Nosara, a former small coastal village, has transformed into a premier tourist destination in Costa Rica, attracting visitors from around the world. This stunning location boasts a unique combination of protected beaches with consistent surf breaks, luxury surf and yoga resorts, and a strong emphasis on wellness, all set amidst a lush jungle backdrop.
As you plan your trip to Nosara, our comprehensive guide is here to help you make the most of your journey. From understanding the local vibe to finding the best spots for surf and yoga, we’ve got you covered.
Nosara, Costa Rica: A Guide to Getting There
Nosara, located in the Guanacaste province of the Nicoya Peninsula, is a tropical paradise waiting to be explored.
To reach Nosara, you have multiple options: driving, taking the bus, booking a shuttle, or flying. Here’s a breakdown of the details:
Your Arrival in Nosara
When flying, the nearest international airport is Liberia International Airport, which is 113 kilometers (70 miles) from Nosara, approximately a 3-hour drive.
Alternatively, you can fly into San Jose International Airport, which is 246 kilometers (153 miles) from Nosara, about a 5-hour drive.
Driving: The Best Way to Get to Nosara
When planning your trip to Nosara, consider renting a car to ensure a smooth journey. However, it’s essential to be aware of the road conditions, as the coastal Route 160 has a long section of hilly, unpaved, and gravel roads, requiring a 4×4/4WD or car with high clearance.
For a hassle-free experience, consider renting a car from a reputable company like Vamos Rent-A-Car, which offers a range of vehicles suitable for Costa Rica’s roads. Their fleet includes sedans, 4x2s, and 4WD SUVs from well-known brands like Toyota, ensuring a safe and reliable ride.
Public Bus
Departs from Terminal 7/10 at 5:30 AM every day. This journey takes approximately 6 hours, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views of the Costa Rican countryside. During your trip, you’ll witness the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes that make Costa Rica a popular destination.
Alternatively, you can opt for the bus from Nicoya to Nosara, operated by Empresa Traroc, which runs Monday through Saturday. This bus takes around 2 hours, providing a convenient and efficient way to reach your destination. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Nicoya Peninsula, making your journey an unforgettable experience. Taking the public bus is a great way to get to Nosara while enjoying the scenic views and cultural experiences that Costa Rica has to offer.
Shuttle
Traveling from Guanacaste Airport to Nosara? Consider a private shuttle, which can accommodate 1-6 people for a total of $200. If you need assistance with booking, feel free to contact us. Please note that a private transfer is necessary if you’re traveling with multiple surfboards due to luggage size restrictions.
If your accommodations are located outside of town or further away from the beach, renting a car is a convenient option for getting around Nosara. This will give you the freedom to explore the area at your own pace.
Nosara Travel Guide: Getting Around with Ease
Nosara boasts its own airport, with Sansa Airlines offering flights from San Jose International Airport and Guanacaste Airport for your convenience.
When it comes to navigating Nosara, a car is the ideal option, but not entirely essential if you’re staying in Guiones. Since official taxis are scarce and Uber is hardly available, alternative transportation methods include renting a bike golf cart, walking, or hiring a tuk-tuk.
If your accommodations are in Guiones, close to the beach, you can easily use it as a base and book private shuttles for exploring Costa Rica. Guiones offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, banks, grocery stores, and various services. However, if you’re staying outside of Nosara and Guiones, such as in the mountains or further away, renting a car is highly recommended.
For car rentals, Economy has a convenient office in town, while Nosara Paradise Rentals offers golf cart rentals for your convenience.
The Town
While Nosara is a small local town located about 7 kilometers (5 miles) from the beach, most tourists opt to stay in Guiones or Pelada. These two beach towns offer a range of amenities, including surf schools, hotels, banks, restaurants, stores, resorts, and surf camps. When referring to the area, many people simply say they’re heading to Nosara, as it’s a commonly used term to describe the entire region.
