Nosara, Costa Rica Travel Guide: Surf, Yoga & Jungle Bliss

Tucked away on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province, Nosara is a unique blend of bohemian charm, wellness culture, and tropical adventure. With a laid-back vibe, pristine beaches, yoga retreats, and surf-friendly waves, Nosara has become a haven for eco-conscious travelers, digital nomads, and anyone seeking peace in paradise.
 

Unlike the bustling beach towns of Tamarindo or Jaco, Nosara has preserved its natural beauty thanks to strict zoning laws that limit development close to the coastline. The result? A tranquil, forested surf village with dirt roads, monkey calls, and a deep respect for nature.

📍 Quick Overview of Nosara

Province: Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Area: Part of the Blue Zone region (known for longevity)

Population: ~5,000 (including expats)

Closest Airport: Liberia (LIR) – 2.5 to 3-hour drive

Main Beach: Playa Guiones

Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC), USD widely accepted

🧭 How to Get to Nosara

✈️ By Air:

Nearest International Airport: Liberia (LIR)

Nosara Domestic Airport (NOB): Flights from San José via Sansa Air or Green Airways

🚗 By Car:

From Liberia or San José, rent a 4x4 to navigate Nosara’s bumpy dirt roads

Expect a scenic drive through mountains, jungle, and rivers

🚐 Shuttle Services:

Private and shared shuttles available from Tamarindo, Liberia, Santa Teresa, and San José

🏄‍♂️ Top Things to Do in Nosara

1. Surfing at Playa Guiones

Nosara is one of the best surf towns in Costa Rica, with consistent year-round waves and a 7 km-long beach.

Ideal for all levels—especially beginners and intermediates

Surfboard rentals and lessons widely available

Surf schools: Safari Surf School, Nosara Surf School, Coconut Harry’s

2. Yoga & Wellness Retreats

Nosara is a global hub for yoga and holistic wellness.

World-renowned yoga centers:

Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort

Blue Spirit Retreat

Nosara Wellness Center

Classes in vinyasa, hatha, aerial yoga, meditation, and breathwork

Retreats often include healthy cuisine, spa services, and jungle lodging

3. Wildlife Watching & Nature Tours

Surrounded by tropical dry forest, Nosara is teeming with biodiversity.

Howler monkeys, iguanas, coatis, and colorful birds are common

Book a kayaking or SUP tour through the Nosara River and Mangroves

Explore Ostional Wildlife Refuge, famous for sea turtle nesting

4. Visit Playa Pelada

A quieter and more secluded beach just north of Playa Guiones.

Tide pools and blowholes at low tide

Sunset views from La Luna Restaurant, set right on the sand

5. Horseback Riding

Ride along jungle trails and beaches at sunset

Tours available through local ranches or hotels

6. Ziplining & Adventure

Canopy tours with ocean views via Miss Sky Canopy Tour

One of the longest ziplines in Costa Rica (over 11 km)

🧘 Wellness Culture in Nosara

Nosara's lifestyle is rooted in slow living, mindful movement, and natural healing.

Organic cafés, farm-to-table restaurants, and juice bars abound

Daily yoga and Pilates classes

Spa treatments include volcanic mud wraps, reiki, acupuncture, and ayurveda

Many visitors come for detox or digital detox retreats

🏨 Where to Stay in Nosara

🌟 Eco-Luxury Resorts:

Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort – upscale jungle retreat with yoga, spa, and wellness packages

The Gilded Iguana – stylish surf hotel with co-working space and pool

Harmony Hotel – eco-luxury, solar-powered rooms, and on-site spa

🛏️ Boutique Hotels:

Olas Verdes Hotel – sustainable lodging steps from Playa Guiones

Living Hotel – mid-range and close to surf shops and cafés

💰 Budget-Friendly:

Selina Nosara – hostel with surf packages and yoga classes

Nosara Beach Hostel – relaxed backpacker vibe near Playa Guiones

🍽️ Where to Eat in Nosara

Nosara’s food scene is health-focused but diverse.

🌱 Healthy Cafés:

Organico Deli Café – vegan smoothies, wraps, and cold-pressed juices

Harmony Juice Bar – tropical bowls and immunity shots

Go Juice – beachfront smoothie stop made from fresh, local fruit

🍴 Casual Dining:

La Luna – Mediterranean fusion with oceanfront dining

Beach Dog Café – laid-back, family-friendly spot with live music

10Pies – artisan pizza and craft beer

🐟 Seafood & Local Cuisine:

El Chivo – great tacos and cocktails

Rosi’s Soda Tica – classic Costa Rican dishes (casados, gallo pinto)

🛍️ Shopping & Local Culture

Visit Nosara Farmer’s Market (Tuesday mornings) for organic produce, handmade goods, and local art

Boutique shops sell handcrafted jewelry, surfwear, wellness products, and artisan home decor

Explore Nosara Artisans Market for unique souvenirs

🌤️ Best Time to Visit Nosara

☀️ Dry Season (December – April):

Sunny days, perfect surf conditions, and great for beach lovers

🌧️ Green Season (May – November):

Lush jungle, fewer crowds, and lower prices

Rain typically comes in the afternoon or evening

Great time to see sea turtle nesting in Ostional (especially July–December)

🌿 Sustainability & Responsible Travel

Nosara is a leader in eco-conscious tourism.

Development is restricted within 200 meters of the coastline

Local NGOs focus on reforestation, wildlife rescue, and plastic reduction

Many hotels and restaurants follow zero-waste, organic, and solar-powered principles

Support local businesses and minimize single-use plastics

🧳 What to Pack

Lightweight, breathable clothing

Sandals and hiking shoes

Reef-safe sunscreen and bug repellent

Yoga mat (optional – many places provide them)

Dry bag for kayaking or SUP tours

Reusable water bottle

📸 Instagram-Worthy Spots

La Luna at sunset

Playa Guiones tide pools

Jungle yoga shalas

Nosara River from above on a SUP board

Ostional sea turtle hatching

🧘‍♀️ Why Visit Nosara?

Nosara is not just a destination—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re chasing waves, inner peace, or fresh jungle air, this peaceful enclave offers a rare mix of adventure, wellness, and environmental harmony. Here, days are slow, sunsets are golden, and life flows with the tides.

Nosara is for:

Surfers seeking uncrowded waves

Yogis craving jungle serenity

Families looking for safe, clean beaches

Nature lovers who want wildlife and mangrove tours

Digital nomads wanting balance and beauty