Nicoya Peninsula · Costa Rica
Nosara
Yoga, surf, and unspoiled nature
About Nosara
Nosara has become one of the most sought-after destinations in Costa Rica — a rare combination of world-class surf, wellness culture, and genuine natural beauty. Strict building regulations and a protected biological reserve have kept the area largely free of large-scale development, preserving the jungle-to-beach landscape that makes it special.
Playa Guiones is the main surf beach — a long, consistent break suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers, with a handful of surf schools for beginners. Playa Pelada, a short walk north, is calmer and better for swimming. The Nosara Biological Reserve protects the estuary and forest between the beaches.
Highlights
- Playa Guiones (world-class surf)
- Playa Pelada (swimming & sunsets)
- Nosara Biological Reserve
- Yoga retreats & wellness centers
- Olive ridley turtle nesting at Ostional (nearby)
- Howler monkey sightings
Experiences in Nosara
Getting there & around
Nosara has a local airstrip with daily flights from San Jose (35 minutes). By road, the drive from San Jose takes about 5 hours. Shared shuttles connect Nosara to Samara, Tamarindo, and San Jose. The roads around Nosara can be rough — a 4WD is recommended.
View transport optionsHow long to stay
4–7 nights is typical for Nosara. Surfers and wellness travelers often stay longer — a week-long surf camp or yoga retreat is the most common format. The area rewards a slower pace.
Best season
The dry season (December–April) brings the best surf and guaranteed sunshine. The green season (May–November) offers bigger swells for experienced surfers, lush jungle, and fewer crowds. Nosara is one of the few Nicoya destinations that stays busy year-round.
Combine with
Nosara pairs well with Samara (1 hr south) for a calmer beach contrast. Tamarindo is 2 hours north. For a full Nicoya loop, add Santa Teresa (3 hrs south) and Montezuma (3.5 hrs south).
Travel tips
- Playa Guiones is best for surfing; Playa Pelada is better for swimming and sunsets.
- The roads around Nosara can be rough — a 4WD vehicle is recommended, especially in the wet season.
- Book yoga retreats and surf camps well in advance — Nosara fills up quickly in high season.
- Ostional Wildlife Refuge, 10 km north, hosts mass olive ridley turtle arrivals (arribadas) — check timing with local guides.
- Nosara has a strong expat and digital nomad community — expect good coffee and healthy food options.
Tips by traveler type
Surfers
Playa Guiones is best for intermediate to advanced surfers. Beginners should start with lessons — the beach break can be powerful. Playa Samara (30 min south) is better for complete beginners.
Wellness travelers
Nosara has one of the highest concentrations of yoga studios and wellness centers in Costa Rica. Book retreats well in advance — popular programs sell out months ahead.
Nature lovers
The Nosara Biological Reserve protects the estuary between Guiones and Pelada — excellent for birdwatching and a quiet morning walk.
Frequently asked questions
Explore more destinations
Nicoya PeninsulaSamara
One of Costa Rica's safest and most family-friendly beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Nicoya PeninsulaSanta Teresa
Powerful surf, jungle-backed beaches, and a vibrant food scene at the tip of Nicoya.
GuanacasteTamarindo
Guanacaste's most popular beach town — surf, sailing, and vibrant nightlife.
Nicoya PeninsulaMontezuma
Dramatic waterfalls, tide pools, and a free-spirited village at the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula.
GuanacastePapagayo Peninsula
Costa Rica's most exclusive resort corridor with calm coves and exceptional sunshine.
Central PacificManuel Antonio
Costa Rica's most visited national park — white-sand beaches and abundant wildlife.
Planning a trip to Costa Rica?
Tell us your dates, interests, and travel style — we will design a complete itinerary just for you.