Nosara is a village and a district on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. It’s known as a yoga center, and for Pacific beaches like Playa Guiones, with its long surf break. Playa Pelada has a reef just offshore and a tidal blowhole. SIBU Sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates animals like coatimundi and white-faced monkeys. Just north, the beach at Ostional Wildlife Refuge is a nesting site for olive ridley turtles. ― Google
Dry Season (December–April) – Sunny skies, great surf, and yoga retreats in full swing.
Green Season (May–November) – Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and big surf swells. Afternoon rains are common but often brief.
Best months: November and May for great weather and fewer tourists.
From Liberia Airport (LIR): ~2.5–3 hours by car (most direct).
From San José: ~5–6 hours by car or shuttle; you can also fly to Nosara Airport from San José (small plane, ~45 min).
By shuttle: Shared and private options from airports and nearby towns.
Road conditions: Rough in some spots — a 4WD vehicle is highly recommended.
Playa Guiones – Main beach for surfing, swimming, and watching sunsets. Long, golden, and undeveloped due to protected nature zones.
Playa Pelada – A smaller, crescent-shaped beach with tide pools and local eateries.
Nosara Biological Reserve – Peaceful hiking through mangroves and dry forest with howler monkeys and birdlife.
Ostional Wildlife Refuge – One of the world’s most important nesting sites for olive ridley sea turtles (best seen July–December).
Rio Nosara & Bocas River Mouth – Kayaking, SUP, and wildlife viewing in mangrove estuaries.
Surfing – Playa Guiones is ideal for all levels, with gentle beach breaks and surf schools everywhere.
Yoga & wellness – Numerous studios, including the famous Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort and Nosara Yoga Institute.
Turtle watching – Night tours to Ostional to see mass turtle arrivals (arribadas) or hatchings.
Ziplining & horseback riding – Scenic forest and coastal routes.
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and kayaking in the mangroves.
Massage & spa – Holistic treatments, sound baths, and ayurvedic options available.
Local shopping & markets – Artisanal shops and a vibrant weekly farmers market.
Luxury:
The Gilded Iguana, Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, Sendero Hotel, Olas Verdes
Mid-range:
Harmony Hotel, Nosara Beach Hotel, Living Hotel
Budget:
Nosara B&B Retreat, 4 You Hostal, Jungles Edge
Villas & eco-lodges – Ideal for long stays and digital nomads
Nosara offers organic, health-forward, and global cuisine with a strong plant-based focus.
Local eats:
Rosi’s Soda Tica, Soda La Luna, and Tibidabo for classic casado and Costa Rican meals.
Trendy cafés & restaurants:
La Luna (beachfront dining), Coyol (wood-fired meals), Harmony Restaurant, Go Juice, Robin’s Café, El Local
Vegan/Vegetarian:
Rolling Waves, Organico, The Harmony Juice Bar
Nosara has no central town square — instead, it’s spread across several beach and forest neighborhoods.
Strong eco-community with a blend of Costa Ricans, expats, surfers, and wellness seekers.
Plastic-free efforts, wildlife conservation, and low-impact tourism are core values.
English is widely spoken due to the large international population.
Pack light but intentional – Surfwear, sandals, water shoes, yoga clothes, and bug spray.
No large resorts or high-rises – Development is low-impact and mindful.
Wi-Fi is decent – Many remote workers and nomads stay for weeks/months.
Cash and cards accepted – But bring cash for taxis, tips, and some small vendors.
No streetlights or sidewalks – Bring a flashlight or headlamp for nighttime walks.
Get around by ATV, bike, or 4WD – Some roads can be rough and unpaved.