Playa Guiones
Consistent waves.
Alegutierrezc — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Di (they-them) — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Carlos Adampol Galindo — CC BY-SA 2.0
A beautiful wild coast on the Pacific, protected by strict rules that ban building on the beachfront, so its long beaches stay framed by forest and trees with no hotels or buildings overlooking the sand, a rare natural sight. Its best-known beach is Playa Guiones, wide pale sand and consistent waves that make it one of the country's best-known surf spots, alongside quieter Playa Pelada and Playa Nosara. Behind the coast the Nosara River winds through mangroves explored by kayak among birds. The area is linked to the Ostional turtle refuge to the north and surrounded by forest full of howler monkeys whose calls echo in the morning. The small town is scattered through the forest, with cafés, yoga and fitness spots and healthy restaurants. Roads are dusty dirt in the dry season and muddy in the rain, and people get around by car or small motorbike. Rip currents are strong on many Pacific beaches, so swim only where others do and keep away from river mouths.
Consistent waves.
Mangroves by kayak.
In the forest.
West coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, about an hour north-west of Sámara
Strict local rules ban beachfront building, so forest and trees reach right down to the sand.