The Complete Guide to Nosara, Costa Rica: 17 Must-Do Activities

Down a bumpy dirt road on Costa Rica's lush Nicoya Peninsula lies Nosara, a vibrant surf town surrounded by monkey-filled trees. Nosara is famous for its waves, laid-back vibe, yoga studios, and international community.
If you want to experience Costa Rica’s wild nature, pristine beaches, delicious food, and a touch of luxury, you’ve found the right place. Plus, this Ultimate Nosara, Costa Rica Travel Guide is here to help!
After visiting for the yoga scene and later living here as a yoga instructor and travel consultant, I can say there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Nosara. Whether you’re hiking, surfing, dining by the beach, or relaxing at eco-lodges, you’ll never run out of activities. This guide covers all the best things to do, places to stay, eat, and more!

In and around the Nosara area, there are plenty of beautiful beaches to discover. Some are perfect for surf, others for chilling.
Here's a quick breakdown of the best Nosara beaches to visit.

Playa Guiones
Playa Guiones is, by far, the top surf spot in the area - great for beginners and advanced surfers. But the 4-mile stretch of white sandy beach is also perfect for long morning walks especially at low tide. Or for chilling out and watching the sunset. Playa Guiones is the main beach in Nosara, so obviously, you can't come here and not visit it.
Pro tip: on the low tide go to soak in the tide pools south form the Bakers Beach entrance.

Playa Pelada
Offering tropical tranquillity at its finest, Playa Pelada is a pristine half-moon bay beach just north of Playa Guiones. Whether you want to swim in the turquoise waters, sprawl under a shady tree, check out the many seashells, or explore the rocky tide pools and caves, Playa Pelada is all pura vida vibe.
And the best part is, compared to Playa Guiones, there are usually no crowds at Playa Pelada (at least if you avoid La Luna restaurant area). But if you want to top off your perfect beach day with a nice experience, mosey over to La Luna (see #5 below for more info!), and sip on a refreshing cocktail with the sand in between your toes.
Pro Tip: Playa Pelada also has amazing natural tide pools but more on the high tide, go explore them!

Playa Garza
15 minutes south of Nosara, you will find the placid fishing village of Playa Garza. Known for its chill vibes, calm, clear seas, and uncrowded, golden sandy beaches, Playa Garza is worth adding to your list.
Oh, and if you do go, then a stop at Perozah, a lovely beachfront restaurant and lounge if it is open or for a very nice local experience I would advice Soda Playa Garza which is also right there on the beach.

San Juanillo Beach
A 40-minute drive up the coast to the north will deliver you to one of Guanacaste's dreamiest (and relatively unknown) white-sand beaches. If you have plenty of time to spare - and if your goals include beach bumming, tanning, and swimming in brilliant azure waters, then head up to San Juanillo. You can also snorkel there if you know the spot (though I would advise to take a guide). The views will not disappoint! It is best to swim on a high tide and if you are hungry the local village has one of my favorite local sodas Brisas del Mar. Order fish taco a la plancha and you will understand why I like this place so much!
Please Note: you can only drive north to San Juanillo if the Río Rosario in Ostional is passable. Ask around before you go.

Did you Know?
Beachcombing, if done carelessly, has the potential to cause real upset for coastal ecosystems. A study in 2014 investigated the removal of seashells from beaches and concluded it's causing “significant damage” to the many lifeforms that rely on shells. Birds use shells for nesting material. Some animals inside shells anchor themselves to a rock, and if you pull them off, you can kill them. Other life forms depend on shells to anchor them in one place like coral and seagrass. Please don't take anything from the beach (except for plastic you might fine there) and leave there only your footsteps!

Nosara is a yoga and fitness Mecca where you can find some of the best instructors! Whether you just want to drop in for a few classes or extend your stay for a retreat or even a yoga teacher training, there are plenty of places, spaces, and styles to choose from!
Since yoga and fitness are top things to do in Nosara, many hotels offer daily classes to their guests. If you're keen to discover Nosara's most popular yoga and fitness institutions, check out the below options!

