20 Best Things to Do in Nosara, Costa Rica

Nosara is the kind of place where you lose track of the clock without even noticing. It sits on the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste, a Blue Zone where plenty of people live past 90, which says a lot about the lifestyle here. And there are so many great things to do in Nosara.

You’re not coming for flashy clubs or massive resorts (that’s Tamarindo’s scene). You’re here for surf breaks, good food, and the kind of nature you’ll keep talking about long after you leave. What makes Nosara stand out is how unbuilt it feels compared to other beach towns. It’s laid-back, but not too remote.

This guide to the best things to do in Nosara covers everything from beaches and local sodas to outdoor tours and smaller hangouts. I’ll also lay out the nuts and bolts: how you actually get here and the easiest ways to get around once you’ve arrived.

Overview About Nosara

Nosara sits on Costa Rica’s north Pacific coast, inside Guanacaste Province. It’s stretched along three main beaches: Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada, and Nosara Beach. Each with its own vibe.

Unlike, say, Jaco, you don’t just step off the plane and land here. It takes effort, which is why it still feels different. You won’t find packed resorts, but Nosara is home to solid restaurants, surf instructors charging $60–80 for a two-hour lesson, and an international crowd that somehow makes a tiny town feel worldly.

Nosara has been made faily popular by the digital nomad community, but it still has that authentic Costa Rican charm that you’d find around Costa Rica in places like La Fortuna or Monteverde. Before going through all the activities, here are some elements you should know before visiting.

How to Get to Nosara?

There are a few ways in, and it mostly depends on money, time, and how much driving you can stand. Liberia’s airport (LIR) is closest. Figure 2.5 to 3 hours in a rental car.

San José (SJO) is farther, more like 5–6 hours. Sansa Airlines runs tiny planes that land right in Nosara, which cuts the headache but costs $120–140 each way.

Shuttles are common: $50–60 a seat for shared rides or $130–180 for a private van, depending on headcount. The cheapest option? The public bus out of San José via Nicoya. It’s less than $15, but it’s slow (7 to 8 hours kind of slow) and leaves before dawn.

Honestly, unless you’re on a super-tight budget, I’d skip the bus. It feels more like a test of patience than part of the trip.

How to Get Around Nosara?

The roads are mostly dirt, and during rainy season (May through October) you’ll hit puddles the size of small lakes. If you’re staying by Playa Guiones, you can walk everywhere: surf rentals, breakfast cafés, yoga classes, all within 10 minutes on foot.

But if you want to check out Pelada or Nosara town, you’ll need wheels. ATVs are king in town (these cost $55–65 a day to rent) and handle mud better than sedans.

Cars go for $65–90 daily and make sense if you travel with kids. Tuk tuks (the little red three-wheelers) are everywhere for quick hops, usually $3–5. I once took one back from dinner and the driver had his dog sitting in the front seat. It felt more like hitching a ride with a neighbor than catching a cab! Honestly, the tuk-tuks are part of what makes Nosara feel Nosara.

20 Things to Do in Nosara, Costa Rica

Playa Guiones

Playa Guiones is basically the main hangout in Nosara. The beach runs over 7 km and the waves don’t really stop. You’ll see kids on foam boards taking lessons right next to locals carving like it’s second nature.

Renting a board is cheap. Just around$10–15 for the day. If you’re not into surfing, still go. The sand feels endless, and by sunset, everyone’s out there barefoot with a beer (probably half the town shows up, because this is the best place).

The big difference here is no bars or hotels sitting right on the beach. It’s all protected, so the view stays clean. The best time is morning or late afternoon, the sun at midday is brutal. Honestly, if you had time for just one beach in Nosara, this would be the one.

Playa Nosara

Unlike Guiones, Playa Nosara is the quiet one. Long stretch of sand, hardly a soul around, and loads of birds around the estuary. You’ll probably hear howler monkeys before you see another person.

Swimming is not great because currents get strong but it’s perfect for long morning walks. You’ll see small boats out sometimes with locals fishing, pulling in snapper or whatever’s biting.

