Nosara, a rising star on the Costa Rican coast, is captivating visitors with its unique blend of laid-back beach vibes, world-class surf, and a welcoming culture. The locals, known for their warmth, make every visitor feel at home in this affordable surfside paradise.
We headed down to Nosara with a group of friends for a birthday celebration. We spent about a week exploring the area and taking advantage of our tropical paradise vacation rental. This was my third trip to Costa Rica, and I am looking forward to another visit.
In this post, you will learn about the best things to do in Nosara, like surfing and yoga, and where to stay. I’ll also reveal some of my favorite restaurants, like La Luna.
Where is Nosara?
Nosara is located on the Nicoya Peninsula on the Guanacaste coast. A large part of Nosara sits within the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, which protects the nesting ground of olive ridley sea turtles.
How do I get to Nosara?
Getting to Nosara By Air
Nosara is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Liberia Airport and a six-hour drive from San Jose International Airport. There is also a regional airport near Nosara. A flight on Sansa takes about thirty minutes.
Nosara By Car
The most common way to reach Nosara is by driving from Liberia, the closest international airport. The two and half hour drive is not for the faint of heart. Once you turn off the main highway, the last hour and a half or so of the drive is over bumpy, unpaved backroads.
A four-wheel drive vehicle is a must, especially in the rainy season. Roads can flood, and the potholes can be as big as cars. I tell you this not to scare you; it is drivable, and thousands of tourists make this drive every year. But you should be prepared to drive and rent the right kind of car.
What is Nosara known for?
Three things spring to mind when thinking about Nosara: surf, yoga, and life longevity.
While the first two are more self-explanatory—300+ days of surf a year and endless yoga studios—the third requires more explanation.
Nosara is home to one of five blue zones in the world, where locals often live to be over 100 years old. A blue zone has several characteristics that fit Nosara, including a slower-paced lifestyle (afternoon naps), a strong sense of community, a connection to the earth, and fresh local food. Costa Ricans can teach us a thing or two about enjoying a Pura Vida life!
The Top Activities in Nosara, Costa Rica
Go Surfing
Surfing in Nosara is at the top of most visitors’ bucket lists, even if you are a novice. One reason that surfing is so popular in Nosara is that the swell is consistently good at multiple surf breaks.
The best waves are often caught from March to November, which tends to be in the slow season when it rains more often. However, surfing is generally good all year long in Nosara.
Some of the best places to surf in Nosara are Playa Nosara, Playa Peleda, Playa Guinoes, Playa Ostional, and Playa Garza. Playa Guinoes is one of the more popular surf spots because the left and right breaks combined with a sandy bottom encourage everyone, including novice surfers, to give it a try.
If you are not bringing your own surfboards, there are multiple places nearby to rent boards. You can also walk down Playa Guinoes and flag down an instructor for a lesson.
Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to surf while we were in Nosara. During our stay, an unusually large swell came through, and the waves were way too big for me. Our friend counted, and Gary had to duck dive 17 times to get out past the breakers to catch his first wave. Fortunately, that is an anomaly and not the norm in Nosara.
Relax on Soft Sand Beaches
Nosara is home to several picturesque beaches where you can relax on the soft sand and let the waves gently lap at your feet. A beach day might also include a walk along the ocean’s edge or floating in a large tide pool.
The best beaches include Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada, Playa Garza, and San Juanillo Beach.
Take a Yoga Class
Yoga studios and retreats have become synonymous with Costa Rica, and this is one of the reasons people love to visit. The studios are known for creating peaceful environments that take advantage of the natural surroundings to enhance the tranquility yoga practitioners feel during and after their practice.
During my stay in Nosara, I often visited Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort to practice yoga. The large yoga studio is one of many fitness rooms and pavilions designed to relax the senses. The lush forest views through large glass windows are like seeing into another world. If you are lucky you might even see monkeys swinging from trees while you practice yoga.
The yoga teachers at Bodhi Tree are well-trained and provide terrific instruction for every level. Our class included some of my friends who practice often, like me and beginners, and we all felt relaxed after our classes.
There are several other yoga studios in the area, including Harmony Hotel and Nalu.
Explore a Wildlife Sanctuary
Nosara is home to two wildlife sanctuaries: Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary and Nosara Refuge for Wildlife.
