The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is very different to the rest of the country. Once you are over the mountains of Monteverde the climate becomes drier and hotter. Because of these conditions, this is arguably the perfect tropical paradise with some of the best sunsets and wildlife experiences in the world. Nosara, a small village on the Pacific, is where we stayed and I have to say, we loved every bit of it – the beaches, the wildlife, the vibe. It was a highlight of our trip. If you are planning on heading to Nosara as part of your Costa Rica adventure and are wondering what to do there, this post is for you.
What to do in Nosara, Costa Rica | Your Quick Guide
1. Surf the Waves at Playa Guiones
No visit to Nosara is complete without a bit of surfing. Whether you’re experienced in this field or a newbie, this is the perfect place to give this a go. Playa Guiones is the best place for this and is a long beach with plenty of waves. There are plenty of options with surf schools too (Nosara Independent Surf is probably the best), so take your time and pick the one that is best for you.
🏄♀️ Surfboard rental starts at $10 per hour; lessons range from $50-$80 per session.
🌊 Book a lesson early in the morning when the waves are calmer for beginners. Plus, it won’t be too hot!
2. Explore the Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary
Unexpectedly, some of our best wildlife encounters were in Nosara. For whatever reasons, the wildlife seemed calmer and we were able to get up close to a lot of it. I think that this was because of where our hotel, Lagarta Lodge, was situated. Whilst it was amazing seeing all the wildlife out, I would also recommend supporting local people that help make this all possible. The Nosara Wildlife Refuge is one of the places that does this best. You can take a guided tour through some protected jungle and see some of the animals who are being well looked after by Vicki and her team.
🦜 $60 per person
🦥 A reservation is required to visit
3. Practice Yoga at Nosara’s Retreat Centres
When you arrive in Nosara, you’ll quickly see why it is one of the top wellness destinations in Costa Rica. The lush jungle and the never-ending coastline, all of which is brimming with wildlife, makes this place the ultimate place to unwind. In the town, you’ll find plenty of different yoga retreats and wellness centres. Bodhi Tree is probably the most popular and extravagant place to unwind here. You can either stay for a few nights or drop-in from another, cheaper, hotel. There are loads of different options, but yoga is definitely one of the best things to do in Nosara.
🧘♀️ Drop-in yoga classes typically are $30+ depending on where you go.
✨ Check for package deals if you plan to attend multiple sessions, especially if you are a guest in the hotel.
4. Watch Turtles Nesting
One of the highlights of Costa Rica for me was seeing turtles. The Pacific Coast is one of the best places anywhere to see Olive Ridley turtles nesting, taking place between July and December. This is something that I strongly feel has to be controlled properly. Playa Ostional, whilst one of the best places to see these beautiful animals, can get overcrowded, which isn’t good for the turtles. Make sure that your tour is sustainable and ethical. We were lucky enough to join a small group with highly-knowledgeable guides. I never felt that the animals were overcrowded and we had a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
🏖️ Tours vary greatly in price (we paid around $60 per person). Some cheaper options may be available, but that is not always a good thing.
🐢 Do your research and ask questions – avoid tours that take large groups during peak season.
5. Take a Sunset Boat Tour on the Nosara River
The rivers of Nosara are home to some of the best mangroves in the country. Within minutes of being here, you’ll spot plenty of birds and mammals, plus – it is also home to one of the largest populations of crocodiles in Costa Rica. We found that the wildlife was most obvious during the evening (plus, the Pacific sunsets are always the best!), and the river cruises were the best. Many hotels run tours here throughout the day, so ask your reception when you arrive. Alternatively, tour operators run in the town.
🚤 Tours cost anywhere from $70-$150 depending on the tour operator. Our hotel, Nosara Lodge, was mid-range in terms of cost, but was very good.
🌅 If you can, go during dusk or dawn – I promise that you’ll see more wildlife!
6. Enjoy Fresh Local Cuisine
Nosara is the capital of excellent seafood in Costa Rica. Because of the popularity of the town amongst locals and tourists, you don’t have to look far to find some amazing dishes. If you fancy sitting by the beach as the sun sets, La Luna is a great option. The cuisine is varied and you can get everything from pizza to fresh fish. However, if I had to recommend one place, it would have to be the restaurant at Lagarta Lodge. I would genuinely say that this has the best view of any restaurant I’ve ever been to. Plus, the food is incredible, the service amazing and you’ll see plenty of pelicans, crocodiles and coatis from the comfort of your seat.
🍴Meals do vary massively in price, but expect high prices. Nosara is one of the most expensive places in Costa Rica!
🍍Make reservations at popular restaurants during peak season to avoid long waits.
7. Explore Nosara’s Art Scene 🎨🌺
With the laid-back atmosphere and relaxed setting, it isn’t a surprise that one of the best things to do in Nosara is to explore the art scene. When we walked through the town we found plenty of paintings, sculptures and ceramics up for sale. These were either in lovely galleries or quirky, artisan shops. If you’re looking for a souvenir, avoid the tourist traps like Treetopia or the Airport and get something fresh and local.
8. Relax on Playa Guiones Beach 🏖️
No guide on what to do in Nosara would be complete without mentioning the best part; relaxing! To be a true tourist, head down to Playa Guiones beach. These sandy beaches are the ultimate place to experience the Pura Vida lifestyle. You can enjoy a swim, a sunbathe or a cocktail here and is the perfect spot for a sunset walk.
What to do in Nosara | Final Thoughts
There is never a shortage of things to do in Nosara, no matter what you are looking for. For us, after a busy few weeks of exploring the country, it allowed us to properly kick-back and relax. Whilst it is touristy (and the prices here reflect it!), I promise that this place will pleasantly surprise you.
