Things to Do in Nosara

A massive ceiba tree at the junction of the main dirt roads in Nosara village. Locals gather here for shade and socialising. The tree is estimated to be over 100 years old and is a meeting point for community events.

🕐 24 hours

💡 Best noted at early morning or late afternoon when it's cooler. No amenities; bring water. It's a good landmark for orienting yourself in town.

A self-guided walk past colourful murals on walls around the town centre, plus a small gallery showcasing local Costa Rican artists. The gallery rotates exhibits monthly.

🕐 Gallery open Mon–Sat 9am–5pm. Murals viewable anytime.

💡 Start at the main junction by Super Nosara and head east down the side streets. The best murals are behind the yoga studios. Ask at the gallery for a map—they offer it free.

A wide, sandy beach stretching several kilometres. Popular for surfing, jogging, and sunset walks. No entry fee, just public access points off the main road.

🕐 Always open

💡 Walk south from the main access point to escape the crowds. The waves are consistent but friendly for beginners. Avoid the steeper north end near the river mouth.

A wide, flat sandy beach stretching 7 km, popular for surfing and walking. The main access point is at the end of the dirt road from town, with consistent waves and shallow shorebreak.

🕐 24 hours

💡 Go at low tide to walk north and spot howler monkeys in the trees near the estuary. No lifeguards; rip currents are common after rain.

A short, flat loop through coastal dry forest and mangroves. You’ll see howler monkeys, iguanas, and bird species like toucans and kingfishers. Enter from the beach end near Playa Pelada.

🕐 Always open

💡 Go early morning or late afternoon for best animal spotting. Wear long trousers and sturdy shoes—there are ants and roots. Bring water as there is no shade once you’re inside.

Where the Nosara River meets the Pacific, creating a calm lagoon and a sandy spit. Good for swimming, spotting birds like frigatebirds and herons, and picnicking. Accessible via a short path from Playa Guiones.

🕐 24 hours

💡 Check tide tables—the lagoon is safe to swim only at high tide. No shade; bring sunscreen and a hat. It's 20-minute walk from the main beach entrance.

A designated spot to watch olive ridley sea turtles nesting (August to November) from a safe distance. The refuge is free to walk, but you must pay a small fee for a guided tour during peak nesting.

🕐 Open daily 8am–4pm (nesting tours run 6pm–midnight during season)

💡 The fee is about $10 per person and includes a guide. Go at night during a new moon—turtles are more active. No flash photography. Book ahead via local tour operators to avoid queues.

A protected wildlife refuge known for mass nesting (arribada) of olive ridley sea turtles. Guided tours run during nesting season, but the beach and visitor centre are free to explore outside those hours.

🕐 6am-6pm daily

💡 Arrive before 6am to see turtles returning to sea without a tour. Entry fee is $7 for foreigners, but free for locals. Bring cash; no ATMs nearby.

A series of natural tide pools carved into volcanic rock at the edge of Playa Pelada. Safe for children and great for swimming at high tide. Low tide reveals starfish and crabs.

🕐 Always open

💡 Check tide tables online before you go. Best visited around two hours before high tide—the pools fill up but waves aren’t dangerous. Bring snorkel gear to see fish.

A wooden deck on a hill overlooking Playa Guiones and the Pacific. Open to the public for sunset views, with benches and a small garden. No classes or facilities provided.

🕐 sunrise-6pm daily

💡 Come at 4:30pm to claim a spot. The dirt access road is steep; park at the bottom and walk up if you don't have a 4x4. Mosquitoes are bad after rain.