International Animal Rescue
International Animal Rescue, formerly known as Nosara Refuge for Wildlife, aims to rehabilitate and release Howler Monkeys back into the wild.
Sadly, as Nosara grows in popularity, the number of injured monkeys due to human interaction increases as well. Electrocution is a significant cause of injury.
International Animal Rescue is working to implement programs to keep power lines away from tree branches, install safe pathways using rope bridges, and insulate power lines and transformers.
Visitors can schedule a visit online.
Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary
At Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary, the mission is to provide a permanent, spacious area and care for injured wildlife that cannot be released back into the wild. The sanctuary cares for primates, birds, and other wildlife, such as opossums, raccoons, squirrels, and a collared peccary.
Anyone 5 years of age or older can book a visit, but please note you are not permitted to touch the wildlife.
Take an ATV Tour
We took an ATV tour to get out and explore Nosara. Walking distance from our vocational rental, Monkey Quads offered an ATV that let us see more of Nosara. We took our ATVs about 45 from Playa Guiones to Playa Nosara, where we went snorkeling. I am not sure if it was the time of day, but due to the incoming high tide, it was hard to see the fish.
After snorkeling, we hung out on the beach for a bit before heading to lunch at a local soda. It was the first Tica meal we had, and we enjoyed it very much. I had a chicken dish with rice, beans, and plantains.
During lunch, a storm rolled through, and it was pouring on our ride back. Even though we were soaked by the time we got back, it was so much fun riding the ATVs in the rain.
Catch a Sunset
Sunset is a magical time in Nosara. There are a few great spots to catch the sunset.
Beach Sunset
The sunset along Playa Guiones is beautiful.
La Luna
We had a sunset dinner at La Luna while we sipped delicious cocktails. Set just a few feet from the water, every outdoor table has a view of the ocean, and you can hear the waves crashing on the shore.
Largata Lodge
From the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, enjoy sunset views and cocktails at Lagarta Lodge.
Coyol
The serene grassy outdoor area at Coyol was made for watching sunsets. Grab a cocktail and take a turn on the large swing as you watch the sunset. Coyol is described in more detail in the dining section below.
Go for a Hike
Nosara Biological Reserve is a popular spot for hiking. If you head to Largata Lodge and pay a small fee, you will have access to multiple trail options throughout a 90-acre reserve. The hikes are generally self-guided, but you can hire a wildlife guide to escort you on your hike and educate you on your surroundings.
Explore the Nosara jungle with over 18 kilometers of trails that were created with the help of the Nosara Civic Association. Walking, running, horseback riding, and biking are permitted on the trails.
Explore a nearby town
While visiting Nosara, we wanted to see what else was nearby. We headed to Samara, an under-the-radar backpacker beach town. The long stretch of beach is sandwiched between the ocean and a strip of bars and restaurants. Our visit was during the rainy season, so the town was quiet, except for the wild horses we spotted running down the beach. But, in the dry season, Samara is known to be livelier.
While in Samara, you can go shopping, surf, kayak, snorkel at Isal Chorro, or hang out on the beach.
During our drive, we checked out a couple of other beaches and stopped at a river crossing to watch the monkeys swing from tree to tree.
Go Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a popular activity, especially at sunset. Riding along the beach as the sun starts to set can be a magical experience. There are several different options for horseback riding tours in Nosara. You can ride on the beach, ride through the lush rainforest, or combine the two for the ultimate experience.
Explore the Secret Mala Noche Waterfall
The Mala Noche Waterfall near Rio Nosara is on most guide lists of things to do in Nosara, but it is notoriously hard to find. Most people sign up for a tour to avoid getting lost or missing the Waterfall. During the rainy season, the Waterfall creates a plunge pool in the forest, ideal for swimming on a hot day.
In addition to jumping off the Waterfall, there are also repelling tours.
Pro Tip: Talk to your tour guide to make sure the waterfall is running. Our visit was in June, when the waterfall was more like a trickle, so we skipped this excursion and took an ATV tour instead.
Go Ziplining
If you haven’t been ziplining in Costa Rica, now is your chance. It’s almost like a rite of passage for Costa Rican tourists. A popular and convenient place for ziplining in Nosara is Miss Sky Canopy Tours, which is in a 2500-acre forest. The canopy tour includes 13 cables, a viewing area, a waterfall, and a beach.