Nalu Studio
One of my favorite studios ever is Nalu Nosara, they offer daily classes in their open-air studio with gorgeous jungle garden that surrounds it. They have amazing yoga teachers but not only: try their martial art classes (try Muay Thai with Sebas!), as well as Pilates, Movement, HIIT, Foundation, dance and so much more!
This is a boutique studio and more family like compared to big resort hotels studios and classes.
“We provide all the equipment so don't worry about mats or gloves. You don't even need shoes for any of our classes. Just come as you are and be ready to have some fun!” - great spirit, 100% recommend!

Harmony Healing Centre Nosara
The Healing Centre at Harmony Hotel is one of the top places to practice yoga in Nosara, Costa Rica. Their gentle yoga classes are set inside an open-air Shala, complete with jungle views - and even better, jungle sounds!
A range of daily classes - from vinyasa, meditation, and qigong, to hatha, yin, and breathwork - are available! Click here to check out their website.

Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort
The Bodhi Tree Resort is known as one of the best yoga resorts and retreats around Nosara. Whether you're keen for a high-energy vinyasa or restorative yin class, Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort has plenty of daily classes on their schedule - all set within beautiful 360-degree view, open-air yoga shalas. Try to get to one of the classes in Oceana or Akasha shalas and tell me what you think about that view! One of the best classes? Try the aerial yoga class in the hammocks with Tatiana @tiana.yoga that is happening every Tuesday at 12:30pm in the beautiful setting of Akasha shala. This class is very special and you are going to enjoy being upside down! Book you spot at the reception at least a day in advance as there is a limited amount of hammocks.

Nosara Jiu Jitsu
If you're already a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner or a beginner, there are plenty of reasons to try a class at Nosara Jiu Jitsu. Professor Daniel Rodriguez has built a truly international BJJ academy where everyone is welcome. You can either drop in for a class or sign up for monthly sessions. Dani is an incredible black belt instructor, and you'll learn a lot about self-defense.
Trying BJJ while on vacation is also a great idea—it helps relieve stress and boosts mental well-being. Engaging in physical activity like BJJ releases endorphins, which naturally lift your mood. Plus, you'll have the chance to connect with the local community and create unforgettable memories.
You can have more information about the academy on their website.

Yoga Teacher Training
Have your sights set on completing a yoga teacher training in Nosara?
The Nosara Yoga Institute, Blue Spirit and the Bodhi Tree trainings are some great options to look into further!

When it comes to observing, preserving, and supporting wildlife, there are a few different wildlife sanctuaries in Nosara doing seriously amazing work.
During your visit to Nosara, plan to visit at least one wildlife sanctuary. Not only is it a cool, educational experience for you, but your visit directly impacts the local wildlife - leaving the animals a little better off than you found them!

Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary
Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary's mission is "provide a permanent, spacious sanctuary and ongoing care for wildlife that, due to psychological or physical injury, it is not possible to release back into the wild" - primarily due to issues humans have created.
Visiting Sibu's jungle haven offers an immersive experience, allowing you to connect with, learn about, and support Costa Rica's flora and fauna simultaneously. While there, you'll see some of the sanctuary's handicapped wildlife (including monkeys, sloths, coatis, and other animals).
Guided tours at Sibu are only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 AM. The tours are 2 hours long, cost $60/person, and you must book your tour in advance. Trust me, this is one of the best things to do in Nosara. You don't want to miss out!

How's this for an epic half-day trip?
Imagine: Spending the day driving your ATV around on mountainous jungle trails, passing incredible views of the ocean all the while. And then, topping it off with a tour of a local family's coffee farm and the loveliest of farm-to-table food. Uncover the secrets of Nosara's best tortillas, shared by the locals before enjoying a typical lunch.
Click Here to book your Half-Day Ecological Coffee ATV Tour in Nosara via WhatsApp mention Tati from Bespoke Travel!

