Top 21 Things to Do in Nosara: The Ultimate Guide

Nosara is the sound of howler monkeys acting as your morning alarm, the ritual of the sunset gathering at Playa Guiones, and the seamless blend of raw jungle with sophisticated luxury.

For travelers, Nosara offers a unique dilemma: there is an abundance of world-class activities, yet the town’s laid-back energy makes you want to do absolutely nothing but relax by your villa’s pool. Whether you are here for the legendary surf, the yoga culture, or the "Blue Zone" longevity lifestyle, this guide curates the essential experiences that define our town.

As your local experts, Beach Management Nosara (BMN) has compiled the definitive list of the top 21 things to do in Nosara, mixing the famous must-dos with the local secrets that only residents know.

The Big Draws: Surf & Sand

You cannot talk about Nosara without talking about the ocean. It is the pulse of the community.

1. Surf World-Class Waves at Playa Guiones

Playa Guiones is one of the most consistent surf breaks in the world. With a sandy bottom and waves accessible for everyone from first-timers to pros, it is the daily ritual here.

• Reels-Ready Tip: Film the "golden hour" surf session just before sunset when the sky turns violet.
• BMN Insight: Want to check the surf from your balcony? Ask us about our ocean-view rentals in Section G.

2. Watch the Sunset at Playa Pelada

While Guiones is for surfing, Pelada is for sunsets. The curved bay offers a dramatic backdrop, and the famous "blowhole" (a rock formation that sprays water) is a natural spectacle.

• Local Secret: Walk past the north end of the beach at low tide to find private tide pools.

3. Explore the Pink Sand of Playa Rosada

A bit of a trek (accessible via a hike from Playa Pelada at low tide), this tiny beach features crushed shell sand that gives it a pinkish hue. It’s secluded, quiet, and perfect for a private picnic.

4. Swim in the Tide Pools

At the north end of Playa Guiones and the south end of Playa Pelada, low tide reveals massive, calm tide pools. These are nature’s swimming pools, perfect for families with small children or a relaxing soak away from the waves.

Adventure & Wildlife: Into the Green

Nosara is surrounded by protected wildlife refuges. The jungle here is alive.

5. Witness the Arribada at Ostional Wildlife Refuge

Just a 20-minute drive north, Ostional is one of the only places in the world where you can see thousands of Olive Ridley sea turtles come ashore to nest simultaneously.

• Best Time: The few days before the new moon, specifically roughly monthly.

6. Kayak or SUP the Mangroves (Rio Nosara or Rio Montana)

Paddle through the silent, cathedral-like roots of the mangroves. This is the best way to see Kingfishers, Herons, and occasionally crocodiles (safely from your board/boat!). It is meditative and magical.

7. Zipline the Miss Sky Canopy Tour

Traverse one of the longest canopy tours in the world. You’ll fly over the tops of the mountains with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the lush forest canopy.

8. ATV Jungle Tour to Coffee Plantations

Rent a quad or take a guided tour up into the mountains behind Nosara. You’ll cross rivers, visit local waterfalls (like the Mala Noche), and see the "real" Costa Rica behind the beach towns.

9. Horseback Riding on the Beach

There are few things more cinematic than riding a horse along the surf line at sunset. Several local stables offer well-cared-for horses for riders of all experience levels.

10. Visit the SIBU Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates injured wildlife, specifically howler monkeys. A visit here is educational and heartwarming, directly supporting the protection of our local fauna.

Wellness & The "Blue Zone" Lifestyle

People come to Nosara to heal, reset, and energize.

11. Take a Drop-in Yoga Class

Nosara is arguably the yoga capital of Central America. From tree-top shalas at the Bodhi Tree to open-air studios in Guiones, you can find a class for every style: Vinyasa, Hatha, Kundalini, or Aerial.

12. Sound Healing & Breathwork

Beyond physical yoga, Nosara offers deep spiritual wellness. Look for community bulletin boards for sound baths, cacao ceremonies, and breathwork workshops happening weekly.

13. Get a Jungle Spa Treatment

Massage therapists in Nosara are world-class. Many will come directly to your BMN luxury rental, turning your private terrace into a spa, or you can visit one of the high-end hotel spas for a full day of pampering.

Culinary & Culture: Eat Like a Local

The food scene in Nosara has exploded, offering everything from fresh ceviche to high-end Mediterranean.

14. Sunset Drinks at La Luna

An institution. Located right on the sand at Playa Pelada, sipping a cocktail here as the sun dips below the horizon is the quintessential Nosara social event.

• Pro Tip: Book a table days in advance during high season.

15. Visit the Tuesday Organic Market

Located near the recycling center, this market is where the locals shop. Buy fresh organic produce, homemade kombucha, local jewelry, and artisanal crafts.

16. Enjoy a "Pipa Fria" on the Beach

Stop one of the local vendors pushing a cart and buy a cold coconut (pipa). Drink the water, then ask them to chop it open so you can eat the meat. It’s nature’s electrolyte drink.

17. Tuck into a "Casado" at a Local Soda

Don't leave Costa Rica without eating a Casado (traditional lunch plate with rice, beans, salad, plantains, and protein). Visit a local "Soda" (mom-and-pop restaurant) like Soda Rosi for an authentic taste.

Hidden Gems & Unique Experiences

18. Hike the Nosara Biological Reserve

On the Lagarta Lodge property, this private reserve offers well-maintained trails through dry tropical forest and mangroves. It’s excellent for birdwatching without the need for a 4x4.

19. Take a Tuk-Tuk Ride

Skip the rental car for a night and flag down a Tuk-Tuk. It’s a fun, breezy way to bounce between restaurants and bars in Guiones.

20. Coffee Culture Tour

Nosara has a serious coffee scene. Spend a morning café-hopping, tasting distinct Costa Rican roasts.

• Stay Close: Our rentals in Section K put you walking distance to some of the best cafés in town.

21. Do Nothing (The Art of "Pura Vida")

Finally, the most important activity: relax. Nosara teaches you to slow down. Spend a day lounging by your private pool at your BMN villa, listening to the jungle, and disconnecting from the world.

Nosara is a playground for the adventurous and a sanctuary for the weary. Whether you are catching your first green wave or watching a turtle hatchling make its way to the sea, the memories you make here stick with you forever.

To truly experience this list, you need the right home base. You want to be close enough to the surf to walk, but secluded enough to hear the monkeys, not the traffic.

🎯 Ready to Experience the Magic of Nosara?

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