See Sea Turtles at Ostional Wildlife Refuge
Have you ever seen baby sea turtles trying to make it from their nest to the water’s edge? It is a moving experience and one I hope you get to see. I saw it in Cabo San Lucas and was amazed at how the baby turtles instantly knew where to go.
In Nosara, you have the best chance of seeing the turtles during the rainy season, beginning in August and before a new moon. Olive ridley turtles are known to congregate offshore for a few days before a steady stream of turtles make their way to the beach to lay their eggs. The turtles often lay between 80 and 100 eggs.
The turtles usually come ashore at night and head back into the water before 6 a.m.
About 45-54 days later, the eggs hatch, generally at night, and the baby turtles head toward the water. Sadly, not all turtles make it to the ocean and are picked off by dogs and vultures.
Get a Spa Treatment
Enjoy the Pura Vida lifestyle and blue zone influences by relaxing with a wellness treatment. If you are staying in town, there is no shortage of day spas, such as the Gilded Iguana, Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, and Harmony Hotel.
In Nosara, the spa can come to you. During our stay, two masseurs came to the house a couple of times that week!
Go Shopping
Even though Nosara is a laid-back town, there are several excellent stores in town. Whether you are shopping for a new outfit, souvenir, or even a snack, Nosara has unique boutiques that cater to an international crowd.
Shop like a local at the farmers’ markets, where you can find produce, fruits, snacks, and more!
Explore Boca Nosara
The Boca Nosara river mouth and Río Montaña are where you can see mangroves and catch a glimpse of wildlife, such as birds, howler monkeys, and crocodiles. You can explore the river in a boat, kayak, or SUP tour.
Deep Sea Fishing
Fresh food, including seafood, is important to the local community. Visitors can spend the day on the water deep sea fishing off the Guanacaste coast. Due to the topography of the area, the sea floor quickly drops off into deep waters, where you can find a large variety of fish, like marlin, yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, sailfish, and snapper.
Start Your Day with a Fresh Juice
As a blue zone, Nosara is keen on healthy foods, including juices. Freshly blended fruit or green juice, or a fresh cold coconut, is a refreshing way to start your day. If juices aren’t for you, try an acai bowl. Many of the local restaurants and hotels have juice bars or juice options on their menus.
My favorite juice is watermelon with mint, and I always enjoy coconut water after a yoga class.
Best Places to Eat in Nosara
Try a Soda
There is nothing like eating the local cuisine while visiting a new country. In Costa Rica, you would be remiss if you didn’t eat at a soda at least once during your visit. A typical soda is an open-air restaurant that serves combination dishes, like protein with rice, beans, and plantains.
La Luna
La Luna, an outdoor restaurant with picnic tables on the beach, was one of my favorite restaurants in Nosara. I ate at La Luna twice – lunch and dinner. The beachy vibe at La Luna adds to the experience. The Mediterranean-inspired menu includes seafood, pizza, salads, and steak.
Pro Tip: Make a reservation in advance. Even during the rainy (low) season, La Luna gets crowded.
Coyol
High in the hills above Nosara is Coyol. While it is an adventure to reach the restaurant, once you do, you will see the effort was worth it. The inviting modern yet rustic hilltop restaurant (think Magnolia Farms decor) could be in any major city. As you venture out back, there is an open-air grassy area with a swing that overlooks the town. It is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and watch the colors of the sunset light up the sky.
Inside Coyol is a small upscale restaurant serving elevated cuisine. Given the size of our group, we collectively tried most of the items on the menu. My star of the night was the appetizers. Simple dishes that were wonderfully prepared.
On a side note, the cost of dinner at Coyol is more akin to a nice dinner in the United States and is more expensive than some of the other good restaurants in the area.
Pro Tip: If you are driving yourself to the restaurant, I suggest doing so in a four-wheel drive. The slick, steep, and twisty dirt roads are a bit unnerving in the rainy season.
Huacas at Terra Magnifica Hotel
Huacas offers a gastronomic experience where the chef caters to dietary restrictions and preferences. The food is locally sourced from the community and is incredibly fresh. Be sure to enjoy the views while dining at Huacas.
