One of the last uncrowded surfing spots in Guanacaste

While most travelers know Playa Ostional for its legendary sea turtle arribadas, surfers know it as one of the last true "secret spots" along the Nicoya Peninsula. Offering powerful waves, zero crowds, and a raw, untamed natural backdrop, surfing here is an unforgettable experience.

At Ostional Turtle Lodge, you are just a short walk away from the breaks, allowing you to easily time your sessions with the tides and winds.

The Surf Spot Breakdown

Playa Ostional features a 3-kilometer stretch of exposed beach break and shifting sand/rock bars that deliver fast, punchy, and hollow peaks. Unlike the nearby, gentler rolling waves of Playa Guiones in Nosara, Ostional packs more power, stronger currents, and heavier walls.

• Wave Direction: Fun, high-performance lefts and rights.

• The Vibe: Exceptionally uncrowded. You will often have peaky, 100-meter-long waves completely to yourself or shared with just a couple of locals.

• Ideal Tide: Medium to high (rising tide is best to avoid the shallow rocks and keep the shape clean).

• Best Swell & Wind: Works best on a South, Southwest, or West swell paired with steady East/Northeast offshore winds. When a solid swell hits, it is known to throw beautiful, heavy barrels.

• Skill Level: Best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers due to the wave's power, undertow, and intense rip currents.

Best Time to Surf Ostional

Surfing in Ostional is highly seasonal, defined by both weather patterns and local conservation guidelines.

Season Months Wave Characteristics Best For

Dry Season (Peak Surf) December to April Approachable, clean, waist-to-chest high waves with highly predictable, glassy mornings and strong offshore winds. Intermediate surfers & clean dawn patrols.

Green Season (High Power) May to November Massive southern hemisphere swells push powerful, consistent overhead to double-overhead waves into the beach. Advanced surfers looking for size and barrels.

What Makes Surfing Here So Special

• Surfing Alongside Wildlife: It is not uncommon to share the lineup with sea turtles coming in toward the refuge or spot marine birdlife diving into the glassy faces of the waves.

• Escaping the Crowds: While nearby Nosara and Tamarindo draw heavy lineups, Ostional remains a secluded paradise where you can truly connect with the ocean in peace.

• Warm Water Year-Round: Forget the wetsuit. The water sits at a tropical average of 86°F (30°C) all year. A simple rash guard is all you need for sun and reef protection.

Important: The Turtle & Surf Harmony

Because your break is inside the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, surfers must respect the local ecosystem. Surfing is permitted daily from 5:00 AM to 6:00 PM. However, during the peak of massive arribadas (hundreds of thousands of turtles nesting simultaneously, usually between August and December), ocean entry may be temporarily restricted to protect the turtles.