La Luna is one of the only beachfront restaurants in Playa Guoines, so you can't miss sunset dinner and drinks at La Luna.
Expect delicious Mediterranean fare with a relaxed, pura vida beach vibe. It's a little pricey, but honestly, you can't beat the location or the beautiful atmosphere. Wining and dining at La Luna is one of the experiences to do in Nosara, no doubt. However, it does get very busy in the evenings during the high season and you might be waiting for a while for your food and drinks. Make sure to make a reservation online in advance - especially for outdoor sunset seating! That being said, La Luna is also open for breakfast and lunch so you can also choose this if you would like to avoid the crowds.
Want more Nosara food & drink recommendations? Check out my article to the Best Restaurants in Nosara, Costa Rica!

The Nicoya Peninsula is known for its dry tropical forest, and the Nosara Biological Reserve offers the perfect opportunity to explore it. The best time to go is very early in the morning - to beat the heat, and see as many animals as possible!
Set on more than 30 hectares of protected land (within the boundaries of Lagarta Lodge's property), the Nosara Biological Reserve is home to all kinds of wildlife, from birds, monkeys, anteaters, and butterflies to coatis, raccoons, iguanas, and insects.
(Emphasis on the insects... And spiders.) This is where bug repellent comes in handy. There are many well-marked paths and a roundtrip walk usually takes about 2 hours. First you pass through gorgeous mangroves, so don’t forget to grab your phone for some good pictures! My favorite one is the loop that passes by the river. If you are lucky, you see a crocodile basking in the sun on the riverbank.
You can hire a nature guide to go here with you, or simply go explore yourself.

Going on a sunset horseback riding tour is one of the great things to do in Nosara.
You can choose between two enchanting options:

• Farm and River Journey: Delight in the serenity of a typical Costa Rican farm surroundings as you pass by the gentle flow of the river. Immerse yourself in nature's tranquility, enveloped by the sights and sounds of the countryside.
• Beach and Jungle Excursion: Prepare to be awe-struck as you traverse through sandy shores and verdant jungle paths, and stroll along the beach as the waves crash and the sun kisses the sky pink.

No matter which option you choose, you're guaranteed a beautiful adventure, filled with beauty, wonder, and the exhilarating freedom of horseback riding in paradise. If you love animals, and a little adventure in nature, then this one's for you.
Contact me to book your Private Sunset Horseback Riding Tour $100 per person now.

About 25 minutes north of Nosara, you will find Ostional, a beach town that's famous for its sea turtle Arribadas. Every year, thousands upon thousands of Olive Ridley turtles return to the shores of the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge to lay their eggs.
Though Olive Ridley sea turtles (and two other species) still lay eggs and hatch every month on the shores of Costa Rica, the bigger Arribadas generally occur between late July or early August through late December. So with a little luck, you'll see turtles no matter what! The best time to go is at dusk or dawn (5 am or 5 pm), and at night during the dry season.
It's an unforgettable experience, to be sure. You never know exactly when the next Arribada will happen. Linked with the wind, tide and lunar cycles; often just before a new moon, female turtles will gather off shore in groupings of hundreds and sometimes thousands in an oceanic tribal gathering of wait. When the elements align, collectively they will make their spectacular arrival to land, literally arriving within the waves. Once ashore, they slowly haul their heavy bodies from the surf to begin maneuvering up the beach as they waddle along making their unique patterned imprints in the sand. When each finds her ideal spot to create a pocket, using her hind flippers and in an almost in a trance-like state, she will deposit between 80 – 110 white soft-shelled eggs. Afterwards, she will cover up her shallow nest, leaving the offspring behind as she returns back to the ocean. The hatchlings will surface at night within 45 to 54 days of nesting depending on the atmospheric incubation temperatures. As soon as they emerge from the nest, these little ones will crawl as fast as possible to the sea, which is another awe-inspiring sight of Mother Nature to behold.