Bring your own water and snacks, nothing’s sold here, and if the sun’s out at 2 pm, you’ll most likely go back to your hotel red like a lobster.

What stuck with me most was the silence. I sat down for almost an hour, didn’t hear a single voice, just waves and birds. If you want Nosara raw and untouched, this is it.

Playa Pelada

Playa Pelada in Nosara is more low-key. People go for tide pools when the water’s out, and the sunsets are ridiculously good. Families like it because kids can splash in the shallow rock pools without worry. If you travel with kids, we recommend staying here while in Nosara.

The big draw though is La Luna. It’s a restaurant right on the sand without great drinks and food. Cocktails are $12–15, pizzas are wood-fired, and yeah, it’s pricier than a soda but worth it.

The north end is better for swimming, the water’s calmer there. Around dusk, you’ll usually see a pickup soccer game happening right on the beach, adds to the easy vibe.

Best way to do it? Spend half a day, pools in the morning, La Luna (great restaurant near the beach) in the afternoon, stay for sunset. Hours just disappear here.

Río Nosara

The Río Nosara shows you a whole different side of the place. No waves, just mangroves and tons of birds: herons, kingfishers, sometimes bright pink spoonbills.

Tours cost about $40–50, usually run 2–3 hours. Not cheap but 100% worth it. I tried a kayak trip once, and it was almost weird how quiet it was after days on the beach.

Heads up though, crocodiles live here. Early mornings are best, cooler, and more wildlife moving around. We recommend bringing bug spray, mosquitoes don’t mess around in the mangroves. This isn’t a thrill ride; it’s more about slowing down and actually noticing stuff. If you’re here a week, give one morning to this, because it sticks with you.

Nosara Biological Reserve

Right behind Lagarta Lodge, you’ll find the Reserva Biológica Nosara. It’s small, privately run, but feels like straight-up jungle. Entrance is $10 only, trails are marked and easy, and the lookout spots are the highlight.

From the top you see Río Nosara and Río Montana meeting before they hit the ocean. You can do the whole place in under two hours. Along the way, you might catch monkeys, iguanas, or coatis.

I went early one morning, barely saw anyone else and it just our group and monkeys yelling in the distance. What’s cool is it’s not heavily advertised, so it feels more authentic.

If you’re staying at Lagarta Lodge, you can walk right in, otherwise still worth the stop.

Surf Lessons in Nosara

If you’ve ever wanted to learn to surf, Nosara’s one of the easiest places to start. Playa Guiones has steady, forgiving waves that are basically built for beginners.

The road leading to the beach is lined with schools, all charging about $60–70 for a 90-minute lesson. Most include a board and rash guard, so you don’t need to bring anything.

You instructor will have you standing in under 30 minutes (not counting the wipeouts). If you’re around longer, schools push multi-day deals that work out cheaper per class.

And it’s not just for beginners. There are plenty of coaches who handle advanced riders too. Give surfing at least half a day of your trip. It’s exhausting but addictive. Catching your first wave here is one of those things you won’t forget.

Outpost Nosara

Not every day in Nosara has to be about sand and salt water. Outpost is a café and coworking space rolled into one (as we mentioned before, Nosara got famous partly due to the digital nomads in town), perfect for remote workers or anyone who needs decent Wi-Fi.

You can get a day pass and work, but you can also just order coffee or a smoothie bowl and sit for a while. The vibe is open, bright, and international. Sure, you’re in Nosara to enjoy, but this is a nice work. Lots of laptops, but also groups just hanging out.

We ended up there on a rainy day and loved it. Watching a tropical downpour through big windows while drinking a strong espresso? Not a bad way to spend a few hours.

Outpost makes life easier if you work and travel. And even if you’re not working, it’s worth a stop for breakfast. Try their smoothie bowl with fresh mango and pineapple or their poke bowl!

