Things to do in Nosara
Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, Nosara is one of Costa Rica's most eclectic beach communities. Travelers and expats come to Nosara, primarily for the surfing, but it's also - in recent years - become a hotbed of wellness and yoga tourism. Probably because of the area's proximity to one of the few blue zones in the world. It creates a healthy vibe, which is all good.
But Nosara also offers more than just surfing and yoga. There are also other activities to enjoy once out of the line up and off the yoga mat.
Let's break down a few things you and the family can do in Nosara. Grab that coffee, and let's begin.
Zip lining
Costa Rica's most famous activity is undoubtably zip lining through the forest canopy. Most tourist communities have canopy tours nearby and Nosara is no exception. You'll find a few outfits around the area to get you up close and personal with the surrounding tropical forest.
ATV Tours
There are plenty of ATV tours for you to enjoy in Nosara, either private, semi-private, or in a group. You'll love exploring the local hills, rivers, and beaches on your quad.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a common mode of transport on the Nicoya Peninsula so it stands to reason that tourists can enjoy it, too. Explore the same hills, forests, riverbeds, and beaches as you would on an ATV, but this time in a more natural way.
Turtle Nesting Tours
Nosara is close to Playa Ostional, where during the June-to-December nesting season, thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in a phenomenon called an arribada. If you're lucky, this experience can be a highlight of your Costa Rican vacation.
Hiking
Nosara has over 18 km of trails connecting various beaches and passing through forests and farmlands. Whether you're walking, running, or cycling, it's great to get a sweat up while exploring the Nosara area.
Surfing
We can't talk about things to do in Nosara and not mention surfing. Nosara is, after all, a surf community and would not be the place it is today without those glorious waves everyone comes here to ride. It even attracts surfing celebrities like Zach Efron! There are plenty of places to arrange lessons or rent boards if you don't have your own. And some well-known people have been known to go surfing there, such as Zach Efron. There are plenty of surf shops and lessons to go around. Playa Guiones is the main spot, and it's consistent year-round.
Yoga and Wellness
Where there's surf, there's yoga. The two activities go together well and Nosara is now Costa Rica's most wellness-orientated destination. As mentioned above, perhaps it's the whole Blue Zone thing. Either way, if you're looking for any type of yoga retreat or wellness-centered vacation, Nosara is the place to be. Ask our travel consultants for more info.
FAQs About things to do in Nosara, Costa Rica
Is Nosara worth visiting?
If you love tropical beaches and ultra laid-back coastal communities focused around surfing and good vibes, away from much of the hustle and grind, then Nosara is the perfect place to visit and unwind.
What is Nosara known for?
Nosara is known for surfing and yoga. You'll see a lot of yoga retreats and wellness centers. It's also know for its proximity to one of only five blue zones in the world, where people tend to live much longer than elsewhere.
How many days do you need in Nosara?
It depends on what you're looking for. If you're all about relaxing and surfing, you can spend weeks in Nosara. Most travelers don't have that amount of time, though, so we'd say four days or so in a week-long itinerary.
Is Nosara better than Tamarindo?
Tamarindo is easier to reach and more developed than Nosara, with better infrastructure. It has more of a central core, while Nosara is more spread out. If you're looking for a town center and more nightlife, Tamarindo is your place. But, on the other hand, if you seek something more tranquil, Nosara is the place to be.