How to Visit Ostional Wildlife Refuge
You need to book a guide to be able to enter the beach during Arribada. You can ask your hotel to book a nature tour to Ostional Wildlife Refuge for you. Or message directly to Gredy, one of the amazing guides of the Refuge. The tour costs USD 25, and guides only accept cash. If you don’t have your on transportation, message Mosca if you want to come on a Tuk-Tuk (possible ONLY during the dry season), or book a Terratour shuttle for more comfort or if you visit during the rainy season.

If you're into surfing, you've probably already heard the buzz: Playa Guiones has made a name for itself. It’s now recognized as one of the top surf destinations in the country, welcoming surfers of all levels. Not to mention, it boasts some of the most consistent waves in the world.
Nosara's surf scene is diverse, with a variety of breaks shaped by sandbars, rocky reefs, and river mouths.
With the ever-changing tides, swell, and wind direction, there’s almost always a solid spot to catch waves. Playa Guiones is the consistent crowd favorite, known for its friendly vibe, but if the conditions align, you might want to explore spots like Ostional, Garza, or Boca Nosara. Feeling adventurous? Head out to Barrigona when the tide is high or try Camaronal when the south swell rolls in.

Take a Surf Lesson
If you’ve decided that Nosara is where you’re finally going to learn to surf, I’d say that’s a good choice. The area is full of beginner-friendly waves, and there are plenty of surf schools offering lessons to get you started.
Book the session with one of my favorite surf instructors Edgardo! You can message him directly via WhatsApp mentioning my name. Here are his rates:

• Private Lessons: $80 per person for 90 minutes.
• Semi-Private Lessons: $70 per person for 90 minutes (for 2 people).
• Group Lessons: $60 per person for 90 minutes (for groups of 3 or more).

Board Rentals: Get the largest choice of boards at the Gilded Iguana Surf Club. Contact me for a 10% discount.
You can also pick up a rental from any of the many Nosara surf schools. Board rentals cost about $20-40 USD for a full day, or $140-190 per week - depending on if you need a foamie or a performance board.

Surf with a Photographer
Capture your surfing experience with a professional photographer, Javier Elizondo. Options include:

• Aerial Photoshoot: $100 for 90 minutes.
• Underwater Photoshoot: $100 for 60 minutes.
• Combined Aerial & Camera Photoshoot: $160 for 120 minutes.
• Drone Videos: $190 for 90 minutes in 4K format.

Contact me for a 10% discount

Intermediate & Advance Surf Coaching
If you're an intermediate or advanced surfer staying in Nosara for at least a week, you should definitely take lessons with Herbert, the creator of Ocean Moves and coach for the Danish National Team. Herbert will help you understand ocean patterns and give you repetitive practice to master your movements and surf with power and harmony.
At Ocean Moves Center, there are several tailored programs. Training days accommodate up to six students per class with two coaches and include customized practices like surf skate, bodysurf, yoga, open water swimming, flat water drills, land drills, and video analysis with theory. The Indigo package starts at $840 for 3 training days—totally worth it! Contact me to book sessions with Herbert!

If you want to devour some local Tico food, I got you. Actually, Celajes does.
Celajes is a must if you're craving a typical Costa Rican breakfast or a casado for lunch! Plus like this you will discover Nosara town where the locals live, it’s a totally different vibe than touristy Guiones. If you aren't familiar, a casado - which means marriage - is a typical Costa Rican platter that includes a combination of some or all of the following: rice, beans, a protein of your choice (mine's fish or chicken!), veggies, salad, plantains, and tortillas.
It's cheap, local, and scrumptious - try it out!

You will enjoy the different nature that what you see at the beach, and will have the opportunity to see cool birds, howler monkeys, and crocodiles that you might spot along the way.
I would advise to book a nature tour with Nature Tours Gabriela. She has amazing reviews on Tripadvisor and her kayak tours are just $60/person. She also offers kayak rentals, if you just want to go on your own.

