Nosara
Save12 hand-picked places in 5 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
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Tips
7 places on the map
Top 10
- 1
Long protected surf beach with consistent waves and wide sunsets.
3 tips
- Beginner waves at low to mid tide
- No buildings on the sand
- Watch for rip currents
📷 Photos
- 2
Rocky cove beach with tide pools and a famous blowhole at high tide.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Explore tide pools at low tide
- Great sunset spot
- Quieter than Guiones
📷 Photos
- 3
Beach refuge famous for mass arrivals of nesting olive ridley turtles.
3 tips
- Arribadas happen around last quarter moon
- Night visits require a local guide
- Dirt road needs a 4x4 in rainy season
📷 Photos
- 4
Private reserve with mangrove and forest trails by the Nosara river.
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Trails start near Lagarta Lodge
- Bring insect repellent
📷 Photos
- 5
Calm crescent bay with a fishing village south of Nosara.
3 tips
- Good for swimming
- Fresh fish at local sodas
- About 15 minutes by car
📷 Photos
- 6
Beachfront restaurant on the rocks at Pelada, ideal for sunset.
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Arrive before sunset for a table
- Mediterranean-style menu
- Book in high season
📷 Photos
- 7
Laid-back local beach shack on Pelada serving casados and fish.
3 tips
- Try the fish casado
- Cheap and casual
- Feet-in-the-sand seating
📷 Photos
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Before you go: Nosara tips
Transportation
- Fly into the airstrip: Small domestic flights from San Jose land at Nosara airstrip, avoiding long, bumpy drives.
- Rent a 4x4: Roads are mostly dirt and can be dusty or muddy. A 4x4 is best for exploring.
- Get around by bike or golf cart: Many locals use bikes, ATVs or golf carts between beaches.
Security
- Respect rip currents: Playa Guiones can have strong currents. Swim near surfers or lifeguards.
- Do not leave valuables: Theft from cars and beaches happens. Keep belongings with you.
- Watch for crocodiles: Crocodiles live near the river mouth. Avoid swimming there.
Saving
- Eat at sodas: Local sodas serve casados and gallo pinto cheaply.
- Shop at the farmers market: Buy fresh produce at local markets rather than pricey supermarkets.
- Visit in green season: Prices drop from May to November, with fewer crowds.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for heat: Nosara is hot year round. Bring light clothes, swimwear and sunscreen.
- Expect rain in green season: Afternoon showers are common. Bring a rain jacket.
- Bring a dust mask: In dry season, dusty roads can be unpleasant. A buff helps.
Cultural
- Say pura vida: This phrase is used for greetings and thanks. Locals appreciate it.
- Join a yoga class: Nosara is known for yoga retreats and classes.
- Respect wildlife: Howler monkeys and other animals live nearby. Do not feed them.
Local Hacks
- See turtles at Ostional: Olive ridley turtles nest in mass arrivals. Visit with a guide.
- Watch sunset at Playa Pelada: This beach is a favourite for sunset.
- Surf early: Morning waves are cleaner and less crowded at Guiones.
1-day itineraries in Nosara
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.