Nosara's long, sandy beaches and warm water are ideal for swimming, surfing, and simply relaxing by the shore. Families and adventure seekers can enjoy boat rides, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking at Playa Guiones and nearby beaches, with plenty of ways to explore the coastline at a relaxed pace. Whether you're taking your first surf lesson or watching the kids play in gentle waves, the beaches in Nosara offer endless opportunities for fun and relaxation.

Beaches & Ocean Activities in Nosara

Beach • Ocean • Sun • Sand •

Beaches in Nosara

Sunset over the ocean with a cloudy sky and two people in the water, one waving near the shoreline.

Playa Guiones

Guiones is the "main" beach and the center of activity for visitors.

Best For: Surfing (all levels), sunsets, and a walkable "downtown" vibe.
Vibe: Very popular and international, though it remains pristine because it is part of the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge.
Surfing: Known for consistent, user-friendly beach breaks that work at mid-to-high tide.
Amenities: This is where you'll find the most hotels, surf schools, yoga studios, and restaurants.

A person surfing on a wave during sunset or sunrise, with a calm ocean and a pastel-colored sky in the background.

Playa Pelada

Located just north of Guiones, Pelada is a smaller, crescent-shaped bay known for its natural beauty.

Best For: Swimming, exploring tide pools, and beachside dining.
Vibe: Quieter and more local than Guiones, with rocky headlands and caves to explore at low tide.
Surfing: Has an irregular reef break that is generally better for locals or experienced surfers, as it is less consistent than Guiones.
Key Spots: Home to the famous La Luna restaurant and the "blowhole" geyser.

A silhouette of a person carrying a surfboard walking along the beach during sunset, with the sun low on the horizon, casting an orange glow across the sky and reflecting on the water. Birds are flying in the sky.

Playa Garza

About 7km south of Guiones, Garza feels like a step back into a traditional Tico fishing village.

Best For: Tranquility, boat tours, and fresh seafood.
Vibe: Raw and authentic. It is rarely crowded because it lacks the heavy tourist infrastructure of the other two.
Surfing: Mostly for experts; there are high-quality outer reef breaks accessible by boat, though a gentle beach break exists inside the bay under specific conditions.
Note: The sun sets behind a mountain here, so you won't see the "sun dipping into the ocean" effect found at Guiones or Pelada.