If you didn't hike to a waterfall, can you really say you visited Costa Rica? (Spoiler: no.) Fortunately, there is a little waterfall near Nosara town. Mala Noche Waterfall is popular both among Ticos and tourists.
Tucked away in the jungle, it can be a bit tricky to find, so you have two options: hire a local guide (for this you can contact Nature tours Gabriela as well), or ask for directions and embrace the adventure of finding it on your own (speaking Spanish can turn out helpful). Please also note that you need to go through private property at some point to get to the waterfall.
Now, the waterfall itself might not blow you away, but the real highlight is the jungle trek, capped off with a refreshing swim in the pool beneath the falls, surrounded by towering Guanacaste trees. You can also climb up the waterfall and explore different pools higher up! Just don’t forget your hiking shoes! Best times to visit: December - March. Later on the waterfall dries out, and during the rainy season month the water might be brown because of the amount of rain.

Nosara is a place for rejuvenation and self-care. Countless studies highlight the benefits of cold water therapy and sauna as essential components of a self-care routine. For the best place to experience this in Nosara, look no further than the Harmony Hotel. The invigorating sensation of plunging into cold water after a sauna session has profound effects on mental well-being. The sudden shift in temperature stimulates the release of endorphins—your body's natural feel-good hormones—promoting relaxation and a sense of euphoria. Paired with the tranquil and beautiful outdoor spa setting at the Harmony Hotel, this experience is truly unforgettable.
Remember to make advance reservations for these offerings. Btw the massage at Harmony’s spa center is also definitely recommended!

Looking to get your adrenaline fix? When you're in Costa Rica, ziplining through the jungle canopy is a must-do—it’s practically non-negotiable. Is it touristy? Yes. Is it still fun? Definitely YES!
With 21 thrilling ziplines ranging from 300 to 700 meters, you'll be flying over mountain ridges and rivers, taking in stunning views of the jungle all the way to the Pacific Ocean. If you book the 8 a.m. tour, you'll also get the chance to visit a waterfall and take a dip in jungle pools.

With its relaxed jungle-beach vibe, great music, and seriously fantastic cocktails and tacos, this bar is a true gem. There is a drink menu, but you can also just order whatever you’re in the mood for, and you’ll soon have the best version of that drink in front of you! If you’re lucky enough to see Carlos, one of the owners and the bartender, be sure to ask him to create a cocktail for you based on your taste preferences. When I visit Howler’s, my go-to is a Pisco Sour, but the classic margaritas are a must as well. Their margaritas are outstanding, thanks to the use of local mandarin limes—so delicious!
Feeling hungry? Order their fish carpaccio; it's simply the best I’ve ever had. Guacamole and tacos are also solid choices. Mingle with locals and tourists alike, and you’re sure to have a fantastic evening there!

Enjoy a half-day catamaran tour with Sky & Sand departing from Playa Garza. The Guanacaste Peninsula can boast some of the most beautiful sunsets on the planet. Enjoying this moment sipping a cocktail in good company, listening to good music is one of the experiences to do, because it represents the essence of the "pura vida" style.
A small boat will transport you from the beach to the Catamaran, where you can enjoy a welcome drink while the crew prepares to head out to the first spot. You can swim, snorkel in crystal clear waters or relax sunbathing on our sundeck, or dance and chat accompanied by great music.
The tour includes snorkeling gear, snacks, drinks, and cocktails.
Sunset Tour: $120 per person, from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Contact me to book!

Rent Cali electric bikes to explore Nosara's landscapes while minimizing your carbon footprint. Cali electric bikes are carefully selected to ensure minimal carbon emissions, reducing your footprint as you explore the breathtaking landscapes of Nosara.
My special discount 10% off for weekly and monthly rentals. Code: CaliSurf
Also Cali Bikes offer discount of $10 off for first-time renters.
Try guided tours that allow you to discover the best of Nosara's jungle and beaches. Explore hidden gems, discover remote trails, and immerse yourself in the natural wonders this tropical paradise has to offer. Message Cali bike for more details.