For those looking for laid-back vibes and incredible waves, Nosara is a top choice among Costa Rica tourist attractions. Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, this small town is famous for its beaches, yoga retreats, and vibrant expat community. Surfers flock here year-round to enjoy the world-class waves, while the stunning sunsets and eco-friendly hotels attract those seeking a more relaxed pace.

– Best Time to Visit: Dry season (December to April)

– Nearby Attractions: Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada

Why Visit Nosara

Nosara has built its reputation as one of Costa Rica’s premier surf-and-wellness towns, drawing a mix of surfers, yogis, and travelers looking for a slower pace than the more built-up beach towns further north. The area is spread across a few distinct neighborhoods — Playa Guiones, Playa Pelada, and the inland village — connected mostly by dirt roads that keep the pace deliberately relaxed.

The town has also become known for its farm-to-table dining scene, with a number of small restaurants and cafés run by an international community of long-term residents, so a night out in Nosara often mixes fresh seafood with a distinctly laid-back, health-conscious menu.

Things to Do and Key Attractions

Surf Playa Guiones

Playa Guiones’ consistent beach break makes it one of the best learn-to-surf spots in Costa Rica, and several surf schools in town offer lessons for everyone from complete beginners to advanced surfers.

Practice Yoga

Nosara has one of the highest concentrations of yoga studios in the country, with drop-in classes as well as multi-day retreats for visitors who want to build their trip around wellness.

Watch Sea Turtles at Ostional

A short drive from town, the Ostional Wildlife Refuge protects one of the world’s most important nesting sites for Olive Ridley sea turtles, which arrive in mass nesting events called arribadas.

Sunset Horseback Riding

Guided horseback tours along the beach at sunset are a popular, low-key way to see the coastline outside of surfing or yoga.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, from late December through early May, is Nosara’s most popular stretch, with consistently hot, rain-free weather. May through mid-August is a good alternative for fewer crowds, though afternoon thunderstorms become a regular part of the day during this period.

How to Get There

The nearest major airport is Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia, about a two-hour drive from Nosara, or roughly five hours from San José. Domestic flights from San José to Nosara’s small local airstrip are also available and cut the trip down significantly. Once in town, a rental car is recommended for getting around, since many of Nosara’s roads are unpaved.

Travel Tips

A vehicle with good clearance is worth it given the area’s dirt roads, especially in the rainy season. Book surf lessons and yoga classes in advance during peak dry-season months, and check ahead for Ostional arribada dates if seeing the sea turtles is a priority, since nesting events happen on their own schedule rather than a fixed calendar.

For more of the region, see our full Costa Rica travel guide. Nosara pairs well with a stop in Liberia, the gateway to Guanacaste province.