What to Do in Nosara, Costa Rica: Best Beaches, Activities & Tips
Discovering Nosara, Costa Rica: surf, wellness & pura vida
Looking for that one Costa Rican destination that blends laid-back surf town charm, yoga retreats, hidden beaches, and howler monkey wake-up calls? You're thinking of Nosara. Tucked away on the Nicoya Peninsula, this coastal gem isn’t just another beach town, it’s a lifestyle. Whether you're coming as a couple, a family with kids in tow, or a group of friends chasing sun and surf, Nosara delivers. Big time.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before heading to Nosara:
What makes Nosara so special (and why some folks never leave)
The best things to do in and around town (spoiler: it’s more than surfing)
Where to eat, sleep, and recharge your soul
How to get there (and why you really want a rental car)
Tips that’ll save you time, money, and a few mosquito bites
A handy FAQ to wrap things up
Why Nosara is not your typical beach town
There’s something about Nosara that hooks you in. Maybe it’s the way dirt roads lead to million-dollar sunsets. Or how the jungle spills right onto the beach. Or that the guy next to you at breakfast just came from a dawn surf session and a sunrise meditation, and he looks like he hasn’t checked his phone in days. Nosara is not built for mass tourism. And that’s exactly the point.
It’s remote but connected: Wi-Fi is strong (for digital nomads), but nature is stronger.
It’s a surf mecca: Playa Guiones has one of the most consistent beach breaks in Central America.
It’s a wellness hub: From yoga retreats to organic cafes, this place knows how to feed your body and soul.
It’s expat-friendly, but still Tico at heart: Locals and foreigners have found a rhythm here that just… works.
Travel tip: Nosara is dusty during dry season (Dec-April), so expect some “natural exfoliation” on your legs if you’re walking around in flip-flops.
Best things to do in Nosara (besides surfing)
Nosara isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about slowing down, breathing in, and soaking up the pura vida vibe. That said, there’s plenty to do, whether you're chasing waves, watching wildlife, or just sipping your smoothie bowl by the beach.
Surfing Playa Guiones
Even if you’ve never touched a surfboard in your life, Guiones is the place to try. The waves are gentle enough for beginners in the morning and pick up nicely for more advanced surfers later in the day.
Consistent waves year-round
Great for beginners and intermediates
Surfboard rentals: $15-$25/day
Surf lessons: Around $60/hour
I wiped out three times during my first session… and still came out smiling like a kid at recess.
Yoga with a jungle soundtrack
Nosara’s a global yoga hub. You don’t have to be vegan, flexible, or wearing Lululemon to fit in. Just show up. It’s a great way to start the day: sweaty, centered, and ready for your second breakfast.
Best studios: : Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, Blue Spirit, and The Harmony Hotel
Price: $15-$20 per session
Sunset sessions are magical (think howler monkeys + ocean breeze)
Tip: Book ahead in high season, spots fill fast.
Playa Pelada for quiet sunsets
Sunset at La Luna: Technically, this is a restaurant. But locals and travelers alike treat it like a daily ritual. Watching the sun melt into the Pacific from a table with your toes in the sand? Yeah, this is the Nosara version of church.
Just north of Guiones
Calmer, rockier, ideal for tide pool exploring
Bring water shoes
Hiking & Wildlife at Nosara Biological Reserve
This is a super chill way to explore the jungle without needing hiking boots or a machete. You’ll feel a million miles from the beach… and then realize it’s just a 10-minute walk back to your smoothie bar.
Trails wind through mangroves and dry forest
Entrance: ~$10 donation
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Wildlife: howler monkeys, coatis, iguanas, tons of birds
Trail difficulty: easy to moderate
Early morning is best for birdwatching
River kayaking on the Río Nosara
River kayaking on the Río Nosara offers a peaceful yet immersive way to experience the region’s lush mangroves and abundant wildlife. Glide through calm waters, spot howler monkeys and colorful birds, and soak in the serenity of Nosara’s natural beauty.
Rentals and tours available (around $45-$60)
Paddle past iguanas, herons, maybe a crocodile (don’t worry, they’re shy)
ATV or e-bike tours
ATV or e-bike tours in Nosara are an exhilarating way to explore the region’s rugged backroads, hidden beaches, and scenic jungle trails. Whether you’re craving a bit of adrenaline or a more laid-back ride, these guided adventures let you discover Nosara from a whole new angle.
Explore hidden trails and hilltop views
Budget: $80-$120 depending on the provider
Visit Ostional for sea turtle nesting (seasonal)
If your timing is right, this will be one of the most magical things you’ll see in Costa Rica. During arribadas (mass nesting events), thousands of olive ridley sea turtles come ashore to lay eggs.
Arribadas (mass nesting events) occur mainly July-December
Tours: Around $40 with a local guide (You must go with a certified guide, it’s a protected area)
Night visits recommended
Bonus: If you're into food (who isn't?), try a local casado at a soda (typical Costa Rican restaurant). For $6-$8, you’ll get a plate that’ll keep you full 'til dinner.
How to get to Nosara (and why the journey’s part of the fun)
Getting to Nosara takes a little patience, but trust me, it’s worth the bumpy ride.
From Liberia Airport (LIR): about 2.5 to 3.5 hours by car. It’s the closest international airport and has a growing number of direct flights from North America.
From San José (SJO): 5 to 6 hours by car, depending on weather and traffic
By shuttle or domestic flight: there’s a tiny airstrip near Nosara, and Sansa Air runs quick domestic flights from San José
My tip: Rent a 4WD or AWD vehicle. Even if the main road seems okay, side streets can be pure jungle mud after a good rain. We got stuck twice in our first 24 hours. Lesson learned.
FAQ: Nosara travel tips
Is Nosara safe? Yes, it’s one of the safest beach towns in Costa Rica. Petty theft can happen, don’t leave stuff in your rental car.
Do I need a 4x4 to get around? Highly recommended. Roads are unpaved, bumpy, and sometimes steep.
When’s the best time to visit? Dry season (December to April) is most popular, but green season (May to August) brings lush views and lower prices.
Is it family-friendly? Absolutely. Surf schools, calm beaches like Pelada, and wildlife tours make it ideal for families.
Is there Wi-Fi for remote work? Yes! Many cafes and hotels have decent Wi-Fi, and coworking spaces like Outpost cater to digital nomads.
What should I pack? Bug spray, reef-safe sunscreen, flip-flops, water shoes (for waterfalls), light clothes, and a flashlight for walking at night.
Is it okay to swim at Playa Guiones? Yes, but check the tide. It’s a surf beach, and currents can get strong. Stick to low tide if you’re not confident in waves.
Ready to explore Nosara? Here's why you’ll need a car
In short? Nosara is a place you feel, not just visit. It's peaceful and raw, stylish yet grounded. Whether you’re learning to surf at 40, tasting casados on a jungle patio, or watching the sun dip behind the waves at Guiones, this town quietly gets under your skin. And trust me, you’ll want to come back.
Whether you’re heading out for sunrise yoga, scouting empty beaches, or zipping over to San Juanillo for fresh ceviche, having your own vehicle changes everything. Nosara is spread out, and most of the magic lies just a little off the main trail.
Renting a car (ideally a 4WD) gives you:
Total freedom with your schedule
Access to the best beaches and waterfalls
A safer, more comfortable way to explore with family or friends
Book your car in advance, especially during high season, inventory disappears fast.