Planning a surf trip to Costa Rica comes with one big question: where should you go? If you’ve done your research, two names are likely coming up again and again — Nosara and Santa Teresa. Both are world-famous surf towns with consistent waves, stunning beaches, and a devoted following of travelers who return year after year. But if you only have time for one, how do you choose? This guide breaks down the differences in surf conditions, town vibe, accessibility, and overall experience to help you decide. By the end, you’ll know which surf town best matches your style — and why Nosara might just be the perfect choice for your next trip.

Surf Conditions

Nosara: Playa Guiones, Nosara’s main break, is one of the most reliable waves in Costa Rica. Thanks to its sandy bottom and long, rolling walls, it’s the ideal place to learn, improve, and keep progressing. Beginners can catch whitewater near the shore, while intermediates and advanced surfers can paddle farther out for clean, consistent peaks. The wave is forgiving yet exciting, making it one of the best training grounds in the world.

Santa Teresa: The surf here packs a little more punch. Santa Teresa offers fast beach breaks and some rocky reef setups, making it better suited to experienced surfers. Conditions are excellent, but the waves are heavier and often less beginner-friendly.

Verdict: If you’re new to surfing or want to improve steadily, Nosara is the ideal destination. Advanced surfers looking for hollow barrels may prefer Santa Teresa.

Town Vibe & Lifestyle

Nosara: Known as a wellness hub, Nosara blends surf culture with yoga studios, organic cafés, and eco-friendly boutique hotels. The atmosphere is relaxed and low-key, making it perfect for travelers who want a balance of activity and downtime, as well as traveling families. Nosara’s commitment to sustainability has preserved much of its natural charm — you’ll notice unpaved roads, protected green zones, and a genuine sense of community.

Santa Teresa: Trendy and fast-growing, Santa Teresa attracts an international crowd of surfers, digital nomads, and nightlife seekers. The town has an endless choice of restaurants, bars, and clubs, giving it more of a party-driven edge. While the scene is lively, it can feel more commercial compared to Nosara’s laid-back rhythm.

Verdict: For a slower, nature-driven lifestyle, Nosara shines. If nightlife and social energy are your top priorities, Santa Teresa may be your ideal choice.

Accessibility & Travel Logistics

Nosara: Getting to Nosara has become easier in recent years. Direct flights into Liberia International Airport put you just a couple of hours’ drive away. Roads are steadily improving, and shuttle services make transfers simple. Families and groups will find Nosara one of the more convenient surf towns to reach.

Santa Teresa: Reaching Santa Teresa requires a bit more effort. Travelers often drive several hours from San José, including a ferry crossing, or endure long stretches of bumpy dirt roads. While adventurous types won’t mind, the journey can be tiring after a long flight.

Verdict: Nosara is the easier and more comfortable option for most travelers.

Crowds & Atmosphere

Nosara: Playa Guiones stretches for nearly four miles, which helps spread out the crowds. Even during peak season, you can usually find a peak to yourself. The atmosphere in the lineup is friendly, with a supportive surf school culture.

Santa Teresa: Surf spots in Santa Teresa tend to feel busier, especially during the dry season. Lineups are competitive, and beginners may find it intimidating.

Verdict: Nosara offers more space and a welcoming vibe. Santa Teresa feels more crowded and high-energy.

Accommodations & Amenities

Nosara: Expect boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and surf-centric stays. The emphasis is on quality over quantity, with a range of options for families, couples, and solo travelers. Restaurants lean toward healthy, locally sourced menus.

Santa Teresa: Accommodation options are plentiful, from budget hostels to luxury villas. Dining and nightlife are diverse, catering to every budget and taste.

Verdict: Santa Teresa offers more variety, but Nosara provides a more curated, community-driven experience.

Which Surf Town Is Right for You?

• Choose Nosara if:
• You’re learning to surf or want consistent, approachable waves.
• You value a wellness-oriented, eco-friendly community.
• You prefer easier access from Liberia Airport.
• You want space to breathe — both in town and in the lineup.
• Choose Santa Teresa if:
• You’re an advanced surfer chasing heavier waves.
• You want an active nightlife and international social scene.
• You don’t mind a longer, rougher journey to get there.

Both towns have their strengths, but for most travelers — especially those looking to learn to surf in Costa Rica — Nosara is the clear winner. With consistent waves, a welcoming surf culture, and a balance of adventure and relaxation, it’s the ideal base for your surf trip.

Why Safari Surf in Nosara?

At Safari Surf School, we’ve spent decades helping surfers of all levels build skills and confidence in Nosara’s perfect waves. From one-on-one instruction to family surf packages, our team creates tailored experiences in the heart of Playa Guiones.

