Crowd & Localism
Ostional draws a fraction of the crowd that nearby Guiones handles. Weekends are still largely empty. The village is small and the vibe is relaxed. Respect the local community and give way on the road as much as in the water.
Nicoya, North Costa Rica, Costa Rica
Ostional
9.995, -85.705
Edited by Thomas Jackson
Verified May 2026
Multi-checkedCross-checked against 2 references
Right · BeachBeginner → Intermediate3–8 ftJan – Dec
Fun, punchy beachbreak walls peel along a long stretch of black-sand coast at Ostional, a small village north of Nosara on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. Optimal swell comes from the NW, which triggers longer rights off rock outcrops that divide the beach. S through NW swells in the 3-8ft range work best at mid to high tide, with easterly winds holding the face clean. Intermediates and longboarders will find the most joy here. Bigger swells can overwhelm the beach. Bottom: sand with scattered rock. Season: May through November for S-SW groundswell, November through March for NW pulses. Consistency: high. The road into Ostional turns rough in the rainy season, and a 4WD is essentially required from roughly May through November, so plan transport accordingly.
Wave fit
Skill suited
Beginner → Intermediate
BegIntAdv
Best months
Jan – Dec
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F
M
A
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Character
Punchy hollow beachbreak rights off rock outcrops.
Conditions
When it worksSwell window
S
S - NW
Offshore wind
E
Easterly
Optimum tide
Mid to high tide
Size range
2-8ft
High
Hazards
No concerns
Trip planning
Quick facts
Wetsuit
Boardies
What to bring
- Longboard or mid-length for smaller days
- Shortboard 6ft to 6ft 4in for punchy peaks at 4-7ft
Lineup
Mellow lineup
Where it sits
Location
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About this break
What it's actually like
Access & Facilities
A 4WD vehicle is required during the rainy season (roughly May to November) on the dirt road into the village. Basic camping is available. No surf schools or rental shops on site, so bring your own equipment. The village of Nosara is a short drive south for food, supplies, and gear.
Nearby Alternatives
When Ostional goes flat or too big, Playa Nosara sits just to the south with similar beach peaks. Playa Guiones, a few kilometers further south, offers more consistent and punchier peaks on a reef and sand bottom when a solid swell is running.
10-day swell, wind and tide
Ostional surf forecast
Loading forecast...
Forecast by Windy.app
Stay nearby
Camps within boat range
More breaks in North Costa Rica
If this isn't your wave
Playa Carmen
friendly A-frame beach break with reef at north end · A-frame · Mixed
Beginner → Intermediate
Boca Tusubres
punchy hollow rivermouth peaks · A-frame · Point
Intermediate
Roca Loca
powerful hollow right-hand submerged reef with exposed rock clusters · Right · Reef
Advanced
Tamarindo
sloppy rivermouth beach peaks with punchy reef sections · A-frame · Mixed
Beginner → Intermediate
Plan a trip
Build a trip around Ostional
Tell us your dates, skill, and crew. We match camps within boat range and forward inquiries.
Frequently asked
Before you paddle out
Ostional is a beach break suited for beginner to intermediate surfers. Confident beginners can give it a go on small days.
Ostional
Coming Phase 2