Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a Typical Day?

Mornings
Wake up refreshed in your surf bungalow. Say ‘hola’ to some howler monkeys. Enjoy a fresh breakfast made to order, then head to the beach for a surf lesson with your personal instructor.

Afternoons
Feast on freshly prepared Costa Rican fare for lunch. Review video of your morning session with your surf coach. Then relax poolside, explore town or free surf.

Evenings
Finish the day with a sunset surf and drinks on the beach. Back at our rancho, talk story about your epic rides over tasty bocas then dine on a locally sourced buffet of meats, veggies and seafood. Hang at our resort or enjoy the local nightlife.

Why choose us?

To us you’re not another visitor; you’re part of our surf family. We don’t want you to just stand up on a board; we want you to learn to surf. We won’t treat you like a tourist; you’ll feel like a local.

Using our 25+ years experience as the original and longest-running surf school in Nosara, we progress your surfing skills, provide memorable moments and share in authentic Pura Vida. There’s a reason we’re ranked the best surf school in Costa Rica.

What if I’ve never surfed?

Then you’ll love it here! We welcome guests of all ages and abilities, from regular shredders to absolute noobs. For sure, surfing can be intimidating at first. But our coaches specialize in helping those new to surfing gain confidence in the water and learn the fundamentals needed to have a fun time. So no worries. We’ll be by your side for the entire ride.

How do I find availability?

To get our openings and let us know your preferred dates, please call Kelsey at 714-969-3959 or email her at hello@surfresort.net.

How do I book my trip?

After you reach out and verify your chosen dates are available, Kelsey will email you a booking request form. Fill out that form, and once we receive the $700 deposit, your room will be secured. To complete the booking, just send over the final balance 60 days prior to your trip.

What’s your cancellation policy?

The initial $700 deposit cannot be transferred or refunded. If you cancel 60 days before the date of your reservation we credit your deposit for a future trip. We want you to come and will work with you to make it happen.

If you cancel after the 60 days, and we can sell your room, we will issue a credit of your deposit, just like above. If we can’t resell your room your deposit will be forfeited. If your stay is cancelled due to reasons beyond our control (like a natural disaster), Corky Carroll’s is not liable for any refunds or travel costs. For more details please read our booking policies.

Where are you located?

We’re located on a private half acre property in the heart of Nosara. Technically we’re at Playa Guiones in the Nosara district of the Nicoya canton within the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica. But saying we’re in Nosara — or Playa Guiones — works, too.

Home to a friendly community of locals and expats, Playa Guiones is a small, undeveloped area situated on the Pacific Coast, comprising both a 7km (~4mi) stretch of beautiful white sand beach and its surrounding village — where we call home.

We don’t use traditional addresses here, or even have street names, and instead rely on points of reference to find places. Which is why you’ll find us at 300 Meters West of The Gardens Hotel, Guanacaste Province, Nosara, 50206, Costa Rica.

What airport should I use?

Most of our guests fly in and out of Liberia International Airport (also known as Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport). Of Costa Rica’s two main airports, this is the closest to us. The other airport is San Jose International Airport (also known as Juan Santamaría International Airport).

If you want the most direct route to our resort than LIR is the best option. But those flying on a budget, might consider SJO, where flights are often less expensive.

How do I get to you?

Transportation to and from the airport of your choice is included with your stay. We’ll arrange everything. Upon arrival, a driver will be waiting outside the terminal, even if your flight is delayed. Our vans are spacious enough to accommodate both small and large groups. Upon departure, guests will be picked up from our property and driven directly to the airport.

When’s the best time to visit?

We are open from November through mid-August. We feel the weather and wave conditions are at their best during those months. So visiting anytime then is a great time to come (including holiday weeks like Christmas and Thanksgiving.) We are closed during the end of August till October, when the weather can be heavily rainy, severe and unpredictable.

Travel to Costa Rica is most popular January to April. This is our dry Summer season, when temperatures are more moderate. Those who wish to see things in full bloom, and don’t mind a little rain, enjoy visiting in November and December during our “green season”.

Do I need to rent a car?

Nope. Not unless you want to travel outside Nosara and see more of the country. While staying with us you won’t need a car. The beach is a 2-minute walk away, and town is within walking distance. We are centrally located, so you can find shops and restaurants in every direction. If you want to explore beyond Guiones, we have quads to rent. Tuk Tuk’s are also quite popular as an inexpensive way to get around.

Are you family friendly?

Yes! We’re all about family here. Whether you’re a solo traveler or family with kids up the wazoo, everyone instantly joins our surf family when staying with us.

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 you’ll create on this once in a lifetime trip.

How many rooms are there?

We have 6 bungalows on property. Each has its own private bathroom and shower, two double beds, a mini fridge, a safe to store valuables, and an outdoor porch overlooking our pool. For more info and to see inside the rooms visit our accommodations page.

How big are the waves?

Playa Guiones — where we’re located — is a gentle and forgiving surf spot, open to a variety of waves and swell directions. The inside waves are small and easily manageable for beginners. In fact, the inside white is so consistently long that Playa Guiones is considered by many as the best beginner surf spot in the world. On the outside, waves typically vary between 2-8 feet depending on the conditions. Fortunately, since Guiones is such a large beach, there’ll always be waves suited to your abilities, whether you’re a long or short boarder, novice or pro.

Thanks to a soft sandy bottom with no rocks, calm offshore winds and year-round 80-degree water, Playa Guiones is an ideal surf spot. Which is why it’s been our home break for the past 25+ years.

Who is Corky Carroll?

Corky Carroll helped start our surf school, and just so happens to be one of the greatest surfers of all-time. He was the first ever pro surfer, and after a very successful career, teamed up with our original owner to build Corky Carroll’s Surf School. The surf school started off in Huntington Beach, California and later expanded to our resort in Costa Rica. Corky was our first instructor, and developed the surf coaching system we still use today. So when you’re taking a surf lesson with us, you’re also learning to surf from one of the most iconic surfers of all-time. Pretty cool, right?