The actual town of Nosara is quaint and compact, featuring a handful of supermarkets, restaurants, tour offices, and a bank. You’ll also find the local airport and gas station here, making it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area.
Nosara Beaches
Nosara boasts an array of stunning beaches that serve as the main draw for visitors to this picturesque region.
Playa Guiones
The area’s crown jewel offers an unforgettable experience with its exceptional surfing waves, breathtaking sunsets, and soft, inviting sand. If surfing is your passion, you’ll likely spend most of your time at this beach, honing your skills and soaking up the sun.
As the hub of tourism in the area, Guiones features a diverse range of amenities. This vibrant beach town has something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for travelers.
One of the unique aspects of Playa Guiones is its status as part of the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge. This protected area ensures that the beach maintains its pristine condition, with empty shorelines and unspoiled natural beauty.
Playa Guiones
The area’s crown jewel offers an unforgettable experience with its exceptional surfing waves, breathtaking sunsets, and soft, inviting sand. If surfing is your passion, you’ll likely spend most of your time at this beach, honing your skills and soaking up the sun.
As the hub of tourism in the area, Guiones features a diverse range of amenities. This vibrant beach town has something for everyone, making it an ideal destination for travelers.
One of the unique aspects of Playa Guiones is its status as part of the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge. This protected area ensures that the beach maintains its pristine condition, with empty shorelines and unspoiled natural beauty.
Playa Pelada
Pelada Beach holds a special place in your travels, offering a unique experience that’s distinct from Guiones. While it may be smaller in size, its surf break is a favorite among local and expert surfers, making it a great spot to catch some waves.
You can enjoy a leisurely walk on the beach or take a refreshing swim, but be sure to exercise caution as the waves can get strong. Additionally, Pelada Beach is part of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, making it a haven for nature lovers and those seeking an unspoiled beach experience.
Playa Nosara
Playa Rosada
You’ll find that Playa Rosada, aptly nicknamed “Pink Beach,” boasts breathtaking light pink sand for most of the year. However, accessing this beach requires some effort, as you’ll need to walk for about an hour from South Guiones to reach it.
It’s crucial to note that timing is everything when visiting Playa Rosada. You must plan your visit during low tide, as you’ll need to cross rocks around the jutting peninsula to access the beach. Be aware that high tide will make it impossible to cross these rocks, leaving you stranded until the low tide returns.
What to do in Nosara, Costa Rica?
Surf
Wondering what to do in Nosara? Look no further than surfing! This coastal town is home to some of Costa Rica’s most luxurious surf camps, offering upscale lodging, gourmet cuisine, and personalized surf instruction.
If you’re looking to learn how to surf in style, consider Surf Simply or Barefoot Surf, which offer all-inclusive packages with lodging, lessons, equipment, classes, and meals.
For a more tailored surf experience, check out Burnt Toast, Coconut Harry’s, Safari Surf, Moana Surf Resort, Olo Alaia Surf & Brew, Nosara Surf School, and Nosara Surf Academy. These surf schools offer multi-day lessons to help you catch your first wave or improve your skills.
Turtle Tour at Ostional Wildlife Refuge
From May to January, the Ostional Wildlife Refuge comes alive with turtle nesting and hatching season. This protected area is a haven for these gentle creatures, and if you time your visit just right, you might witness an arribada – a mass nesting event where thousands of turtles lay their eggs on the beach at the same time!
To ensure a smooth and educational experience, Ostional turtle tours require advance reservations and a knowledgeable guide. Fortunately, the refuge is just a short 20-minute drive from Nosara, making it an easily accessible adventure. Contact the Ostional Guide Association to book your tour and get ready for an unforgettable encounter with nature.
Sunset Cruises
Yoga
Kaya Nosara
Reserva Biologica Nosara
Located on the stunning property of Hotel Lagarta, this private reserve in Nosara offers a unique opportunity to explore nearly 90 acres of unspoiled nature. Choose from guided tours or self-guided walks along the trails, taking in the breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife.
