506-2682-1115 |
Nosara |
$29 - $229/night |
Description: Buena Vista vacation rentals are located at the beaches of Nosara, Costa Rica on a secluded ridge overlooking Playas Guiones, Pelada and Ostional. Surrounded by pristine parklands, the serenity and beauty of this mountaintop retreat is inspirational... yet is only a few minutes from beaches, restaurants, shopping, airport and other conveniences. Casa Buena Vista offers 2 large bedrooms with 2 private baths, a big kitchen and living area separating the bedrooms, air conditioning, and a full length patio/deck area with a splash pool. The villas each sleep up to 4 persons. They offer private bathrooms and mini kitchens and a breakfast bar with stools overlooking the mountains. Privacy doors connect to an adjoining villa so friends and families can stay together yet still have privacy. Board and bike rentals also available.
Check out their latest packages and photos here - LINK |
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2682-0591 |
Playa Pelada |
$65+ |
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011-506-2682-1000 |
Playa Guiones |
$100+ |
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2682-0272 |
Playa Guiones |
$60+ |
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2682-4114 |
Playa Guiones |
$135+ |
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2656-1111 |
Playa Samara |
$99+ |
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House Rentals |
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2682-4039 |
Nosara/Playa Guiones |
$120/nt+ |
Description: They create a vacation destination that feels just like home. A three minute walk through the National Parklands gets you to a beautiful white sand beach with great surf and warm water. Their guests enjoy a relaxing environment where they can forget about the stress of daily life. Whether strolling along the sandy beaches, surfing, horseback riding through the jungle, or just lounging by the pool, they are immersed in one of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Choose a suite in one of their seven rental properties or rent the entire house for the week. Each features:
- Full Kitchen (appliances, cookware, utensils)
- TV/DVD Player
- Fans in Every Room
- A/C in Bedrooms
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2682-1115 |
Nosara/Guiones/Playa Pelada |
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Email Reservations |
Nosara/Guiones |
$400/wk+ |
Surf Shops
Name |
Contact |
Phone |
Rentals |
Lessons |
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2682-1081 |
y |
y |
Owned and operated by a local Tico, Juan Surfo, El Punto Surf Shop offers a wide variety of boards to rent, private or group surf lessons, and house plus cabina rentals. If you want to be treated like a local, after a few days of being around the shop you will get to know everyone in town and feel at home. On the website you can also order Surfo apparel to send your friends back home. |
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2682-0574 |
y |
y |
They offer a variety of services including surf lessons, board rentals, surf camp and travel packages. They also have a huge selection of clothing, swimsuits and beach supplies. Sign up for Coconut Harry’s Costa Rica surf school program and you can learn to surf with the best local ISA Certified surf coaches in Nosara.
The main location is on the main road from Nosara to Playa Guiones, just before the last Guiones turn off for the beach. They now have a second location for surfboard rentals and lessons just steps from the beach, next to the Beach Dog Cafe. |
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2682-0486 |
y |
y |
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Recommended Tours
Iguana Exeditions has expanded it's fleet of kayaks with brand new Stand Up Paddle Boards (sup's). Come with us to explore Bahia Garza, South Playa Guiones and the Rio Nosara on sup's and experience the fastest growing water sport in the world. Transportation and all equipment included. |
Latest Reports
LOCATION
(click for area description) |
AREA WAVE HEIGHTS AND CONDITIONS |
BEST PLACE TO SURF THIS WEEK |
NEWS AND UPCOMING EVENTS |
Playa Grande
Louis at Hotel Las Tortugas |
1/31 - Lots of fun, small waves with light crowds and perfect conditions. |
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Bring a vest, it can be nippy. Check out Matos's pics on our facebook page. |
Tamarindo
Rafa at
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1/30 - Today Playa Grande was really fun to be there with good conditions. The water was a little cold and with offshore wind nice to make the waves open and made some tricks.
For more pictures check out Rafasand.com! |
Head high on the set Playa Grande was a good spot to surf in the area take some barrels or do long rides. |
Our new sister resort, Volcano Brewing Company in Lake Arenal, Costa Rica, is seeking two hotel managers, (married couples with proper experience considered) for Costa Rica’s only Microbrewery Hotel, which is located in the stunningly beautiful Volcano Region of Lake Arenal. |
Tamarindo
Allan at Waves Costa Rica
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1/23 - Super small surf today ankle to knee, off shore wind strong, sunny days, clear night, choppy conditions, short period waves are not good, no crowd at all. |
Playa Grande will be the place. |
Check out our Facebook page for our latest photo galleries from our surf trips. |
Playa Negra
Larry at Playa Negra Realty
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1/31 - There were plenty of longboard waves this past week and weekend. In fact, we had some pro's here showing us how it is done. These next few days are going to be more of the same with small scale swell. the direction for the area will be ideal. We will begin a real nice South swell on Friday. This should get us all back on shortboards through the weekend. Stand out locations should be at least head high! |
Wind, wind, glorious offshore wind! This week will be a standout for offshores. No matter where you choose to surf it will be clean and perfect! |
Salvemonos.org - We are saving monkeys one bridge at a time. Stop by Luna Llena Hotel or Azul Profundo Boutique in Tamarindo and buy a souvenir T, sticker, or mug. |
Playa Guiones
Oscar at Coconut Harry's Surf Shop |
1/25 - Playa Guiones surf report for this week is flat..flat flat... No waves looks like all pacific coast is really small. Some little waves for longboard. |
Places around. Not much - maybe Marbella is showing something. |
If you like Fiestas de Nosara this weekend. Come and enjoy the tope (horse parade), bullridding, and enjoy this environment! Pura vida! |
Playa Guiones
Graham at Nosara Shack |
1/30 - Waist high and soft early morning and knee high and crowded at evening. |
Let’s hope this swell makes it here on Friday so we can get back on track. |
Need surf photos from professional surf photographers? BOOK US TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR SESSION / 2682-0956 |
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