swimming· Photography· scenic· Secluded
Playa Guiones
An iconic beach known for world-class surfing, wildlife conservation, wellness culture, and natural beauty.
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Nicoya
An iconic beach known for world-class surfing, wildlife conservation, wellness culture, and natural beauty.
Playa Guiones is a world-class surf destination stretching 7 kilometers along Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, defined by consistent year-round waves and a refreshingly undeveloped coastline. The broad sandy beach combines reliable swells with a thriving wellness culture, attracting experienced surfers and beginners alike who find both challenging breaks and mellow sections. Unlike commercialized beach towns, Guiones maintains its natural character with minimal development, offering a rare blend of accessibility and pristine environment. Best visited during dry season (December-April) for optimal conditions, though waves pump reliably throughout the year.
Playa Guiones stretches 7 kilometers with a broad sandy beach and consistent year-round waves suitable for beginners through advanced surfers, though the sandy-bottom break means you'll share the water with others across multiple peaks. The beach is protected as part of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge with virtually no beachfront development, so expect a natural coastline and the possibility of seeing olive Ridley sea turtles, howler monkeys, and white-faced capuchins, particularly during early morning or evening walks. Plan for the dry season (December–April) if you prefer sunny weather and peak conditions; May–November brings fewer visitors and lush landscapes, though surfing remains consistent throughout the year.
Best Time to Visit
Visit December–March for consistent offshore winds, groomed waves, and dry sunny conditions ideal for photography; arrive early morning (6–7am) for empty breaks and golden light. May–October offers powerful swell, fewer tourists, and lush green backdrops, but expect afternoon rain and crowded weekends when Ticos visit—go mid-week mornings for solitude and dramatic storm-lit skies.
What Changes Through The Year
Dry Season (Dec–Apr)
December–April offers sunny weather and excellent beach conditions during peak tourism season.
Green Season (May–Nov)
May–November features lush green landscapes and consistent surf with fewer visitors and dramatic sunsets.
Getting There
From Liberia (nearest major airport, ~4 hours drive): Head south toward Santa Cruz, then to Nosara. Playa Guiones is accessible via the town of Nosara, approximately 45 minutes south of Santa Cruz.
What to Bring
Safety Considerations
Who This Is For
“Playa Guiones has two distinct personality zones: the northern section near Nosara village offers calmer, beginner-friendly breaks, while the southern stretch delivers more powerful, consistent waves for experienced surfers—choose your entry point based on your skill level rather than surfing the entire beach.”
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Wildlife
Leatherback turtles nest here in darkness — the beach is theirs first
Swimming
A beach made entirely of crushed shells — no sand, only conchitas
Waterfalls
The most accessible major waterfall in Costa Rica — and the most generous
Waterfalls
Three-tier waterfall at the end of a jungle trail twenty minutes from the village
Hidden Gems
A small hidden beach near Manuel Antonio and Quepos
Living traditions near this place
🪡 Artisan Traditions
The gourd vessel that predates pottery in the region — still carved with achiote and charcoal pigments
🏺 Slow Craft
Each bar tuned by hand — a marimba takes six months and a lifetime to learn
🪡 Artisan Traditions
One of the last surviving links to an Indigenous civilization that shaped much of Guanacaste's cultural identity
🫘 Harvest Life
Purple corn ground on a volcanic stone, fermented three days in open clay — older than the word corn