Harmony Hotel
We had lunch at Harmony Hotel, and as we walked onto the grounds, we were treated to a scene out of a wild animal park. Several anteaters or that is what I am calling them, were frolicking with their babies in the outdoor green space. It was cute to see.
Inside the open-air restaurant that overlooks the pool and garden, there is a lovely restaurant that prides itself on serving local, fresh food. Everything from the guacamole to the bowls and Casado was delicious.
Where should I stay in Nosara?
Bodhi Tree
Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is an exquisite setting surrounded by trees, giving you the sense that nature is all around you. The natural fibers used to construct the hotel and the fitness studios fit seamlessly into the environment.
Nalu Nosara
Nalu Nosara is a family-owned boutique hotel consisting of three unique multi-bedroom luxury homes designed by award-winning architect Benjamin Garcia Saxe. In addition to the beautifully designed villas, each with its own saltwater pool, guests can take advantage of the fitness studio and spa that offers therapeutic bodywork treatments, physical therapy, and chiropractic sessions.
Playa Guiones Surfside Home
While in Costa Rica, we stayed at a tropical surfside oasis which is as close to Playa Guiones as you can get. We were eight guests (four couples) who enjoyed hanging out together in the large backyard while maintaining privacy in our spacious rooms with ensuites.
The luxurious four-bedroom gated home includes four and a half bathrooms, a pool, a bar, several outdoor seating areas, an outdoor cooking area, a covered patio with a large dining table, and multiple kitchens.
Due to several environmental protection measures, all of the homes on Playa Guiones are separated from the beach by a short mangrove beach path. Depending on the tide, getting to/from the beach was a small adventure, and water shoes are highly recommended. However, it was not a big deal and added to the fun of our vacation. My husband and his friend were stoked that the surf was a short walk and that there were multiple breaks accessible from the house.
The house is in the J section of Palya Giones, which provides a quiet street and a short walk to shops, restaurants, and Bodhi Tree.
How many days should I spend in Nosara?
Getting to Nosara from the United States is a bit of a trek, given the flight and the bumpy drive. I would suggest spending five to six days in Nosara, including travel days, so that you have several full days to relax and explore Nosara.
Top 10 Costa Rica Rental Car Tips
- Make a car reservation ahead of time.
- You don’t have to rent a car from the airport. There are several off-airport options.
- When you rent a car, specify if you want a manual or an automatic.
- Pay attention to the deductible amount.
- Check to see if a second driver is free.
- Deposit fees are standard in Costa Rica and can run thousands of dollars. However, you might be able to reduce your deposit fees by opting for extra insurance.
- The deposit may take time to be reversed on your credit card.
- Check the rental insurance amounts before booking your car. Sometimes, these fees are not disclosed at the top.
- Liability protection is required in Costa Rica and can cost $13+ a day.
- To rent a car, you will need your passport and your valid driver’s license (not a paper copy) with an expiration date after your rental concludes.
When is the best time to visit Nosara?
Surfers prefer to spend time in Nosara during the rainy season, which runs from May to August. This is also prime turtle season. Although I was in Nosara in June, I didn’t see the turtles.
If you plan to spend your days at the beach, you might prefer the dry season, which runs from December to April.
Takeaways from Nosara
I hope you enjoyed my guide to the best things to do in Nosara. If you are thinking about exploring other parts of Costa Rica, then you should check out my post about the best things to do in Costa Rica.
Those who are looking for the next surf spot might enjoy my post about the best surf spots in Punta Mita, Mexico, and the ultimate guide to Namotu, Fiji.
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I’ve never heard of Nosara and I must say it’s beautiful and there are lots of activities in Nosara, surfing and all the outdoor adventures being top on my list. I hope to explore Nosara someday.
I am so happy I could introduce you to a new destination!
Wow, Nosara looks like the perfect place for both adventurous and relaxing activities! I love to do adventurous things like ziplining and horseback riding when I’m on a trip so this looks perfect.
I visited Costa Rica years ago, but I didn’t get to visit this town. It definitely seems like the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure! I’ll definitely keep this area in mind for whenever I make it back there – thanks for such a helpful and detailed post!
Wow. Nahara definitely wasn’t on my radar, but I am definitely intrigued after reading your blog! The ziplining and horseback riding on the white sand beaches particularly looked like fun. Thanks for the guide.