15 BEST Things to Do Near Nosara, Costa Rica
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The tropical paradise of Nosara, Costa Rica is on the top Pacific Coast Beaches in all of Costa Rica. Every year it welcomes thousands of yogis, nature lovers, beach bums, and water sports enthusiasts. This is thanks to its pristine lush jungle and extensive coastline.
Nosara has a small-town feel while still giving you everything you want in a beach town. This makes it an incredibly safe place in Costa Rica to visit with kids.
Plus, there are hundreds of great places to stay in Nosara, great restaurants, and several amazing beaches within just a few minutes’ drive. Nosara feels like Costa Rica 20 years ago, and you’ll fall in love with it from the second you arrive.
If you’re looking for the best things to do near Nosara Costa Rica, here are a few that will keep you entertained and give you a taste of the country’s natural wonders and unique culture.
Arrival To Nosara
Nosara is about 3 hours away from the Liberia International Airport, and about 5 hours away from the San Jose airport. We always rent a car from Adobe Rental Car when we go, and a larger car such as a 4×2 or a 4×4 is the best way to go. If you are renting a car and want a 10-20% discount, you can use our special discount.
RELATED POST: Driving In Costa Rica
Getting to Nosara is tricky. You’ll want a car that’s not a sedan because there are lots of dirt roads and speed bumps in the area. Relax and enjoy the ride, because you aren’t going to get to Nosara quickly! It’s important to note that while you may want to go to the Nosara area, all the action is off the main road into Playa Guiones.
Costa Rica weather has two seasons, and they are important when visiting Nosara. The dry season is generally a great time to visit Nosara in a smaller car, and in the rainy season, you’ll want to check ahead of time with your hotel to make sure you can get there because the dirt roads turn to pure mud.
There are buses that go to Nosara area regularly, you’ll want to check the bus schedule here
Nosara has an airstrip where domestic flights arrive, so you can fly into Nosara from either international airport.
Things To Do Near Nosara
Deep Sea Fishing
If you love to fish, this is, without a doubt, a “fin-tastic” activity to try. The deep blue waters off the coast of Nosara are bursting with diverse fish species, making it a great place for recreational fishing.
You can reel in the real big game including tuna, marlin, and sailfish. And with so many fishing charters available, you can always find a well-equipped boat and knowledgeable guide to make your excursions a success.
December to April is the best time to head to Nosara for deep-sea fishing. Not just because the weather is warmer and the waters are calmer but also because there are larger schools of fish at this time.
Horseback Riding
You can’t visit Nosara and not ride a horse! If you’re looking for fun activities to do that don’t involve wearing a fishing hat, definitely try horseback riding. Imagine galloping along gorgeous beaches and trotting through verdant greenery; it’s a dream come true.
Expert guides will lead you and your loved ones on well-trained horses, offering incredible insights into the flora and fauna you find along the way. A sunset ride along the golden fine sands of Playa Pelada, especially, is truly mesmerizing.
Take A Day Away From The Kids
Nosara is super unique in that you can have your kids spend a day or a week at Nosara Day Camp or Salty by Nosara Kid’s Camp.
They’ll spend time with other kids doing activities popular with locals. There’s everything from waterfall chasing and hiking to surf camp. Rates at the time of writing were about $75/day or $375 per week per child.
There is also Nosara Nannies, a locally owned and operated nanny service you can use to entertain the kids day or night. You can contact them directly via What’sApp? for rates and availability.
Escape Rooms
Nosara Escape has tow different types of escape rooms- one inside and one in the rainforest. These activities are for all ages, and are like escape rooms on steroids!
For the indoor escape rooms, you’ll choose between a surf escape room and a space escape room- each of which you’ll try to get out of within 60 minutes.
The Jungle Escape is outside, and you’ll run through the forest looking for clues to complete your challenge.
Visit A Nearby Beach
I’ll be the first to admit that beach hopping is pretty much my favorite activity in Costa Rica. And if you’re craving a bit of vitamin sea in a calm, less-crowded destination, the breathtaking beaches of Nosara will not disappoint.
The waters stay warm all year round, making the beaches perfect for surfing and swimming. I highly recommend a rental car in Costa Rica, and beach hopping in Nosara is one of the main reasons why. You can go to so many little beaches just 10-15 minutes away from the main beach.
Playa Guiones is the main beach here and one of the most frequented. You may find a little bit of a crowd, but the place is still not as busy as Tamarindo. It’s the kind of place where you can meditate, enjoy a quiet picnic, or just kick back under the trees near the shore and read a book. Playa Nosara, Pelada, Samara, Carrillo, and Ostional are also other beaches in the area worth checking out. Ostional is a great spot to watch the turtles nest.
Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary
Done dipping your toes in the sand? Why not head to Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary and hang out with and even volunteer to help some of the most adorable inhabitants of Costa Rica – the howler monkeys?
Here, where dozens of injured, abandoned, and orphaned howlers call home, you will not only spend time with these cute creatures; you’ll also have a chance to donate to the Refuge’s cause and truly make a difference in these animals’ lives.
