Costa Rica Surf Trip Planner – Nicoya Peninsula - Nosara, Santa Teresa, Playa Grande

The Ultimate Costa Rica 8-Night, 9-Day Surf Trip Vacation -Built by Surfers for Surfers with all the local know-how and booties on the ground REAL info you can handle Bra! – Costa Rica Surf Trip Destination? – Nicoya Peninsula with the best surf towns, surf spots, driving distances, activities, and wildlife opportunities. The locations are ordered based on proximity to Liberia International Airport (LIR), starting with the second furthest, then the furthest, and ending with the closest.

Itinerary Overview

• Duration: 8 Nights, 9 Days

• Region: Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

• Locations: Nosara (2nd furthest), Santa Teresa (furthest), and Playa Grande (closest)

• Focus: Surfing, wildlife, and adventure

• Budget: Mid-range ($150–$250 per night for hotels, $100–$200 per tour)

• Airport: Liberia International Airport (LIR)

Day 1: Saturday – Arrival and Travel to Nosara

• Drive Time: ~2.5 hours (123 km / 76 miles) from Liberia International Airport (LIR)

• Activity: Settle into your hotel, explore the area, and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Days 2-3: Nosara (2 Nights)

Why Nosara?
Nosara is a tranquil surf town known for its eco-friendly vibe, yoga retreats, and beginner-friendly waves. It’s surrounded by lush jungle and abundant wildlife.

Top 5 Hotels/Surf Camps (Breakfast Included):

1. The Gilded Iguana Surf Hotel: Stylish, surf-focused, and includes breakfast.

2. Olas Verdes Hotel: Eco-friendly, steps from Playa Guiones, and offers a hearty breakfast.

3. Living Hotel: Boutique hotel with a pool, wellness focus, and breakfast.

4. Nosara Beach Hotel: Historic beachfront property with great amenities.

5. Selina Nosara: Budget-friendly surf camp with a social vibe and breakfast included.

Best Surf Spots (Within 30-Minute Drive):

• Playa Guiones: Long, gentle waves perfect for beginners and intermediates.

• Playa Pelada: Smaller, fun waves and a relaxed atmosphere.

• Playa Ostional: Advanced surf spot and famous for turtle nesting.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. La Luna: Beachfront Mediterranean cuisine with stunning sunset views.

2. 10Pies: Casual spot for fresh, local dishes and smoothies.

3. El Chivo: Tex-Mex with a lively atmosphere.

4. Beach Dog Café: Healthy, organic meals near Playa Guiones.

5. Rosi’s Soda Tica: Authentic Costa Rican food at great prices.

Top 10 Animals to Spot:

1. Howler monkeys

2. Olive ridley sea turtles (seasonal nesting)

3. White-faced capuchin monkeys

4. Coatis

5. Iguanas

6. Scarlet macaws

7. Motmots

8. Kinkajous

9. Armadillos

10. Hummingbirds

Sights of Interest/Attractions:

• Ostional Wildlife Refuge: Famous for turtle nesting.

• Nosara Yoga Institute: Renowned yoga retreat center.

• Nosara River: Great for kayaking and paddleboarding.

Top 5 Tours ($100–$200):

1. Turtle Nesting Tour at Playa Ostional: Witness sea turtles nesting (seasonal).

2. Ziplining at Miss Sky Canopy Tour: One of the longest zipline tours in the world.

3. Kayaking on the Nosara River: Explore mangroves and spot wildlife.

4. Horseback Riding on the Beach: Ride along Playa Guiones at sunset.

5. Surf Lessons: Perfect for beginners or those looking to refine their skills.

Days 4-6: Santa Teresa (3 Nights)

Why Santa Teresa?
Santa Teresa is a laid-back surf town with world-class waves, a bohemian vibe, and breathtaking sunsets. It’s the furthest south location in this itinerary.

Drive Time from Nosara: ~3.5 hours (150 km / 93 miles)

Top 5 Hotels/Surf Camps (Breakfast Included):

1. Hotel Nantipa – A Tico Beach Experience: Luxurious beachfront bungalows with breakfast included.

2. Casa Marbella: Boutique hotel with ocean views and a hearty breakfast.

3. Hotel Tropico Latino: Beachfront, yoga classes, and organic breakfast options.

4. Selina Santa Teresa North: Budget-friendly surf camp with a social atmosphere.

5. Pranamar Villas and Yoga Retreat: Beachfront villas with a focus on wellness and breakfast included.

Best Surf Spots (Within 30-Minute Drive):

• Playa Santa Teresa: Consistent waves for all levels.

• Playa Hermosa (Santa Teresa): Beginner-friendly with long, gentle waves.

• Mal País: Quiet reef breaks for intermediate and advanced surfers.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. Koji’s: Renowned for its sushi and fresh seafood.

