Nosara

Drive into Nosara for the first time and you'll probably notice the trees before the beach. Roads wind through the forest, hotels sit back from the shoreline, and you often don't catch your first glimpse of the ocean until you're walking down a sandy path toward Playa Guiones.

That landscape exists because much of the coastline falls within the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, where beachfront development has remained limited for decades. The result is a beach town where surfing, wildlife, boutique hotels, and excellent restaurants all sit within a setting that still feels remarkably natural.

At a glance

Why stay in Nosara?

The protected coastline shapes almost every part of a visit to Nosara. Forest separates much of the town from the beach, monkeys move through the trees overhead, and many hotels feel hidden among the vegetation rather than facing the ocean.

Playa Guiones stretches for nearly seven kilometres, giving surfers plenty of room to spread out. Its gently sloping sandy bottom creates consistent waves throughout much of the year, attracting everyone from first-time surfers taking a lesson to experienced riders looking for longer rides. If surfing is on your list, it's difficult to find another beach in Costa Rica with such reliable conditions.

Wildlife is woven into everyday life here. Howler monkeys often announce the morning before sunrise, iguanas wander through hotel gardens, and coatis occasionally appear along quiet roads. Just north of town, Ostional Wildlife Refuge protects one of the world's largest olive ridley turtle nesting beaches. During an arribada, thousands of turtles come ashore over several nights to lay their eggs, a natural event that follows lunar cycles rather than a fixed calendar.

Nosara has also developed an excellent dining scene. Independent cafés, bakeries, and restaurants are scattered throughout Guiones, with everything from traditional Costa Rican sodas to creative tasting menus. Many visitors are surprised by how well they eat here, especially considering the town's relatively small size.

Our take: Nosara suits travelers who enjoy settling into one place. Surf in the morning, spend the afternoon at the beach or by the pool, head out for dinner, and repeat. It isn't a destination that relies on a long checklist of excursions.

Is Nosara a good fit?

Nosara is a great fit if you:

• Want to surf or learn to surf.
• Prefer boutique hotels over large resorts.
• Enjoy great restaurants, cafés, and wellness experiences.
• Appreciate nature and wildlife.
• Like relaxed beach towns with a slower pace of life.

Sámara is a better choice if calm swimming beaches are your priority. Tamarindo suits travelers looking for nightlife and a larger beach town, while Papagayo is ideal for those seeking a luxury resort experience.

Best things to do

Surf Playa Guiones

Playa Guiones is one of Costa Rica's most consistent surf beaches, offering waves throughout the year for beginners and experienced surfers alike. Its long sandy shoreline rarely feels crowded, and the town has an excellent selection of surf schools, board rentals, and experienced instructors.

Explore Playa Pelada

Just north of Guiones, Playa Pelada offers a quieter stretch of coastline where rocky headlands, tide pools, and oceanfront restaurants create a completely different atmosphere. It's an excellent place for sunset walks and a slower pace away from the surf crowds.

Visit Ostional Wildlife Refuge

Nosara sits beside one of the world's most important nesting beaches for olive ridley sea turtles. Between August and November, thousands of turtles may come ashore during mass nesting events known as arribadas. The timing depends on lunar cycles and environmental conditions, making every event unique.

Watch the sunset on Playa Guiones

Every evening, locals and visitors gather on the beach as the sun sets over the Pacific. It's one of Nosara's daily rituals and a reminder that some of the best experiences here don't require a schedule.

Join a yoga or wellness class

Nosara has become one of Costa Rica's leading wellness destinations, attracting internationally recognized yoga instructors, fitness retreats, and holistic wellness programs. Whether you're looking for a single class or a week-long retreat, there are options for every experience level.

Paddle the Nosara River

Kayaking or paddleboarding along the Nosara River provides a different perspective on the area's wildlife. The calm water winds through mangroves where monkeys, herons, kingfishers, crocodiles, and other wildlife are commonly seen.

Ride horseback along the beach

Horseback riding is a classic Nosara experience, with guided rides following the coastline, crossing rivers, and climbing nearby hills for panoramic views of the Pacific.

