Nosara

Public Phones

Pay phones are located in front of the police station in the town of Nosara, and throughout Guiones (also in front of the Gilded Iguana Bar and Restaurant).

Cell Phones

Cell phone reception is unpredictable throughout the Nosara area. Cell phones can be rented in Costa Rica for around $10 a day, and prepaid SIM chips are also available.

Internet

There are numerous high-speed Internet cafes in Nosara, and a large number of restaurants offer it to paying customers. The Frog Pad in Guiones offers many services: WiFi, desktop computers, and possibly the largest collection of used books to buy and DVDs for rent in Costa Rica.

Post Office

The post office is located in the town of Nosara, next to the Red Cross, and is open 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is also a small drop box next to the ATM machine in Guiones.

Banks

There is a Banco de Costa Rica located next to the Nosara Servicentro gas station; it has an ATM and the bank is open 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Banco Popular has a 24-hour ATM at Playa Guiones, just past Cafe de Paris on the left. It has a huge orange sign, and currently only takes VISA cards.

Gas Stations

A full-service gas station is located on the road from Nicoya, just before the sign to turn right toward Nosara.

Medical Facilities

There is a clinic and dentist’s office in Guiones, next to the pharmacy: Centro Medico Nosara (Tel. 2682-0942 or 2682-1212). Their hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Paradise Medical Services is located in the village of Nosara, across from the soccer field (Tel. 2682-1212 and 2682-0942) The nearest major hospital is in Nicoya. (Tel. 2682-5066)

Red Cross

The Cruz Roja offers ambulance and emergency services. They are located in the town of Nosara, down the street from the post office and next to the police station. (Tel. 2682-0175)

Getting from beach to beach in Nosara is challenging sans motorized vehicle. For those without wheels, southernmost Playa Guiones is the best place to stay – here amenities like restaurants, a convenience store, doctor’s office, and pharmacy are all within walking distance. A hilly five-minute car ride north lies Playa Pelada, which has fewer hotels and eateries; five minutes farther still sits the even more remote Playa Nosara.

ATV:

An ATV is the fastest (and dustiest) way to get around the area. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, as pebbles and rocks can be a problem. Four-wheelers can be rented hourly, daily or weekly.

Bicycle:

Beach cruiser bicycles are convenient and inexpensive means of transport. Try renting from the Frog Pad, down the street from the Gilded Iguana and next to Villas Tortuga. Prices are $10 per day or $50 per week with a deposit of a license, passport, or $50.

On Foot:

Getting around on foot is difficult unless staying in downtown Guiones. A car, ATV, bike, or motorcycle is recommended if staying anywhere else.

Air:

Local carrier Nature Air offers flights to the Nosara regional airport, departing from San Jose and Liberia.

Bus:

From San Jose: $10; departs at 5:30 a.m.; 6.5 hours. Leaves from the intersection of Avenida 5 and Calles 14/16 (Alfaro Terminal). Travelers are advised to buy bus tickets one day in advance, when possible, as seats sell out quickly in the high season.

Car:

The journey from San Jose to Nosara takes between four and five hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Drive north along the Interamerican Highway toward Liberia. Take the left turnoff for the Tempisque Bridge, locally known as el Puente de Amistad. Continue west until you reach the town of Nicoya. Go straight through the town along the main road for roughly 18 miles. A gas station will be on the left, and it is best to fill up here. Immediately after the gas station, the main road veers to the left toward Samara. Here, turn right, following the sign to Nosara. Follow this bumpy dirt road about 15 miles.

At the T intersection, there will be a sign pointing right toward Nosara. Continue along until you reach the beach. This is Playa Garza. Keep going until signs for local businesses begin to appear. Eventually, Coconut Harry’s will be on the left and Cafe de Paris restaurant on the right. Turn right in front of Cafe de Paris to reach the entrance to Playa Guiones. Or, keep going straight until you see signs for the turnoffs for Playa Pelada and, farther on, the village of Nosara.

ATV Adventures

Explore scenic rivers and country roads on an ATV excursion.  For a change of pace, investigate the hills and valleys of Pilas Blancas, a nearby mountain town. Be sure to stick to the main streets and dirt paths, as it is illegal to take ATV's on the beach. Guided tours are highly recommended.