2. The Bakery: Popular spot for breakfast and pastries.

3. Habanero Mex-Grill: Beachfront Mexican cuisine with a great vibe.

4. Zula Restaurant: Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

5. Katana Asian Cuisine: Fusion Asian dishes with a creative twist.

Top 10 Animals to Spot:

1. Howler monkeys

2. White-faced capuchin monkeys

3. Iguanas

4. Coatis

5. Scarlet macaws

6. Sea turtles

7. Parrots

8. Anteaters

9. Hawks

10. Butterflies

Sights of Interest/Attractions:

• Montezuma Waterfalls: Stunning waterfalls perfect for a refreshing swim.

• Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve: Costa Rica’s first national park with lush trails and wildlife.

• Mal País Tide Pools: Great for exploring at low tide.

Top 5 Tours ($100–$200):

1. Montezuma Waterfalls Tour: Hike to stunning waterfalls and enjoy a refreshing swim.

2. Snorkeling at Tortuga Island: Crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.

3. Horseback Riding on the Beach: Ride along the pristine coastline at sunset.

4. Yoga and Wellness Class: Rejuvenate with a beachfront yoga session.

5. ATV Adventure Tour: Explore the rugged terrain and hidden beaches around Santa Teresa.

Days 7-8: Playa Grande (2 Nights)

Why Playa Grande?
Playa Grande offers a quieter surf experience with consistent waves, a laid-back vibe, and proximity to nature.

Drive Time from Santa Teresa: ~4 hours (160 km / 99 miles)

Top 5 Hotels/Surf Camps (Breakfast Included):

1. RipJack Inn: Boutique hotel steps from the beach with a great breakfast.

2. Hotel El Manglar: Affordable, cozy, and includes a hearty breakfast.

3. The Grateful Hotel: Beachfront, relaxed atmosphere, and delicious breakfast options.

4. Sugar’s Monkey Hotel: Surf-focused, budget-friendly, and includes breakfast.

5. Las Tortugas Hotel: Beachfront, eco-friendly, and includes breakfast.

Best Surf Spots (Within 30-Minute Drive):

• Playa Grande: Consistent waves for intermediate and advanced surfers.

• Playa Ventanas: Secluded beach with fun waves for all levels.

• Playa Tamarindo: Perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers.

Top 5 Restaurants:

1. Cafe Mar Azul: Fresh seafood and local dishes.

2. El Huerto Pizzeria: Delicious wood-fired pizzas.

3. Cantarana Restaurant: Fusion cuisine with a cozy atmosphere.

4. RipJack Inn Restaurant: Great food and drinks near the beach.

5. Lola’s at Playa Avellanas: Iconic beachfront restaurant with a laid-back vibe.

Top 10 Animals to Spot:

1. Howler monkeys

2. White-faced capuchin monkeys

3. Iguanas

4. Crocodiles

5. Sea turtles

6. Parrots

7. Pelicans

8. Coatis

9. Frigatebirds

10. Butterflies

Sights of Interest/Attractions:

• Las Baulas National Marine Park: Famous for leatherback turtle nesting.

• Tamarindo Estuary: Explore mangroves and spot wildlife.

• Playa Langosta Tide Pools: Great for exploring at low tide.

Top 5 Tours ($100–$200):

1. Catamaran Sunset Cruise: Snorkeling, open bar, and stunning sunset views.

2. Estuary Kayak Tour: Paddle through mangroves and spot wildlife.

3. ATV Adventure Tour: Explore the rugged terrain and hidden beaches.

4. Surf Lessons: Perfect for beginners or those looking to refine their skills.

5. Snorkeling at Playa Conchal: Crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.

Day 9: Sunday – Departure

• Drive Time: ~1 hour (66 km / 41 miles) from Playa Grande to Liberia International Airport (LIR).

• Activity: Enjoy breakfast and a final stroll before heading to the airport

Be sure to check out our Surf Costa Rica page for more Costa Rica surf and travel info. And grab some local style at our Surf Shop before your trip. For sure! A simple “pura vida” goes a long way here, so does repping the local team to start a conversation, make some friends, and let everyone know you want to be here and you’re here to surf. Because you’re one of the good ones. “Let’s Look Good Out There”.

Plus, we have tons more blogs to help you get your bearings, find your right spot, and get it wired. Join us and tag us on social and subscribe to our twice-monthly newsletter for rad event invites, news, real good discounts, and all things Costa Rica surf. We’re not trying to crowd the lineup in your email or drop in on your inbox, just trying to let you know what’s out the back and help you time it up for your set wave. Pura Vida!

Keep the stoke alive, ride with respect, and enjoy the pura vida every wave delivers. See you in the lineup!