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Home / Beaches / Playa Guiones

Playa Guiones

Пляж Гвионес
Costa Rica · Beach · Nosara
high
Best month: January

Best for

Ideal for surfers of all levels, yoga enthusiasts and lovers of healthy living. Suitable for sunset watching and walks. Not suitable for families with small children or weak swimmers due to strong waves.

Best month

January

Water
+28.0°C
Length
7 000 m
Playa Guiones is the main beach of Nosara and the centre of the region's surf culture. A seven-kilometre stretch of white sand with consistent waves year-round attracts surfers from around the world, with surf schools, yoga studios, and cafés along the shore.
Surface
sand
Waves
moderate
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
Playa Guiones is the main beach of Nosara and the centre of the region's surf culture. A seven-kilometre stretch of white sand with consistent waves year-round attracts surfers from around the world, with surf schools, yoga studios, and cafés along the shore.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • 7-km beach with white sand
  • Some of the most consistent waves in Costa Rica
  • Popular for surfing and yoga
  • Scenic sunsets
  • Developed infrastructure: restaurants, cafes, shops
  • Green zone with no new development
  • Free access

Cons

  • Crowded in high season
  • Expensive accommodation and food
  • Limited parking
  • Strong waves, not suitable for weak swimmers
  • No lifeguards along the entire beach
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for surfers of all levels, yoga enthusiasts and lovers of healthy living. Suitable for sunset watching and walks. Not suitable for families with small children or weak swimmers due to strong waves.
Features
What makes this beach unique
The beach is part of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, a nesting site for olive ridley turtles. A green zone along the entire beach prohibits new development, preserving its natural beauty.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
30 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
7 000 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
high
Underwater Visibility
10.0 m
Average Water Temp
+28.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+30.0 °C
Wave Type
moderate
Wave Height
1.0 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
December
Season end
April
Best month
January
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
high
Water Quality
Water purity rating
excellent
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
low
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
3.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. The beach is popular with tourists and locals, safe. Standard precautions are recommended.
Dangerous creatures
stingrays
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
Yes
Umbrellas
Yes
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
Yes
Lifeguards
Yes
First Aid
Yes
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
Yes
Restaurants Nearby
15 pcs
Best restaurants

Restaurantes en Nosara

International, Healthy

Many restaurants and cafes in Nosara, from healthy food to local cuisine

Nearby cuisines

International

Restaurants with dishes from around the world

Must try: Smoothie bowls, seafood, tacos

Healthy

Cafes with vegetarian and vegan options

Must try: Salads, juices, organic dishes
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
active
Crowd Level
crowded
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
exceptional
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
moderate
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
No
Surfing
Yes
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Flip-flops Cash Hat Sunglasses First aid kit Surfboard
Best Time to Swim
The best time for surfing is from April to October. In the morning the waves are more consistent. For swimming, choose the calm sections of the beach.
Local Rules
Swim in the area marked by buoys. Do not leave litter. Respect local nature and turtles.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Local car rental
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Nosara

Town with restaurants, cafes, shops and yoga schools

Ostional Wildlife Refuge

Olive ridley turtle nesting site, 5 km from the beach

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Playa Guiones: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +28.0°C, warms up to +30.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Playa Guiones: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 1.0 m.
Playa Guiones: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 30 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Playa Guiones: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 7 000 metres.
Playa Guiones: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December. It ends in April. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Playa Guiones: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as excellent. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Shark risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Playa Guiones: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: stingrays. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Playa Guiones: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, Wi-Fi, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Playa Guiones: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Playa Guiones: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Restaurantes en Nosara. Cuisines available: International, Healthy. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Playa Guiones: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, Hat, Sunglasses, First aid kit, Surfboard.
Playa Guiones: when is the best time to swim?
The best time for surfing is from April to October. In the morning the waves are more consistent. For swimming, choose the calm sections of the beach.
Playa Guiones: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swim in the area marked by buoys. Do not leave litter. Respect local nature and turtles.
Playa Guiones: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Playa Guiones: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for surfers of all levels, yoga enthusiasts and lovers of healthy living. Suitable for sunset watching and walks. Not suitable for families with small children or weak swimmers due to strong waves.
Playa Guiones: what makes this beach unique?
The beach is part of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, a nesting site for olive ridley turtles. A green zone along the entire beach prohibits new development, preserving its natural beauty.
Playa Guiones: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: 7-km beach with white sand, Some of the most consistent waves in Costa Rica, Popular for surfing and yoga, Scenic sunsets, Developed infrastructure: restaurants, cafes, shops, Green zone with no new development, Free access. Cons: Crowded in high season, Expensive accommodation and food, Limited parking, Strong waves, not suitable for weak swimmers, No lifeguards along the entire beach.
Playa Guiones: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Nosara, Ostional Wildlife Refuge. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Playa Guiones: how do I get to the city of Nosara?
The beach is located near the city of Nosara. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Nosara.

City

Nosara

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.

Best month

January

Useful information

Country: Costa Rica
Type: Beach
Coordinates: 9.950000, -85.666700

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