Maybe you are eager to have an adventurous and relaxing vacation in Costa Roca. Then Nosara is the place. You will find Nosara by negotiating a bouncy road on the Nicoya peninsula in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. A lush jungle surrounds Nosara, and the place boasts an old expatriate community.
Nosara beaches overlook the pacific with consistent waves throughout the year and made it an incredible surfing destination. Serious yoga enthusiasts flock there from around the world. The place is known for its slow, laid-back pace. It is an ideal destination to enjoy the slow pace and tune into nature.
Things To Enjoy In Nosara, Costa Rica
1. Go Surfing
Nosara happens to be one of the best surfing destinations in Costa Rica for surfers of all levels. One can choose plenty of breaks at the river mouth, sandbars, and rocky reefs depending on the swell and the direction of the wind. Advanced surfers can take the giant waves and the small waves near the beach are ideal for beginners. Nosara also has many surf schools around to take surf lessons. You do not need to carry your surfing board. It is available for rental.
2. Get absorbed in yoga and wellness
Nosara is the yoga haven. People from distant lands go there and join yoga retreats. There are plenty of them with world-class instructors. So, why should you fall behind? Join a yoga class, and boost up your wellness while you vacate in pristine natural surroundings. Many hotels also offer yoga classes to their guests.
Nosara boasts several pristine beaches. Guiones Beach enjoys high popularity in Nosara. There are many beaches nearby. You can visit Playa Pelada. It is a small quiet beach in the north of Playa Guiones. La Luna and Olga Restaurante are nice places to watch the sunset with drinks and dinner. Also, visit Playa Rosada, Playa Cuarzo, and Playa Garza.
4. Visit a Wildlife sanctuary
Nosara is home to several wildlife sanctuaries working for the preservation of wildlife and giving support. Visit at least one of them to enrich your knowledge about the native wildlife of the area. The Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary is worth visiting for the experience it offers. Visiting there, one can reconnect with nature. It provides ongoing care to animals suffering from injuries and unable to go back to the wild. You will watch coatis, monkeys, peccaries, raccoons, sloths, squirrels, etc. There are guided tours every Tuesday and Thursday At 10 AM for a donation of $60 per person.
The entire Nosara coastline is a wildlife refuge. You will find the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge a bit north of Nosara. Thousands of Olive Ridley Turtles come here every year for nesting and lay their eggs. While sea turtles come here throughout the year, thousands of them swarm up the shore between late July and early August through December. With a bit of luck, you can watch turtles laying eggs and hatching babies at dusk or dawn.
6. Explore the Nosara Biological Reserve
This private reserve belongs to Lagarta Lodge. It sits on the northern end near Nosara Beach. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife including anteaters, coatis, howler monkeys, raccoons, crocodiles, etc. along with a large variety of bird species. Although the tiny howler monkeys emit a loud and scary sound, they are timid. While a self-tour is allowed, a guided tour is better to explore the diversity of the reserve.
7. Enjoy horseback riding
Galloping Nosara beaches and jungle trails on horseback are one of the most enjoyable things to do in Nosara. The trained horses take visitors through dense jungles, mountains, and rivers. One can also take sunset rides. These deliver a fun and exciting experience.
8. Take a river safari
Cruising through the Nosara Biological Reserve on an electric motorboat opens up a fascinating nature, abundant birds, and wildlife. One can also do paddle boarding on the Nosara River through mangroves. It allows enjoying what nature has to offer in the Area.
9. Enjoy a refreshing swim at the hidden waterfall
Although not widely known, Mala Noche waterfall offers a refreshing swim at the pool formed by the waterfall. It is hidden in a deep jungle, and you have to take a guide to reach there. Trekking to Mala Noche helps visitors to know the topography of the area and listen to the voice of nature. One can jump off or take a plunge in the pool relishing the beautiful surroundings.
10. Enjoy the sunset
A Nosara trip remains incomplete without watching the incredible sunset views. One can watch the beach sunset over drink and dinner from Playa Pelada restaurants. Alternatively, may walk up to Mirador Hermosa Nosara to watch the sunset from a viewpoint on the cliff. One can also take a sunset cruise on a boat.
How To Reach Nosara, Costa Rica
Nosara has a domestic airport that is about 15 minutes from the beaches. Daily scheduled flights operate from San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. Visitors can drive from San Jose to Nosara. It takes about five to six hours.
When To Visit Nosara, Costa Rica
It depends on what one wishes to see and do. Having a tropical climate, Nosara has two seasons; dry and rainy. Late November through April is the dry season. The rainy season starts in May and lasts up to early November.
The dry season witnesses clear days, beautiful blue skies, and a gorgeous sunset. Spotting wildlife becomes easier in the dry season as the trees lose leaves. However, the forests bloom fully bursting into color in the rainy season and the rates are also cheap. You will get better waves than in the dry season and the sea turtles also invade in large numbers.
Final Thought
Nosara happens to be a paradise for outdoor-loving visitors wanting to relax in unspoiled natural beauty. It is generally safe for visitors. However, one must apply common sense, be cautious when it is dark, and never flash valuables. Now that you have a fair idea of the things to enjoy there; make Nosara your next vacation destination!