Go sport fishing from Garza

Just south of Nosara, the small fishing village of Garza offers access to productive offshore waters. Half-day and full-day charters target roosterfish, mahi-mahi, tuna, snapper, and seasonal billfish.

Explore Nosara's cafés and restaurants

Nosara's dining scene is one of the best on the Nicoya Peninsula. Independent cafés, bakeries, smoothie bars, and restaurants reflect the town's international community while maintaining a relaxed beach-town atmosphere.

Where to stay

Stay in Playa Guiones if you'd like to walk between the beach, surf schools, restaurants, cafés, and boutique hotels. It's the heart of Nosara and the best choice for most first-time visitors.

Stay in Playa Pelada if you prefer a quieter atmosphere with ocean views and easy access to restaurants while remaining only a few minutes from Guiones.

Stay in Garza if you're looking for a peaceful fishing village with boutique accommodations and easy access to sport fishing. It's the quietest option and best suited to travelers who don't mind driving to restaurants or surf breaks.

Our favorite hotels

Sendero Hotel

One of Nosara's newest luxury boutique hotels, Sendero blends contemporary design with an outstanding location just steps from Playa Guiones. It's an excellent choice for couples and surfers who want to walk everywhere.

Tierra Magnifica

Perched above Guiones, Tierra Magnifica offers sweeping Pacific views, stylish suites, and a peaceful adults-oriented atmosphere. It's a favorite for honeymooners and travelers looking for privacy without being far from town.

Lagarta Lodge

Set above the Nosara River estuary, Lagarta Lodge combines ocean views with one of the area's best wildlife settings. Its private reserve, nature trails, and elevated restaurant make it a great choice for travelers who want to balance beaches with nature.

Esh Hotel

Esh Hotel offers a contemporary boutique experience within easy reach of Playa Guiones. Clean design, thoughtful service, and a convenient location make it a great base for surfers, couples, and independent travelers.

Best time to visit

Nosara is a year-round destination. December through April generally brings sunny days and dry weather, while the green season transforms the surrounding hills into vibrant shades of green and keeps the forests lush.

Surf is reliable throughout the year, with wave size varying according to seasonal swells and daily tides.

If you're hoping to witness an olive ridley arribada, plan your trip between August and November while keeping your schedule flexible. The turtles arrive according to environmental conditions and lunar cycles rather than fixed dates.

Pair it with

• Sámara for calmer beaches and a more traditional Costa Rican beach town.
• Monteverde for cloud forests, hanging bridges, and cooler mountain scenery.
• Arenal for volcanoes, hot springs, and adventure activities.
• Bajos del Toro for waterfalls, cloud forest, and boutique mountain lodges.
• The Pacuare River Gorge for whitewater rafting and one of Costa Rica's most memorable lodge experiences.

Getting there

Nosara sits on the western side of the Nicoya Peninsula. Although road conditions have improved considerably, the final stretch still takes longer than many visitors expect.

Approximate driving times:

• Liberia Airport: About 2.5 hours
• Sámara: About 45 minutes
• Tamarindo: About 2.5 hours
• Monteverde: About 4 hours
• Arenal: 4.5 to 5 hours

Domestic flights between San José and Nosara are also available and can significantly reduce travel time.

Frequently asked questions

Is Nosara good for beginner surfers?

Yes. Playa Guiones is one of Costa Rica's best beaches for learning to surf thanks to its long sandy bottom, consistent waves, and excellent selection of experienced surf instructors.

Should I choose Nosara or Sámara?

Choose Nosara if surfing, boutique hotels, wellness, and great restaurants are your priorities. Choose Sámara if you're looking for calmer swimming conditions, a more traditional beach town, and a destination that's particularly well suited to young families.

Why aren't there hotels directly on the beach?

Much of Nosara's coastline is protected by the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, which limits beachfront development. As a result, the beaches remain remarkably natural while most hotels are set back within the forest or just beyond the protected zone.

How many nights should I stay?

We recommend at least three to four nights. That gives you time to surf, explore the surrounding beaches, enjoy Nosara's restaurants, visit Ostional or Garza, and settle into the slower pace that makes this part of the Nicoya Peninsula so appealing.