Alternatively, embark on a thrilling boat or kayak tour along the Nosara River, which borders the reserve, and spot an array of fascinating creatures, including monkeys, anteaters, iguanas, crocodiles, and vibrant river birds.
Hike
Nosara boasts an array of scenic trails, perfect for those seeking an invigorating hike amidst the tropical heat and humidity. Embark on a journey to Playa Rosada, venture through the biological reserve, or uncover hidden trails within the town itself. For a breathtaking panorama, head to Playa Pelada’s trail, which offers a stunning viewpoint of the beaches below.
Nosara: A Luxurious Beach Town with a Growing Remote Work Scene
Please note that Nosara is one of the pricier beach towns in Costa Rica, so it’s essential to factor that into your budget. Also, hotels, surf camps, and vacation rentals tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons like Christmas, New Year, spring break, and summer. Be sure to book your stay well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
Nosara’s demographic is predominantly comprised of American, Canadian, and European tourists, with fewer local Costa Ricans from the cities visiting the area. While Nosara is considered a safe beach town, it’s crucial to take necessary precautions to protect your belongings, as theft is common in Costa Rica. Always keep your valuables secure, lock your hotel room and car doors, and be mindful of your surroundings.
Nosara Hotels
Nosara’s luxury hotel scene is characterized by boutique properties offering unique experiences.
- Gilded Iguana stands out with its spa, restaurant, and activities like mountain biking, surfing, and yoga. The hotel’s store and proximity to the beach (just a 5-minute walk) add to its appeal, with rates starting at $250 per night.
- For a one-of-a-kind stay, Satori “The Bubble Experience Lodge” boasts four Instagram-worthy bubble rooms, each with a private pool.
- The Gardens Hotel (Hotel Guiones) offers a luxurious beachfront experience on Guiones beach, featuring a saltwater pool, free bikes, and organic food.
- Selina Nosara caters to diverse travelers with shared rooms (starting at $25 per bed per night), private rooms (up to $200 per night), and suites, plus pet-friendly amenities and surf lessons.
- Moana Surf Resort provides luxury suites, some with kitchens, and a private trail to Guiones beach (just a 5-minute walk).
- Nomadic Hotel, a beautiful beachfront boutique hotel, offers a range of accommodations, including a dorm room, private rooms, and an apartment, along with a pool and a minimum age requirement of 12 for kids.
- Tierra Magnifica, perched on a hilltop, boasts stunning ocean and forest views, a spa, a restaurant, and on-site trails.
- Cabinas Dilan offers simple cabinas in downtown Nosara, near the airport for budget-friendly options.
- Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort specializes in luxury yoga retreats and workshops, featuring treetop rooms, vegan/vegetarian/gluten-free food, and a spa, all within walking distance to the beach.
Shopping
Discover a range of dining options, including:
- K-Rae’s Irish Pub and Inn for a taste of Ireland in Nosara
- Olo Alaia Surf & Brew, a cafe and coffee shop perfect for surfers and coffee lovers
- Tierra Magnifica Restaurant offering stunning views and gourmet cuisine
- Soda Vanessa, a local Costa Rican restaurant in town serving traditional dishes
- Panaderia La Cascada, a cozy bakery in Nosara town for freshly baked treats
- Cafe de Paris for a taste of France in Nosara
- Beach Dog Cafe, a casual spot for beachgoers
- El Local Nosara, a popular spot for locals and visitors alike
- Marlin Bill’s, a seafood lover’s paradise
- Nacho’s Place, a Costa Rican-owned restaurant in town serving authentic cuisine
- Soda Mapis, another local favorite for traditional Costa Rican food
- Rosi’s Soda Tica, a must-visit for traditional Costa Rican dishes
Restaurants
- Hot Tamale a standout store with a distinctive selection
- Jenstones Gallery, featuring local art and handmade items
- Monkey Mafia a quirky shop with a fun atmosphere
- Stylez offering the latest fashion trends
Nosara Supermarkets
How to Visit
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