Laid back Nosara, tucked along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, is one of the country’s hottest destinations. As part of the world’s five officially-recognized Blue Zones for longevity, wellness-seekers flock to its numerous yoga retreats, while gentle, rolling waves attract surfers of all abilities. This guide spotlights the best things to do in Nosara, to help you maximize your time in this little slice of paradise.
Jump to:
- Go Surfing
- Join a Yoga Class
- Kayak or Paddle the Mangroves
- Hike to Mala Noche Waterfall
- Swim in the Playa Guiones Tide Pools
- Spot Endangered Turtles at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
- Go for a Jungle Walk
- Explore the Nosara Biological Reserve
- Observe Rehabilitated Monkeys and Birds at the Sibu Animal Sanctuary
- Taste Regional Cuisine at a Local Cooking Class
- Soak Up the Sunset
- Visit the Weekly Farmers Market
- Go for a Bike Ride
- Take a Sunset Horseback Ride
- Ride an ATV through the Jungle
- Enjoy a Beachside Dinner at La Luna
Go Surfing
Before anything else, Nosara was a surf town, and surfing remains one of the most popular things to do in Nosara.
The waves here are beautiful, clean rollers that break far from shore, with plenty of space for all ability levels. Intermediate to advanced surfers will find smooth, consistent lefts and rights. Meanwhile, beginners can catch sturdy whitewater and still enjoy a long ride to shore.
The best waves are at Playa Guiones, which is often credited as one of the longest and most consistent breaks in Central America. You’ll find plenty of surf shops and instructors in Guiones, making it easy to either rent your own board or take a lesson.
Rentals
Most surf shops in Guiones will rent out boards either by the hour, day, or week.
We’ve rented boards by the week at Juan Surfo’s, and found they have a great selection at a reasonable price. They’re extremely flexible, and will also let you swap out your board for a different model as often as you want.
Lessons
Surf schools are also a dime a dozen, particularly around Guiones, for those who prefer to take a lesson.
Some of the more famous schools include Nosara Surf Academy and Nosara Surf School, while you can also book a lesson via Viator or other guides.
Join a Yoga Class
As one of Costa Rica’s top wellness destinations, yoga is one of the most popular things to do in Nosara. Its zen-like jungle setting plays host to a series of yoga-focused resorts and retreats, which also offer numerous drop-in classes.
Everyone from beginners to gurus will find something to enjoy, with classes including everything from restorative yin to power vinyasa.
Two of the region’s most popular yoga resorts are the Bodhi Tree and Harmony Hotel, each offering multiple classes per day.
You can expect (very Western) rates around $20/class at most studios, but just consider it the cost of the experience. After lying in shavasana beneath gently waving palms, it’s hard not to leave class feeling absolutely restored.
Kayak or Paddle the Mangroves
Nosara sits at the confluence of the Río Nosara and Río Montana rivers, both with a rich ecosystem home to crocodiles, monkeys, birds, iguanas, and more.
There are multiple tour operators hosting guided tours through these scenic mangroves, via either kayak or paddle board. You can explore tour offerings at Experience Nosara, Tierra Costa, Tico Tours, and others.
Most tours last approximately 2 hours, and include a snack and refreshments during your outing.
Hike to Mala Noche Waterfall
Mala Noche is arguably the most popular hike near Nosara, with a short trail leading you to the falls. The entire trek is just 1.2 miles roundtrip, thus making it an easy morning outing.
The 65-foot Mala Noche waterfall is most dramatic during the rainy season. But the placid swimming pool at its base makes a refreshing dip, any time of year.
What to Bring
While relatively flat, the hike still includes some rock-scrambling. (You might also cross a couple of small streams, depending on the season).
Be sure to wear sturdy sneakers and appropriate hiking attire, and bring adequate water. Bug spray is also helpful, especially during the rainy season.
Once you reach the falls, a bathing suit and towel feel like a must. Snacks or a picnic lunch to enjoy beneath the falls are also a nice-to-have.
Trailhead directions and AllTrails link.
Swim in the Playa Guiones Tide Pools
Playa Guiones is arguably one of the most popular beaches in the region. However, the tide pools towards its southern end remain a lesser-known secret (we got tipped off by a local).
Here, rocky outcroppings have created protected swimming holes, big enough for you and a few friends. Taking a dip in these naturally-formed pools is a fun novelty, and one of the more unique things to do in Nosara.
While splashing around in your own personal pool, you’re also likely to spot other tide pool residents, including crabs, octopus, fish, sea urchins, and more.
You won’t find the tide pools on Google Maps, but the closest beach entrance is Baker’s (directions). From here, walk south along the beach to the rocks.
Spot Endangered Turtles at the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
Located about a 30-minute drive north of Nosara, the Ostional Refuge is one of Costa Rica’s top destinations for sea turtle viewing.
During nesting season (between July – November), hundreds of thousands of turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, with babies hatching and making their way back down to sea approximately two months later.
(Note: even if you’re visiting outside the peak nesting months, there’s still a strong likelihood you’ll spot sea turtles along the beach. The numbers just won’t be to the same extent.)
In order to protect the animals and avoid unnecessary stress, visits to Ostional are only permitted with a licensed guide. You can view a list of approved tour guides at the refuge’s Facebook page.
To learn more about visiting Ostional, head to the Wildlife Conservation Alliance’s FAQ page.
Can you only see turtles in the Ostional Refuge? No, you can find both Olive Ridley, green, and leatherback turtles throughout the region. We’ve observed them laying eggs on Playa Guiones, even off-season.
However, please note that turtles are a protected species across Costa Rica. Even if you are outside of a protected refuge, you must keep a safe distance and avoid engaging or disturbing the animals in any way.
