Things To Do In Nosara, Costa Rica

Things To Do In Nosara, Costa Rica

Nosara is a world-renowned sanctuary defined by its protected green zones, consistent year-round surf, and a deep-rooted wellness culture. The area is part of the Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world’s rare Blue Zones, where life slows down and centers around the rhythms of the ocean and the surrounding dry tropical forest.

The village of Nosara sits about 5 kilometers off the coast along the riverbank. This local hub houses the domestic airstrip, traditional sodas, grocery stores, and essential civic services, standing distinct from the beachfront tourism zones.

Ready to discover the golden shores and jungle-backed waves of Nosara? Let our travel experts design a personalized trip to Nosara, Costa Rica and its coastal treasures.

Wellness Yoga Retreats Surfing Retirement Destination Wildlife Sanctuary 

Travel Guide For Nosara Attractions & Activities

Surfing

Nosara is widely considered one of the most reliable and welcoming surf destinations in Central America. The combination of consistent, year-round swell and a town layout that preserves the natural beachfront creates an exceptional environment for every level of surfer. Playa Guiones, the crown jewel of the local surf scene, is known for its expansive sandy bottom and remarkable consistency. Because it faces directly into the open Pacific, it catches almost any swell direction, offering rideable waves over 300 days a year.

Yoga & Wellness Architecture

As a global capital for wellness, Nosara hosts some of the most striking open-air pavilion architecture in Central America. Renowned retreat centers blend seamlessly into the primary forest canopy, offering daily drop-in classes, sound baths, and meditation. Exploring these stunning, sustainably designed spaces is a quintessential part of the local lifestyle.

Nosara River Mangrove Kayaking & SUP

Navigating these calm, flooded forest channels by kayak or stand-up paddleboard provides an intimate look at a completely different ecosystem. It is an exceptional spot for birdwatching, where you can spot herons, roseate spoonbills, and kingfishers, as well as howler monkeys and iguanas resting in the complex root networks.

Lagarta Lodge Biological Reserve & Sunsets

Perched on a high coastal ridge overlooking the river mouth and the ocean, the private reserve at Lagarta Lodge features pristine jungle trails showcasing unique regional flora. In the late afternoon, the property’s upper terrace offers the most dramatic, panoramic sunset viewpoint in the region, where the river winds through the forest to meet the changing colors of the Pacific.

Talk to a Nosara Expert!

Get insider tips and local recommendations from our Nosara Travel guides. Whether you're planning a walking tour around town or day trips, we know the hidden gems.

Best Nosara Day Trips

Ostional Wildlife Refuge

Located just 20 to 30 minutes north, Playa Ostional is the site of one of nature’s most magnificent spectacles. During an arribada (mass nesting event, which occurs primarily from July to December), thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles simultaneously come ashore to lay their eggs. Accessing the beach during these times requires a certified local guide to ensure a sustainable, ethical experience that protects the nesting sanctuary.

San Juanillo Beach

Roughly 45 minutes north along a rugged dirt road lies San Juanillo, an enchanting, low-key fisherman’s cove. The beach features a unique white-sand peninsula with the ocean on both sides, leading to a rocky reef viewpoint. Because it is protected by twin barrier reefs, the turquoise water here is calm, mellow, and crystal-clear—making it the premier spot in the area for swimming and snorkeling among colorful pacific reef fish.

Pilas Blancas Waterfalls

Tucked away near Nosara, the Pilas Blancas Waterfall is a hidden oasis perfect for a peaceful escape. Best reached via guided ATV or nature tours, this secluded gem features a cascading waterfall, a refreshing natural swimming pool, and plenty of shaded spots to relax. Keep your eyes peeled along the trail—the area is teeming with wildlife, offering excellent chances to spot native monkeys and tropical birds.

Barrigona Beach

A true hidden gem located north of Samara but easily accessible from Nosara. After crossing a small coastal estuary, you arrive at a breathtaking, secluded paradise of soft sand and towering palm trees. With minimal crowds, it is the ultimate destination for a private, self-contained beach picnic under the shade of the jungle canopy.

Request Mountain and Beach Getaway

Experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica with this 7 nights / 8 days vacation package. You will hike trails around the Arenal Volcano, explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest from the tree tops and enjoy the tranquility of a Nosara Beach.

Where is Nosara Located? + Map

Nosara is on the Pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula in the Guanacaste province. From Liberia International Airport (LIR) is a 2 hour 30 minute drive. This is the most efficient and convenient entry point for the region.

Nosara, Costa Rica

Nicoya Peninsula, Guanacaste
Population: 8,716
Elevation : ‎118 mts.

FAQs About Visiting Nosara

What kind of vehicle is required for traveling around Nosara?

A 4x4 vehicle is highly recommended, particularly during the green season. While the main routes are steadily improving, the final stretches leading into Nosara and the access roads to outlying day-trip destinations like San Juanillo and Barrigona remain rugged, unpaved, and subject to river crossings or deep ruts.

Are credit cards accepted?

Most established hotels, boutique retail shops, yoga studios, and international restaurants seamlessly accept credit cards. However, having cash (both US Dollars and Costa Rican Colones) is highly recommended for paying local parking attendants, purchasing fresh fruit from roadside stands, or dining at traditional local sodas.

What are the dining and tipping customs?

Costa Rican law adds a 13% tax and a 10% service charge to your total, meaning an extra 23% is often added to your bill. Additional tipping for waiting staff is not mandatory because of the standard 10% service charge, but it is appreciated for excellent service.

What wildlife can you see?

Howler monkeys, iguanas, coatis, and nearby sea turtles via organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Association and the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge.

 

Let's Get to Know You

Your journey starts here. Share a little about yourself — your travel style and preferences — so we can create an itinerary that feels truly yours.