Soda Tica Rosi’s 2

Sometimes you just want food that’s cheap and good. Soda Tica Rosi’s 2 hits that exact spot. It’s nothing fancy, they have plastic chairs, bright plates, and that’s exactly what’s so nice about it. The food feels homemade.

A casado runs about $5–7 (rice, beans, meat, salad, plantains), and a fresco natural is $2–3. After a morning surf, I came here starving, and I swear the gallo pinto tasted better just because of that.

It’s one of the nicest places to eat near Playa Guiones, so you can walk over. Don’t expect fancy service, just solid food at local prices. In a town where $15 smoothies are normal, finding a casado for under $7 feels like winning.

La Luna Restaurant

La Luna is one of the best restaurants in Nosara that everybody talks about. And yes, it earns the hype. It sits right above Playa Pelada with tables facing the water.

The menu leans Mediterranean but with Costa Rican touches: seafood platters, hummus, and wood-fired pizza. Prices are higher (pizzas $16–20, cocktails $12–15), but you’re paying for the view as much as the food.

When we went, the whole place went quiet as the sun dipped into the ocean. Plan at least two hours here. Order slowly, stretch it out. It’s more than just dinner, it’s an evening. If you’re coming in peak season, book ahead or you’ll be out of luck. This is arguably the best restaurant in town.

Mala Noche Waterfall

Mala Noche Waterfall is one of those side trips that feels like a small win. It’s close to Nosara but you’ll want a 4×4 or ATV, especially if it’s rainy. Once there, it’s a short hike (20 minutes tops) down to a compact but powerful waterfall.

There’s no official entrance fee, though locals sometimes ask $2–3 for parking. The pool below is great for swimming on a hot day. In case you go after heavy rains, the water will blast. In dry season, it slows down a lot, so timing matters.

Wear decent shoes, because the path gets slick, and don’t count on cell service. It’s a half-day trip, so bring snacks and water. Honestly, it’s one of the rare spots near Nosara where you can swap the beach for a different kind of nature.

ATV Tours

You can’t miss the ATVs in Nosara, because they’re everywhere. People ride them to the store, the beach, even out to dinner. Rentals usually run $50–70 per day, and if you want a guided tour it’s closer to $90–120 for half a day.

The best part is where they can take you: dirt trails through the jungle, bumpy backroads, or pristine beaches you’d never reach in a regular car. Honestly, the ride itself was more fun than the view over the beaches.

They’re loud, sure, but they make sense here. Never driven one? Don’t stress. Shops give you a quick rundown before handing over the keys. Just don’t forget sunglasses, because in dry season the dust will cover you in minutes. For pure freedom in Nosara, nothing beats having an ATV.

Take a Tuk Tuk

Nosara’s tuk tuks are impossible to ignore, just like the ATV. They’re bright red, honking their way around town all day. Rides cost about $3–5, depending on how far you go.

I grabbed one from Playa Guiones to Playa Pelada, and even though you can walk, it was way more fun bouncing along in the back.

Drivers usually hang around busy spots like intersections or restaurants, so you don’t need to plan ahead. At night, they’re actually safer than walking the unlit dirt roads.

Don’t count on them for airport trips (they’re tiny and luggage doesn’t fit) but for short hops to the beach or dinner, they’re perfect. If you’re in town a few days, take one at least once. It’s part of the Nosara experience!

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Join a Yoga Session in Nosara

Nosara’s known as Costa Rica’s yoga hub, and after being here, you get why. There are tons of studios, from retreat centers to small walk-in spots.

Drop-in classes are usually $15–20, but full retreats in Nosara go into the hundreds. The Nosara Yoga Institute is the big name, though I liked Bodhi Tree for daily sessions.

Even if you’re not deep into yoga, doing a class here feels different. You’ll hear monkeys in the trees while you stretch. I went to a morning class under a thatched roof, and the jungle sounds made it hard not to relax.

Horseback Riding

Riding a horse on the beach sounds cheesy, but here it actually works. Local outfits run tours through the jungle and then out onto Playa Pelada or Guiones.

