Nosara, Costa Rica Surf Resort Typical Day and FAQs
Whether you’re a first-timer looking to advance your skills, a solo traveler in search of great surf, or a family on vacation, our Costa Rica surf resort in Nosara is a surf camp, surf holiday, and tropical getaway all in one. Our top-rated coaching program offers customized private lessons for all ages and experience levels. There is also a variety of nearby activities to fuel your sense of adventure including yoga, horseback riding, ATV’s, zip lining, and more!
Continue below to view a typical day and get answers to frequently asked questions about Corky Carroll’s Costa Rica Surf Resort.
Typical Day
- Morning freshly brewed Costa Rican coffee begins at 6am
- Breakfast is made to order by Vicki during from 6:30am-9am
- Take a quick 4-minute walk to meet your surf instructor at the beach for your scheduled private morning lesson
- Smile! Video footage is taken during each morning surf session
- After your surf session, shower off in one of our outdoor showers and join us for lunch at 11:30am
- Video critique of the morning surf session begins after lunch
- The afternoon is yours to relax by our pool, take a nap or explore the town. You have total access to our surfboard quiver, so you can catch a mid-day surf
- Free Surf starts around 3:30. Just like your morning surf session, head down to the beach and our surf instructors will be there to help coach the group up until sunset
- After returning from sunset surf, bocas (appetizers) are ready around 6:30pm
- Dinner is served by 7pm
- Both lunch and dinner are served buffet style with salad, vegetables, side dishes, and surf and turf protein options; expect a daily rotation of soups, local market fish, seafood, pork, chicken and organic greens, and traditional Costa Rican white rice and black beans
- The night is yours to hang out in our open-air rancho playing games, checking out the local night life, or going to bed to begin the day all over again
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose us over other surf resorts?
There is good reason why we’ve been ranked the best surf school in Costa Rica. We are a 2nd generation family business, hosting guests for over 20 years. Our half-acre private property allows you to immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture. You are not treated as another tourist; you are part of our surf family. We are passionate about increasing your ocean awareness and helping you learn the fundamentals of surfing. Our years of experience have given us in-depth knowledge and our own unique style which guarantees you’ll walk away with increased surfing skills and an appreciation for true Pura Vida.
How do I find out availability?
Please call Kelsey in our office 714-969-3959 or email her: info@surfschool.net
How do I book my trip?
Once you have verified that your chosen dates are available, Kelsey will send you our booking request form. After receiving your information, we require a non-refundable deposit payment of $700 to secure your room. Your final balance is due 60 days prior to your trip. We accept American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and checks. Visit our Pricing and Dates page for more details.
What is your booking policy?
We are a small family business and only able to offer six rooms on the property. Each room counts for us, we appreciate your understanding of the polices below.
- Corky Carroll’s Surf School requires a non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $700 to secure each room for the reservation.
- The guest’s remaining package balance is to be paid no later than 60 days prior to departure date and is non-refundable or transferable beyond that time.
- If you cancel your reservation 60 days prior to your reservation date, we will credit your deposit for a future trip. We want you to come on our trip, we will work with you to make it happen.
- For any reservation cancellations made after 60 days prior to your trip and we can sell your room, we will issue you a credit of your deposit paid. If we are not able to resell your room, then we will not be able to credit the deposit paid.
- If your stay is cancelled by us, but due to reasons beyond our control (like a natural disaster for example), Corky Carroll’s Surf School is not liable for any refunds or travel costs.
- We do not give cash refunds under any circumstances
Where is the surf school located?
Our private half acre property is a four-minute walk from Playa Guiones beach. Playa Guiones is situated a few miles south of the town, Nosara. Nosara is on the pacific coast and part of the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. We are about 2 hours south of Tamarindo.
About Nosara, Costa Rica
Located just a couple miles inland from the sea and still somewhat undeveloped, it’s no surprise that the small beach town of Nosara is one of the most popular in Costa Rica, especially for surfing. The primary spoken language is Spanish, although Nosara’s community is a multicultural mix of locals and expats, many arriving from America, Canada, and Europe. With plenty to see and do, there’s never a shortage of entertainment in this town.
What airport should I arrive/depart?
Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR) is the closest airport to us. Please plan 2-3 hours to get to us when arriving from Liberia. If departing from Liberia, please allow three hours for travel time from our resort to the airport and two hours for flight check-in. When arriving into San Jose (SJO), please plan 4-5 hours to get to us. If departing from San Jose, please allow five hours for travel time and two hours for flight check-in. For more information check out our post on flying to Costa Rica.
What is the best arrival/departure time?
We like to maximize each guests time with us. There is no standard check in, check out policy, but we do need the room vacated by noon on your departure Saturday. We suggest early morning/afternoon arrival time and afternoon/ early evening departure time. You must arrive into Liberia, Costa Rica by 4pm and San Jose, Costa Rica by 3pm. If your flight arrives after that time, you will need to spend the night at a hotel and we will pick you up in the morning on the next day.
How do I get to you and then back to the airport?
Once you have booked your flights, we handle the rest. Kelsey will book your round-trip van transportation. After you have landed in Costa Rica, transportation is provided to and from the airport by way of CRIC (Costa Rica International Connections). The air-conditioned vans are spacious enough to accommodate both small and large groups. The drivers speak English and Spanish and will wait for you to arrive, even if flights are delayed. Each flight is also tracked by CRIC and our facility host. Upon departure, guests will be picked up from our property and driven directly to the airport.
Are you able to surf on the day you arrive?
Yes! If you arrive in the morning, we will be able to get you in the water. If you have an afternoon arrival, we can’t guarantee to get you in the water for a surf lesson, but if you arrive to us before 5pm, you can enjoy a quick dip in the ocean and beautiful sunset.