Bird & Wildlife Watching

Observe local wildlife on a boat tour of the Nosara River. Completely silent, the pontoon glides along the river, without disturbing resident species. Commonly seen birds include white-fronted parakeets, roseate spoonbills, tiger herons, green kingfishers, social flycatchers, black-headed trogons and mangrove warblers. Travelers should also look for American crocodiles, green iguanas, howler monkeys and Jesus Christ lizards.

Canopy Tours

Nosara’s exhilirating canopy tour takes about a half-day to complete from start to finish. Adventurers zoom at high speeds several hundred feet above ground, through 21 runs stretching from 1,640 feet to 1,970 feet in length. Located on a 2,500-acre reserve, the lines are just four miles from the Pacific Ocean. Zip past the beautiful Nosara River, through untouched forests inhabited by howler monkeys.

Day Spas

Come to Nosara to heal and harmonize with luxurious day spa treatments that use only natural, locally grown ingredients. Skin and body treatments like Banana Bliss, Papaya Delight, Chocolate Seduction and Tropical Purifying Facial replenish and soothe skin using mixtures that may include jasmine, banana, coconut oil, papaya seeds, hibiscus, honey, aloe, cacao and coffee beans.

Dolphin & Whale Watching

The waters off Nosara are rich in marine life, but some of the most exciting animals to spot are leaping dolphins and breeching whales. Dolphin and whale watching tours usually depart from Samara (some offer transportation to/from Nosara), and seek out spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, and spotted dolphins.

Hiking

The 90-acre Nosara Biological Reserve is home to over 270 species of birds, with hiking trails that weave through wetlands and tropical dry forest along the Nosara River. The two-hour hike is best done early in the morning or at dusk, when wildlife watching is best. 

Horseback Riding

Explore Nosara's beaches and jungle trails on horseback. Tour operators have well-tended horses that suit riders of all ages and abilities. Guides will explain the variety of plant and animal life that riders will encounter on the way. Tours are given in English, Spanish, or German, and usually last between two and three hours.

Kayaking

Peaceful kayak tours along the Nosara and Montana Rivers provide hands-on escapes into nature. Bird and wildlife sightings are certain, and guides know the best places to explore. Maneuver along the intricate shores lined with mangroves, some of which are over 200 years old.

Snorkeling

Playa Rosada, the stretch of pink sand at the very south of Playa Guiones, along with Playa Pelada’s offshore reefs and tide pools, offer clear waters for snorkeling. Bring a mask, snorkel and flippers at low tide to take advantage of prime underwater opportunities.

Sport Fishing

Anglers can try their luck inshore or offshore fishing on well-equipped 20 to 32-foot boats. Common catches include yellow and black-fin tuna, red snapper, grouper, striped and black marlin, snook, and mahi mahi. Trips can last from two hours to an entire day.

Stand-up Paddle Surfing

Nosara stand-up paddle surfing (SUP) lessons take three forms: river, ocean, and remote paddle. River SUP, which takes place along the gentle Montana and Nosara Rivers, is ideal for beginners, while ocean SUP off Playa Guiones is better for adrenaline-seekers and adventurous beginners. Experienced paddle surfers will love the challenge of bigger waves and remote beaches, far from the crowds of Nosara and Playa Guiones. Seasoned SUP'ers can also rent paddleboards for solo explorations.

Surfing

Nosara is legendary as one of Costa Rica's first surfing hot spots. Local surf schools often videotape students’ lessons to teach form and style – the tapes also serve as an impressive souvenir. Surf packages may include local airport pickup, shuttle taxis, choice of lodging, meals, massages, yoga, and multiple activities.

Consistent waves and long, sandy beaches create a variety of opportunities to partake in this popular pastime. The area features a variety of waves for surfers of all levels:

• Playa Los Guiones: The 3.5-mile long beach provides plenty of space for surfers to enjoy some of the most impressive waves in the country. Left and right beach breaks tend to be hollow at lower tides. Surfing at Playa Guiones is wonderful early in the morning and at high tide.

• Playa Pelada: The reef break in front of Olga's Bar and Restaurant provides ample swells around mid to high tide.

• Playa Nosara: Backed by mangroves, Nosara serves up enormous waves, suitable for only the most experienced surfers. This is not a swimming beach, as the waters are rough.

Turtle Tours

Turtle tours at nearby Playa Ostional, just five miles north of Nosara, provide an unforgettable experience. During the last moon cycles, particularly July through December, female Olive Ridley sea turtles visit these shores in droves of thousands to lay eggs. This phenomenon is called an arribada, and usually continues uninterrupted for 3-10 days. During other times of year, up to five turtles can normally be found nesting nightly. Flash photography is prohibited, and only red-light flashlights are permitted at night.

