Things to Do in Nosara

An abundance of activities compete for visitors’ attention in Nosara, from exhilarating canopy tours and ATV excursions to tranquil bird watching sessions and yoga classes. One adventure may open doors to a variety of others, as several tour guides operate only by word of mouth.

 
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Air Activities:

Canopy Tours
Nosara’s canopy tour is touted as the longest in the world. Its total length approaches seven miles, taking about a half-day to complete from start to finish. Adventurers zoom at high speeds several hundred feet above the ground, through 21 runs stretching from 1640 feet to 1970 feet in length. Located on a 2500-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. All cables are double wired, far exceeding Costa Rica’s minimum safety standards. Read more about Canopy Tours

Ultra Light Flight
Soar through the air on an impossibly small autogiro, piloted by the most experienced aviators in the country. 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 5000 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.

Land Activities: 

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 ATVs on the beach. Guided tours are highly recommended.

Bird and Wildlife Watching
A bird watching tour that begins at the river mouth and travels up the Nosara River is one of the best methods for spotting wildlife in the area. Completely silent, the pontoon boat hardly disturbs local life. Commonly seen birds include: white-fronted parakeets, roseate spoonbills, tiger herons, boat billed herons, green kingfishers, social flycatchers, black-headed trogons and mangrove warblers. A wide variety of animals are often sighted, such as blue land crabs, American crocodiles, green iguanas, howler monkeys and Jesus Christ lizards.

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

Grab a rubdown at a socially responsible massage parlor, where only the most skilled local masseuses work their magic. Melt your stress away, while enjoying specialties like the Surfers Deluxe, a one-hour session of deep back, neck, shoulder and arm relaxation; the Kahuna, a one-hour Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi treatment; and the Classic, a one-hour full body massage. All services can be supplemented with an application of Aloe Vera gel for those with sunburned skin.

Brazilian, bikini, leg, arm, and underarm waxing is available using an ancient Middle Eastern technique. The process, called Candy Waxing, uses only an organic lemon and sugar paste. Because the water-soluble paste removes only dead skin cells, it does not attach to live ones; it is typically less painful, causing fewer skin irritations than conventional waxing. For guys, back and chest hair removal is available.

Hiking
The 90-acre Nosara Biological Reserve is home to over 270 species of birds including motmots, herons, manakins, waders and toucans. All paths are clearly marked and named after features of the park. Animals including coatis, monkeys, raccoons, armadillos, snakes and anteaters are 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 with great clarity the winding Nosara and Montana rivers, as well as the mouth where they empty into the Pacific Ocean. The entrance fee is $6, and includes a map.

Horseback Riding
Explore on horseback the beach, mangrove, and jungle trails along the rivers and shorelines of the Nosara or Ostional area. Tour operators have friendly, well-cared for 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 a half to three and a half hours.

Turtle Tours
Turtle tours at nearby Playa Ostional, just five miles north of Nosara, provide an absolutely 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. Entrance fee is $6, plus a mandatory guide for $7.

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 $10-12 for a one and a half hour session.

Water Activities: 

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 all of the best places to explore. Maneuver along the intricate shores lined with mangroves, some of which are over 200 years old. On these relaxing and interesting boat excursions beginning at the Nosara river mouth, visitors can photograph water-loving creatures ranging from the elegant tiger heron to the occasional crocodile.

Snorkeling
Playa Rosada, the stretch of pink sand at the very south end 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 ft. 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. Read more about sport fishing in Costa Rica.

Surfing
Nosara’s surf schools are unique in that they often videotape students’ lessons to teach form and style – the tapes also serve as an impressive souvenir later. Packages can last for as few or as many days as requested, and can include local airport service, private charter flights, shuttle taxi service, choice of lodging, meals, massages, yoga, and multiple types of activities. Read more about surfing in Costa Rica.

Nosara is legendary as one of the first surfers’ paradises to have emerged in Costa Rica. 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 consistent and 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.