While the majority of residents are howler monkeys, you will also find peccaries, raccoons, exotic birds, sloths, and other native animals, making this sanctuary one of the best experiences for animal lovers.
Nosara Biological Reserve
At Nosara Biological Reserve, you’ll find up to 90 acres of protected land where you can see diverse wildlife up close. Through the well-maintained trails, you will see howler monkeys, coatis, anteaters, raccoons, and iguanas that dwell in tropical and mangrove forests. You can explore the jungle on your own or make arrangements for a guided tour.
And it’s okay if you are not able to see everything in a single day. Next to the reserve is one of the most incredible boutique hotels in the Nicoya Peninsula, the Lagarta Lodge where you can relax and rejuvenate yourself for the next day. Stay here and enjoy free, easy access to the reserve!
ATV Tour
Strap on your helmet and get ready to explore the natural beauty of Nosara on four wheels. With an ATV tour, you’ll ride along stunning sun-kissed beaches, through lush forests, and up rugged hills for scenic views.
Along the way, you may spot some local wildlife – definitely keep an eye out for sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds. And don’t worry if you can’t drive. Most places offering ATV tours have professional guides too who would be happy to help you navigate the turbulent terrain. They will also show you where to look to spot animals.
Watch Sea Turtles Nest
If you travel to Nosara during the rainy season, specifically between July and November, you will have an opportunity to witness one of the most spectacular phenomena in the Nicoya Peninsula, the nesting of sea turtles.
The best place to experience this natural event is Playa Ostional, where hundreds of Olive Ridley sea turtles flock to the shore to lay their eggs. You will head to the Ostional Wildlife Refuge where you must book a tour with a guide to see the seat turtles nest. You’ll learn more about sea turtles, see them nest on the beach, and watch the newly-hatched babies try to make it to the water.
Enjoy A Yoga Class
With verdant greenery, untouched beaches, and a tranquil atmosphere, Nosara is the perfect place to find your inner peace. It’s easy to see why it’s a yogi’s paradise – the place is crawling with yoga studios, yoga retreats, and instructors to help travelers de-stress and reconnect with the innermost part of themselves.
You will find a yoga class in almost every hotel with everything a yogi could want. Even some events and workshops offer yoga. And here is the best part.
You don’t need to be a seasoned yogi to enjoy a class. Most yoga instructors offer yoga classes for beginners as well to help you start this beautiful journey of finding your inner buddha and “zen-ifying” your body and soul. The Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is a great place to start as they have multiple daily classes in English and Spanish.
Surf
Nosara is known for its consistent waves that offer both beginner and avid surfers an opportunity to carry out safe rides, so surfing is certainly an activity you don’t want to miss. Playa Guiones is where most of the fun is. Offering some of the best beach breaks in the region, this surf spot will truly deliver. Playa Santa Teresa isn’t far either, and it’s an epic spot to surf as well.
If you’re an expert surfer, visit any of the numerous surf schools in the Guiones area and rent a board. You can ask your hotel for the best recommendations on gear rentals. Surf lessons are also available for newbies during low tide.
Zip Lining
Zip lining is one of the most popular excursions in Costa Rica, and you can definitely do it in the Nosara area. Miss Sky Canopy Tours boasts the longest zip line in Costa Rica. You’ll zip through the trees while enjoying views of Ostional Beach and the Nosara River. The best way to experience this tour is to go directly through Miss Sky, and you’ll want to email for current pricing. They have one tour in the morning and one tour in the afternoon.
Waterfall Chasing
Some of the best waterfalls in Costa Rica are in the Guanacaste prvince, and there are several waterfalls in the Nosara area. The most famous is the Mala Noche Waterfall. It’s in the mountains not far from the actual town of Nosara, and you can get there by horseback, hiking, or ATV.
Snorkeling
With an abundance of tide pools near right near the shore, Nosara and its surrounding beaches offer great places to snorkel. The San Juanillo bay is the most popular place to take a snorkeling tour- make sure to stay for low tide to see the land formation that is similar to the Whale’s Tail in Uvita.
Sunset
Enjoy the sunset at any of the local beaches. Our favorite way to do so is to grab a 6 pack of Imperial and a couple of beach chairs and settle in for nature’s spectacular magic. You can hike up to the Mirador for spectacular views of the entire beach, or you can enjoy a beachside cocktail at La Luna.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Nosara?
The short answer is that any time is a great time to visit Nosara! It’s easier to get to Nosara in the dry season, and dirt roads can become muddy and slippery in the rainy season.
How long should I stay in Nosara?
If you want to do many activities and see a lot of different beaches then I recommend a week. A minimum stay would be three nights.
What’s the best way to get to Nosara?
Most people drive to Nosara in order to have the flexibility to travel in and around the town with ease. You can also take a public bus or even a domestic flight.
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Christa Jimenez
Welcome! I’m Christa, a Spanish teacher married to a handsome Costa Rican and mother of two bilingual daughters. We’ve spent over 25 years living in and traveling to Costa Rica with our daughters, and this website is my love letter to all things Costa Rica- and to bilingual parenting too. You can read my full story here. Thanks for stopping by!