Ultra Light Flight 

Soar through the air on an impossibly small autogiro, piloted by experienced aviators. Flights typically depart 45 minutes from Nosara at the Carrillo airstrip, and can last up to four hours between fuel-ups. Capable of flying 40-120 miles per hour and up to 5,000 feet in altitude, the aircraft can fly from Nicaragua to Panama in a matter of hours. Trips trek past winding rivers, cow pastures, dramatic bays and lush countryside. Adventurers are sure to gain an entirely new understanding of the phrase ‘birds-eye view’ on one of these spectacular planes.

Yoga

Relax the body and mind with Nosara’s enlightening yoga classes. A renowned teacher-training center offers month-long courses, along with shorter seminars and retreats for those who already have certification. Yoga Alliance approved training modules vary in price, but normal yoga classes (for the non-certified) run $10-15 for a one and a half hour session.

Beaches: (north to south)

Playa Ostional

Just five miles north of Nosara, Ostional is an important nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles. While a few experienced surfers do brave the waters here, waves are rougher and larger than other beaches in the area, and it is not recommended for novices.

Playa Nosara

A long, dark stretch of shore, Playa Nosara is located north of Playa Pelada, and between Playa Ostional and the Nosara river mouth. The beach is completely encompassed by the Ostional Wildlife Refuge. More isolated parts can be reached by kayak, perfect for those seeking privacy or exclusive surfing waves. Expect to find large and sometimes hollow left and right beach breaks at Playa Nosara.

Playa Pelada

Playa Pelada, or “bare beach,” is a picturesque, crescent-shaped cove in between Playa Guiones and Playa Nosara. The white sands are soft and inviting, lined by idyllic palm trees offering shade. This is not known as the best surfing spot around, but the reef break in front of Olga's Bar and Restaurant provides ample swells around mid to high tide. Vacationers and locals frequent this swimming beach to relax and enjoy Pelada’s calming, tranquil waters.

Playa Guiones

The core of the Nosara beach scene is inarguably Playa Guiones, where surfers enjoy some of the most impressive waves in the country. Left and right beach breaks tend to be hollow at lower tides. Here, restaurants, hotels, spas, Internet cafes, a pharmacy, and even a doctor’s office are concentrated in one area – much more than in Pelada or Nosara.

Playa Rosada

An extension of Playa Guiones, Playa Rosada is the stretch of pink sand at the very south end of this long surf beach. Bring snorkeling gear at low tide to take advantage of crystal clear waters and tide pools.

Playa Garza

Playa Garza is a tiny fishing village located four miles south of the Nosara area. As there is little in terms of lodging or restaurants, the beach receives minimal tourism. Many boat tours depart from Playa Garza. Two distinct barrier reefs protect the shore from large waves, creating nice swimming beaches.

Nature Reserves and Wildlife Refuges:

Ostional Wildlife Refuge 

Ostional Wildlife Refuge is best known as Costa Rica's second-most important nesting site for the Olive Ridley sea turtle.  Every year, tens of thousands of Olive Ridleys come to shore during arribadas, mass nesting periods that last year-round with peaks between June and December. The months of September, October and November see the largest number of nesting turtles.Turtle tours may be booked from nearby towns including Nosara, Tamarindo and Samara, or visitors may visit the refuge and walk the beach with a park ranger.

Nosara Wildlife Rescue

For more than ten years, the owners of Nosara Wildlife Rescue and Sibu Sanctuary have worked in harmony to rescue injured, displaced and orphaned animals. The center takes care of newborns, orphans, and recently injured animals, providing medical care and shelter during their immediate recovery. There are medical facilities as well as a small reception area that sells information, booklets, fundraising calendars and animal information. Visits may be arranged by prior reservation only.

Nosara Biological Reserve

The 90-acre Nosara Biological Reserve is home to over 270 species of birds including motmots, herons, manakins, waders and toucans. Coatimundis, howler monkeys, armadillos, snakes, and anteaters are also common. Sunset at the reserve’s Lagarta Bar and Restaurant is nothing short of breathtaking. From this vantage point 130 feet above sea level, it is possible to see the winding Nosara and Montana rivers and  the rivermouth where both empty into the Pacific Ocean.