What are the waves like at your location?
Playa Guiones has the most ideal waves for both long and short boarders. It is a sand bottom beach break, without rocks and is open to a wide range of swell direction. People seek this area as a world travel break due to consistent offshore winds and year-round 80-degree water. Please refer to our YouTube channel to get video clips of surf conditions for each month. We have stayed in Playa Guiones for over 20 years due to all the above.
About Playa Guiones Beach
Playa Guiones is home to one of the most sought after and consistent surf breaks in Costa Rica.
Located in Nosara, it is a picturesque, undeveloped, 3.5 mile stretch of pristine white sand beach with warm 80 degree water and uncrowded beach break. A variety of waves, swell directions, and a pure sandy bottom create ideal surf conditions for all levels, from beginner to advanced.
Playa Guiones is the perfect surf spot, which is why it’s the home break of Corky Carroll’s Costa Rica Surf Resort.
What Other Activities are Close By?
Visitors can enjoy a relaxing day in the village with an array of fantastic restaurants, retail shops, local arts, and crafts on display. Mini-golf at Café De Paris, tennis at Club Colibri, a skatepark, on-site massage, and many different yoga classes offer fun, family-friendly options.
For a more adventurous way to connect with nature, explore the tropical wilderness with fishing tours, turtle watching, horseback riding, zip lining, and quad rentals.
We recommend booking your activities and tours after arrival. Our onsite activity board provides all activities and information at the resort. We are happy to help assist booking any extra activities during your stay.
Are you family friendly?
Yes! Being a family business, we have created a family friendly atmosphere. We understand what a family needs to have a great time. and love being able to be a part of the amazing memories that will be created on this once in a lifetime trip.
How many bungalows do you have on your property?
We have 6 bungalows. Each bungalow has a private bathroom (you do not share with another guest) with both hot/cold water shower. All rooms have 2 double beds, a mini fridge to keep water/snacks, safe to store valuables and a porch overlooking our pool. Take a tour of our bungalows on our surf resort accommodations page.
Do you have AC?
We do not have AC. Each bungalow was built with 14 foot vaulted ceilings to allow great airflow. Commercial ceiling and floor fans will provide a comfortable night of rest.
What is the best time of year to visit Costa Rica?
Our season begins each November to mid-August. We feel the weather/wave conditions are the most ideal during those months. We are closed during the end of August till October; the weather can be severe and unpredictable.
Do I need a passport to enter Costa Rica?
Yes, your passport must be valid for duration of stay. Immigration may deny entry if passport is damaged or expired within 90 days of travel. For visa and other requirement information check out the Costa Rica embassy site. (Note: U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica.)
What do I need to pack for my trip?
Let’s face it, deciding what to pack for a vacation can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what to bring. Luckily, we have a simple breakdown of what to pack and leave behind for your Costa Rica trip! Check out our detailed list of what to pack for Costa Rica here!
Costa Rica Climate and Weather
The tropical climate of Costa Rica creates warm waters and temperatures all year round. Nosara weather conditions vary by season. The summertime dry season is most popular for tourism. It lasts from late November until mid-April, with daytime temperatures staying in the mid to high 80’s and night time hovering around a comfortable mid 70’s.
The rainy season follows from the end of April to the beginning of November, with the possibility of daily rain and sun. During July and August conditions may deliver a dry period with no rain, known by the locals as “veranillo de San Juan.” The mixture of warm seas, tropic winds, and a little rain may even enhance your surfing experience in Costa Rica.
The sun typically rises at 5:15AM with off shore winds and occasional on shore breezes. Beautiful sunsets can be seen over 12 hours later around 6:15PM, providing plenty of warmth and sunshine throughout the day. Whatever the weather conditions may be, temperatures are always warm and the scenery always stunning.
Is it safe to drink the water?
Yes, we operate on our own water well system, so you can drink the water. We recommend you bring a water bottle or take a walk to the mini super to purchase a few water bottles to keep cold water in your mini fridge.
Is it safe to walk around at night?
Yes, we recommend bringing a flashlight, the jungle does not have street lights.
Do I need to rent a car during my stay?
No, the beach is a 4-minute walk and the town is within walking distance. We are centrally located, so you can find shops/restaurants by going in either direction. We recommend that if you want to explore beyond the town of Guiones, you can rent a Quad. Tuk Tuk’s have become quite popular in the last year, they provide an inexpensive way to get around town.
Surf Resort Transportation
Pack your bags, book your flight to Liberia or San Jose, and we take care of the rest!
Once you’ve landed in Costa Rica, transportation is provided to and from the airport by way of CRIC (Costa Rica International Connections). The air-conditioned vans are spacious enough to accommodate both small and large groups. The drivers speak English and Spanish and will wait for you to arrive, even if flights are delayed. Each flight is tracked by CRIC and our facility host.
Upon arrival to Nosara, guests will be greeted outside the airport by one of our friendly drivers holding a welcome sign with their name on it. They will load your luggage and bring you directly to our ranch. Upon departure, guests will be picked up at our ranch and driven directly to the airport. If departing from Liberia, please allow three hours for travel time and two hours for flight check-in. If departing from San Jose, please allow five hours for travel and two hours for flight check-in.
For more details see our guide on traveling to our Costa Rica Surf Resort!
Key Words to Know for Costa Rica Travel
- Mini Super: a local store that provides food, liquor, household and toiletry items.
- Bocas: appetizers
- Pura Vida: Spanish for “pure life”. The law of the land in Costa Rica. The expression is used in many forms, from a greeting, to a synonym for excellent.
- Tico: a term for a native of Costa Rica.
- Tico Time: a somewhat affectionate reference to the Costa Rican habit of arriving late.