It’s usually $50–70 for a 1–2 hour ride. Trust us when we say it’s worth it! Guides match you with a horse depending on your experience, so you don’t need to worry if you’re a beginner.

The highlight wasn’t the beach though, it was trotting through the forest while howler monkeys made a racket overhead. Most rides end right at sunset, which gives you those picture-perfect views without trying.

Wear long pants so you don’t get rubbed raw, and closed shoes help a lot. It’s not an everyday activity, but Nosara’s open beaches make it feel special.

Wildlife Watching

If you’re into animals, Nosara is a free show. Howler monkeys are everywhere, and you’ll hear them before sunrise. Don’t get scared, because they do sound creepy.

Iguanas sprawl across rooftops, coatis shuffle down trails, and the birds never stop (quite literally!). You don’t need a tour, but if you want someone to point things out, guided walks run $30–50 per person.

Best times are early mornings or late afternoons when things are moving around. Bird people should bring binoculars, parrots, toucans, even hawks are common here. Honestly, you don’t have to look hard; the wildlife finds you.

Turtle Nesting at Ostional

Ostional Wildlife Refuge is only about 30 minutes from Nosara, and it’s one of the world’s biggest turtle nesting beaches. Between July and December, olive ridley turtles come ashore in the thousands during “arribadas” (mass nesting).

You can’t just wander in at night on your own because it’s protected. You have to go with an approved guide, and that costs between $30 and $40.

Watching dozens of turtles dig nests and lay eggs feels unreal, and sometimes you’ll catch babies scrambling to the water. Timing’s tricky, since arribadas aren’t on a strict schedule, so it’s worth asking guides what’s happening that week.

If your trip lines up, this is easily one of the top things to do in Costa Rica.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Not up for surfing? Stand-up paddleboarding’s a calmer way to get out on the water. Rentals run $20–30 for a couple of hours, or about $50 if you want a guided river tour.

On the Río Nosara, you’ll paddle through mangroves and spot birds, maybe even crocodiles, so don’t fall in. On the ocean, mornings are best before the wind and waves kick up.

You can try SUP and you’ll probably spend half the time kneeling, but you’re guaranteed a good laugh. It’s easier than surfing, works your core, and gives you a new angle on Nosara’s beaches and rivers.

Nosara Farmers Market

Every Saturday morning, the Nosara Farmers Market brings locals and expats together. You’ll find stalls with organic produce, homemade bread, coffee beans, natural soaps, and even jewelry.

Prices aren’t bargain-level (around $5–7 for a bag of greens), but the quality is excellent. The vibe’s relaxed and friendly, and you’ll end up chatting with people whether you mean to or not.

The best time to go is early, 8–10 a.m., because the good stuff sells out fast. Bring cash, though some vendors take cards now. Even if you don’t buy much, it’s fun to walk through. Not the most adventurous activity, but surely one of the best things to do in Nosara.

Take a Day Trip to Sámara

When you have a free day in Nosara, drive down to Sámara. The trip takes about 45 minutes, and the road stays manageable unless heavy rain turns it rough.

Sámara feels different right away. Shops and cafés sit right by the sand, and the beach itself is calmer than Guiones. You can actually swim here without fighting strong currents.

Rent a kayak for about $25 and paddle to Isla Chora, a small island just offshore where snorkeling is solid. I made the trip once on short notice and ended up staying until nightfall.

The sunset matched Guiones, but the beach felt less crowded. If you want a change of pace without a long haul, Sámara makes an easy day trip.

Sunset at Guiones Beach

Days in Nosara end the same way: at Guiones watching the sunset. Around 5:30–6:00 p.m. the sky lights up, and everyone shows up barefoot. Families, dogs, surfers, you name it.

People bring beers, guitars, or just sit down quietly. There’s no bar blasting music, just waves in the background. We’ve seen sunsets all over Costa Rica, and honestly, Guiones is near the top.

Even if you’re not usually a “watch the sunset” type, this one sneaks up on you. You’ll probably end up doing it every night without even planning to. This is pura vida, friend.

