Nosara

A wellness and surf destination famous for Playa Guiones, yoga culture and a protected jungle setting. It combines consistent surf, sea turtle nesting nearby and an eco-conscious, upscale atmosphere.

Things to do

• Surf at Playa Guiones — Nosara's signature beach offers consistent beach-break waves ideal for beginners and intermediates, with several surf schools lining the sand.
• Sunrise yoga at Nosara Yoga Institute — Join a class at one of the internationally known studios that made Nosara a global yoga hub.
• Sea turtle nesting at Ostional — Witness the mass arribada of olive ridley turtles at the nearby Ostional Wildlife Refuge, best seen with a licensed guide.
• Sunset at Playa Pelada — A quieter cove with tide pools, a natural blowhole and a laid-back beach-bar scene perfect for sundowners.
• Explore the Nosara Biological Reserve — Walk trails through mangroves and dry tropical forest along the Nosara River spotting monkeys and birds.
• Horseback ride on the beach — Ride along the shoreline and jungle backroads with local outfitters at low tide.
• Stand-up paddle on the Nosara River — Paddle the calm estuary spotting crocodiles, herons and howler monkeys in the mangroves.

Food to try

• Casado — The classic Costa Rican plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad and your choice of fish, chicken or beef found at local sodas.
• Fresh ceviche — Locally caught fish or shrimp cured in lime with cilantro and onion, a staple at Nosara's beachside spots.
• Gallo pinto breakfast — Costa Rica's beloved rice-and-beans breakfast served with eggs, tortillas and Salsa Lizano.
• Poke and smoothie bowls — Nosara's wellness scene means abundant açaí bowls, fresh juices and health-focused cafes catering to yogis and surfers.
• Fresh coconut water (pipa fría) — Buy a chilled coconut from roadside vendors and drink it straight from the shell after surfing.
• Fresh-grilled catch of the day — Restaurants near Guiones serve locally landed mahi-mahi, snapper and tuna often paired with tropical fruit salsas.

Local customs & good to know

• Rent a 4x4 vehicle — Nosara's roads are unpaved, dusty in dry season and muddy in the rainy months, so a high-clearance vehicle is essential.
• Respect the eco-conscious vibe — Locals value sustainability, so minimize plastic, follow turtle-viewing rules and keep beaches clean.
• Embrace Pura Vida and slow pace — Things run on tico time, so greet people warmly, don't rush and expect a relaxed rhythm to daily life.
• Carry cash for local sodas — Small family-run eateries and markets often prefer colones or cash, though upscale spots take cards.

Nearby

• Sámara — 18 km
• Tamarindo — 41 km
• Las Baulas National Marine Park — 44 km
• Playa Conchal — 48 km