Monte Alto Reserve

The 855-acre Monte Alto Reserve climbs to almost 2,750 feet above sea level – a cool, mountain retreat that feels worlds away from Nosara's golden beaches. Part of the Nosara Protected Zone, the reserve protects important river headwaters, premontane wet forest and transitional wet forest habitats. Monte Alto is known for its diverse selection of orchids (approximately 67 species) that line the reserve's hiking trails, where at least 157 bird species cohabitate with howler monkeys, blue morpho butterflies, agoutis, coatimundis, and other native wildlife.

The Nosara restaurant scene is small, but full of variety. Italian, Mexican, American and Costa Rican restaurants and bakeries can be enjoyed right in town. From snapper to mahi mahi, eateries serve up only the freshest, most succulent locally caught fish. Many sandwich shops cater to the health conscious surfers and yogis, offering organically grown fare. For those wishing to indulge, there is plenty of pizza, juicy cheeseburgers, and fettuccini Alfredo to go around.

Beach Dog Cafe

This casual beach cafe serves breakfast and lunch daily, and dinner on Wednesday and Saturday. The fresh fruit smoothies are excellent with a banana pancake breakfast or lunch of fish tacos. 

Harmony Restaurant

An upscale restaurant that promises some of Nosara's most gourmet choices, from coconut soup and shrimp scampi to smoked tempura prawn sushi rolls and seared yellow fin tuna. For a romantic evening, make reservations and ask for one of the restaurant's more secluded tables.

La Luna

Though its name is Spanish for "The Moon," La Luna is actually a great spot to watch the sun as it slips down over the horizon, setting Nosara's sky ablaze. The restaurant's hip decor includes overstuffed chairs and sofas, and the menu offers delicacies like fresh tuna, kebobs and delicious cocktails.

Marlin Bill’s

Fish sandwiches that melt in your mouth, tasty cheeseburgers and perfect onion rings are a few of the specialties served at Marlin Bill’s, along with possibly the best coleslaw in Central America. Located at Guiones, up the hill on the main road in front of Cafe Paris.

Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant

The best place to go when craving a quesadilla, fajita, or guacamole and chips is undoubtedly Pancho’s Restaurant. This Mexican joint, interestingly enough, also serves pizza. Located in Pelada, they are open for lunch and dinner.

La Dolce Vita

Many locals tout La Dolce Vita as the best restaurant in town. Serving authentic Italian delicacies for dinner only, they are sure to impress hungry travelers. Closed Wednesdays.

Naked Foods

Naked foods doesn't appeal to just the health conscious; it's delicious snacks and nut butters are just good eating. Don't miss the jungle juices, which feature unique specialties like Coconut Pipas (carrot juice and coconut water) and Temple of the White Dog (wildly fermented ginger).

Rosi's Soda Tica

Rosi cooks authentic Costa Rican cuisine in front of diners in her open-kitchen restaurant, located in downtown Guiones. Food is inexpensive and delicious; don't miss the casado, a traditional plate of rice, beans, salad, plantains, fruit and a choice of beef, chicken, or pork. On a hot afternoon, finish with Rosi's smooth, cold ice cream.

Kaya Sol

Kaya Sol in Guiones serves the coldest beer in town, and gets packed on live music nights. For dinner, try a mouthwatering burrito with a side of garlic-baked potatoes.

Gilded Iguana

Known to fill to capacity on live music nights, the Gilded Iguana is located just down the street from Kaya Sol.

The Black Sheep Pub

This pub is tucked away high up in the hills of Nosara. Two friendly Americans, Joe and Helena, run the operation out of their private home. The Black Sheep Pub is an incredible place, brimming with imported and European beers. While technically a members-only club, becoming an affiliate is as easy as making a phone call (8821-6957). They are normally open Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., but can operate on different days and hours for groups with reservations.

Nosara features a wide variety of mid-range to upscale accommodations – but very little in terms of hostels for travelers on a tight budget. Most hotels offer wireless Internet, hot water, a swimming pool and air conditioning.

Guiones

Surfers who want to be in the water all day should stay at Playa Guiones. Many accommodations are within walking distance from the beach, ranging in comfort from basic to luxurious. 

Pelada

Pelada is great for visitors who wish to relax, swim, or play soccer at sunset on the beach. Waves here do not measure up to those at Playa Guiones, but plenty of surfers enjoy the ride nonetheless.

Nosara Hilltop

Off the main road in Nosara’s hills, lodges offer breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean. Bed and breakfasts, villas, and apartment-style rooms are available.