Where to Stay in Nosara?

Nosara offers a mix of accommodation options, from full-on luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses where you feel like part of the neighborhood. Here are 3 excellent hotels in Nosara.

• Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort: A high-end, wellness-focused resort with yoga classes, spa facilities, lush gardens, and great food (honestly, one of the best places to eat in Nosara). If you’re into health, meditation, and relaxation, this is your spot.
• Green Sanctuary Hotel: Comfortable mid-range option tucked into nature. It offers relaxed vibes, good breakfast, and easy access to both Pelada and Guiones.
• Nosara Sunrise Bed and Breakfast: Smaller accommodation with friendly staff, modern rooms, and close to shops/cafés. It’s low-key but solid for a chill base in Nosara.

Each place gives a slightly different flavor of Nosara. Decide whether you want wellness retreat vibes, nature immersion, or convenient walking distance to cafés and beach.

FAQs About Nosara

Last but not least, let’s answer some FAQs that you might have if that’s your first time visiting Nosara or planning your first Costa Rica travel itinerary.

Is Nosara safe for first-time visitors?

Nosara is one of the safer beach towns in Costa Rica, especially compared to San José or even Liberia. That said, you still need to be smart.

Petty theft is the main issue. Leave a phone or wallet on the sand while surfing, and chances are it won’t be there when you get back. Walk in lit areas at night, keep valuables locked up at your hotel, and you’ll be fine.

We visited Nosara too many times to count, and we always feel relaxed and safe.

Do you Need a Car in Nosara?

If your plan is to stay near Guiones Beach, you can easily get by without one. Everything from restaurants to yoga studios is within walking distance. But Nosara stretches out, and some of the best things to see (like Mala Noche Waterfall or the turtle nesting at Ostional) require more than walking.

ATVs are fun for day-to-day use, but if you want comfort (and air conditioning), a rental car is more practical, especially if you’re traveling with kids. If you want to see remote parts, renting a car in Costa Rica is always a good idea.

When is the Best Time to Visit Nosara?

The dry season runs December to April, and that’s when most people come. You’ll get plenty of sun, good waves, and easy roads, but also higher prices and more crowds.

Rainy season (May to October) changes the vibe completely. Everything turns green, prices drop, and the beaches are quieter.

The downside is muddy roads, some businesses closing, and heavy afternoon showers. If you don’t mind a little rain, September can be incredibly peaceful. For surfing, almost every month has something to offer.

Are the Beaches Swimmable in Nosara?

Yes, but with a few caveats. Playa Guiones is mainly a surf beach, and while you can swim there, the waves can get rough. It’s better suited for confident swimmers or people sticking to the shallows.

Playa Pelada has natural tide pools that work great for kids or anyone who wants calmer water. Playa Nosara is beautiful for walks and photography, but it’s not the safest for swimming due to currents.

Basically: pick your spot depending on your comfort level in the water.

How Many Days to Stay in Nosara?

If you want a quick taste of your time in Nosara, 4–5 days is enough to surf, visit the beaches, and check out one or two extras like Mala Noche or the reserve.

But Nosara has that way of slowing you down, you’ll probably wish you stayed longer. A week is a sweet spot if you’re into yoga or want to really relax. Plenty of digital nomads end up staying a month or more because the balance of surf, cafés, and community makes it easy to settle in.

Conclusion – Activities in Nosara

Nosara isn’t the kind of place you tick off a checklist, instead, it’s the kind of place you sink into. Whether you’re surfing at Guiones, riding a tuk tuk through town, or watching howler monkeys scream from the treetops before dawn, the days have a rhythm that pulls you in.

Some afternoons you’ll want the chaos of an ATV kicking up dust, other times you’ll sit still with a plate of gallo pinto and realize you don’t need much more.

The sunsets tie it all together, with loud days ending in quiet color. You’ll leave with sand still in your shoes and probably planning when you’ll come back. Nosara has that effect. And we love it.