Whether it’s your first wave or your hundredth, Nosara is the place to grow — and Safari Surf is here to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to plan your trip? Book your surf lessons with Safari Surf today.

If you’ve been dreaming about surfing in Nosara, you’re not alone. Playa Guiones, Safari Surf School’s home break, is known for its long, peeling waves, sandy bottom, and consistent year-round swell. But to make the most of your sessions, you need the right board under your feet.

You can always rent a board locally, and equipment is included with our daily surf lessons, but if you’re in the market, we’re here to help. Choosing the right surfboard for Nosara’s waves can make or break your trip. Here’s how to match your board to the break—and why Safari Surf has everything you need to get it right.

Understanding Playa Guiones

Before we talk surfboards, let’s break down the wave itself.

Playa Guiones is a long, open beach break that picks up nearly any swell in the Pacific. With multiple peaks across a wide stretch of coastline, you’ll rarely fight for waves. Guiones is famously forgiving, thanks to its deepwater takeoff zone and sand-bottomed break. It’s a perfect learning wave—but it can still throw some power when the swell fills in.

Conditions vary with tide and season:

• Low tide: Punchier waves with faster drop-ins.
• Mid tide: Ideal for most surfers—clean walls, easier paddling.
• High tide: Softer waves, great for longboarding and beginners.

Choosing the Right Board: Skill Level + Conditions

Beginners: Foamies, Longboards & Soft Tops

If you’re just starting out, you want a board that’s easy to paddle, stable underfoot, and forgiving on takeoffs. That means more length, more volume, and soft rails.

Best choices:

• 8’0″ – 9’0″ soft top
• Wide, thick longboards
• Funboards with lots of float

These boards let you catch waves early, stay balanced, and learn the rhythm of the ocean without getting frustrated. At Safari Surf School, our beginner board quiver is specifically selected for Playa Guiones—boards that make it easier to learn and progress.

Bonus tip: Don’t bring your own beginner board. They’re bulky to travel with, and we’ve got everything you need right here.

Intermediates: Funboards, Mid-Lengths & Hybrids

Once you’re standing consistently and starting to trim across the face of the wave, it’s time to experiment. Guiones is an ideal wave for intermediate surfers—soft enough to avoid injury, but with enough shape to let you work on turns and speed.

Best choices:

• 6’8″ – 7’6″ mid-lengths
• Egg shapes and hybrids
• Fish boards with lots of width and volume

Look for boards with enough volume to paddle efficiently. If you’re staying in Nosara for a week or more, it might be worth trying a few shapes as you improve.

Advanced Surfers: Performance Shortboards, Twin-Fins & Longboards

Don’t let the mellow rep fool you—Guiones can get serious when a solid south swell hits. Advanced surfers will find playful shoulders, fast inside sections, and opportunities to link turns down the line.

Best choices:

• High-performance shortboards (5’8″ – 6’4″)
• Twin-fins and quads for speed
• Noserider longboards for high-tide cruising

If you’re used to punchier reef or point breaks, just remember: Guiones is a beach break. The peaks shift, and wave quality depends on tide and crowd flow. Having a board that paddles well and can adjust to different sections will maximize your sessions.

Need a board while you’re here? Just let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll dial it in.

Should You Bring a Board or Rent in Nosara?

Bring your board if:

• You’re riding a shape you love
• You’re particular about your dimensions or fin setup
• You plan to surf daily and want consistency

Rent or demo if:

• You’re a beginner or intermediate
• You’re still figuring out your ideal board
• You don’t want to deal with airline fees or dings

Safari Surf’s rental program includes everything from soft tops to performance boards, and our experienced instructors can help you test and transition to the proper shape as your surfing progresses.

Don’t Forget Fins, Wax, & Leashes

When you book with Safari Surf School, we’ve got the little things covered:

• Tropical wax
• Leashes that match your board length
• Fins

Surfboard Travel Tips for Costa Rica

If you do decide to bring your own board, here are a few tips:

• Invest in a thick boardbag (10mm or more) with nose/tail padding
• Pack clothes around your board to prevent pressure dings
• Bring extra fin screws, a wax comb, and ding repair
• Know your airline’s board fees—some can be steep

And remember: the sun is intense here. Don’t leave boards in hot cars or direct sunlight. They’ll delaminate or soften fast.

Nosara’s waves are friendly, consistent, and perfect for progression—but only if your board matches the conditions and your skill level. Whether you’re learning to pop up or perfecting your cutback, the right equipment helps you catch more waves, surf longer, and have more fun.

Ready to paddle out? Book your surf trip with Safari Surf School and make the most of your Nosara surf trip.