Go for a Jungle Walk
The Nosara Civic Association maintains a series of manicured trails connecting Guiones and Pelada, making it easy to walk between neighborhoods without stepping onto the main highway.
These lovely footpaths have preserved the natural ecosystem, allowing you to experience an immersive jungle walk without leaving town.
Along the way, you’ll find educational plaques labeling the different tree species, and you may even spot resident howler monkeys swinging from the branches.
Trails are spaced at intervals throughout greater Nosara. You’ll typically walk perhaps half a mile through jungle, before the trail deposits you on a paved road, and picks up again slightly further down. All together, the trail system covers over 5 miles of regularly-maintained pathways.
Trail entrances are clearly labeled with wooden “Senderos NCA Trails” signs. You can review the full trail map on the NSA website, as well as a downloadable PDF version.
Explore the Nosara Biological Reserve
This private, 90-acre reserve is owned and managed by the Lagarta Lodge, one of the area’s original luxe hotels. It’s accessible to the public via the hotel grounds (with a $6 fee).
Within the preserve, you can enjoy hiking, kayaking, paddle boarding, horseback riding, or even book a private birdwatching and wildlife tour. However you choose to recreate, you’re likely to spy numerous exotic birds, monkeys, iguanas, anteaters, coatis, and maybe even a crocodile.
The best time to visit the reserve is early morning, when the animals are most active. Learn more at the Lagarta nature reserve website.
Observe Rehabilitated Monkeys and Birds at the Sibu Animal Sanctuary
The Sibu Animal Sanctuary does extraordinary work, rescuing and providing a safe “forever home” to injured and abused monkeys and birds who cannot be rereleased into the wild.
The animals get to live out their days in this lush, 50-acre sanctuary that preserves the natural surroundings they’re used to.
Tours run three days a week, led by the sanctuary’s founder. You’ll explore the rich jungle habitat as you learn about the animals, their rehabilitation, and the work Sibu is doing to advocate for Costa Rican wildlife.
Advance reservations required; you can book directly on the Sibu website.
Note: guests must be age 5 and older to visit. Sibu does not let visitors touch or hold the animals, to prevent any further stress or harm.
Taste Regional Cuisine at a Local Cooking Class
We have a soft spot for Costa Rican cuisine. It’s nothing complex – a typical casado (the national dish) consists of rice, beans, salad, fried plantains, and a seasoned protein. But the flavors blend perfectly into a comfort dish that is uniquely satisfying in its simplicity.
Near Nosara, you’ll find a few cooking classes offered at nearby farms and homes. It’s a great opportunity to get off the tourist circuit, for a more authentic local experience.
During each class, families will open up their kitchen as they teach you about traditional Costa Rican cooking, before you enjoy the meal prepared around the table together.
Soak Up the Sunset
Costa Rican sunsets are legendary, lighting up the sky in candy-colored hues more evenings than not. It’s a sublime end to the day, sitting on the sand as you watch the last rays dip below the horizon.
You’ll inevitably have gorgeous sunset views, no matter where you’re staying near Nosara. However, if you’re looking for the iconic beach photo, Playa Guiones is one of the more popular spots (which also makes it crowded during the high season).
For a quieter alternative, you can also head to the beaches of Playa Pelada, where the waving palms backlit against the setting sun create a quintessential Costa Rican image.
(While at Playa Pelada, consider watching the sunset over dinner at La Luna, below).
Visit the Weekly Farmers Market
Every Tuesday, the sidewalks lining Downtown Guiones overflow with local vendors selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables, to artisan jewelry, home goods, and other handicrafts.
Much of the clientele are gringos, and the prices match the audience (i.e. don’t expect it to be any cheaper than what you’d find back home). But the farmers market still makes a lovely morning outing.
Pick up a fresh fruit smoothie, and enjoy languidly perusing the stalls. Google Maps directions.
Go for a Bike Ride
Biking offers an easy way to venture further afield around Nosara, perhaps discovering a new neighborhood or surf break.
In Guiones, you can rent everything from beach cruisers, to e-bikes or road bikes, depending on your mood. Nosara MTB (located in the Gilded Iguana) has the most variety in their bike offerings, but you can also snag an e-bike at Cali Bike.
As is only fitting in Nosara, the shops also rent out surf racks for your bike.
Bike Tours
If you’re a more seasoned cyclist, or just looking for a longer mountain bike ride, you’ll also find guided tours on Viator.
These tours will get you out onto Nosara’s backroads, jungle trails, and unpopulated beaches for a more comprehensive look at the Guanacaste region.
Take a Sunset Horseback Ride
As the day transitions to golden hour, horseback riding on the beach is one of the more popular things to do in Nosara.
Local guides will lead you on a languid walk through jungle paths down to the beach, timed perfectly with the setting sun. The full trip is usually around 2 hours.
You’ll find plenty of tour operators, including Tropical Tours, Playa Ponies, and Tico Tours.
Ride an ATV through the Jungle
For the thrill-seekers, ATVing is one of the more adventurous things to do in Nosara.
You’ll gain a unique (and adventurous) tour of the Nosara backcountry, racing through lush jungle terrain on a guided excursion.
After the ATV ride, most outings also include lunch and an additional add-on activity, ranging from an organic coffee farm tour to swimming at a remote waterfall, depending on the tour you pick.
Enjoy a Beachside Dinner at La Luna
Most visitors don’t leave Nosara without enjoying a meal at Playa Pelada’s Restaurante La Luna. The food is perfectly good, although it’s the setting that truly sets the experience apart.
Sitting on a secluded, crescent-shaped beach and framed by gently waving palms, it’s a heavenly destination for a more “special” dinner during your time in Nosara.
Tip: Tables book up, so be sure to make reservations in advance (which you can do on the La Luna website). We recommend getting a table between 30-60 minutes before sunset.