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Are you ready to soak up the good vibes with all the fun things to do in Nosara, Costa Rica? This small town is most well known as a surfer’s paradise, but everyone will enjoy a visit to this remote beach on the Pacific Coast.

We’ve visited Nosara many times and every time, we stumble upon new and fun stuff to check out. We created this complete guide to Nosara activities to help you find fun things to do no matter what your budget or adventure vibe is.

So, let’s get to our list of 22 must-do activities. Because, in Nosara, the good times never take a break!

1. Go Surfing

The most popular and exhilarating activity in Nosara is undoubtedly surfing.

The beaches here are not only pristine with golden sands and lush surroundings but also boast consistent waves that create an unbeatable surfing experience.

For those looking to dip their toes into the world of surfing, Playa Guiones near the shore is the ideal spot. For the more experienced surfers, head to the powerful breaks further out.

Nosara offers surfable conditions year-round, so visitors can always find good waves.

Nosara is also surrounded by other fantastic surfing beaches. We like Playa Pelada for a quieter atmosphere with waves suitable for both beginners and intermediate surfers.

What sets Nosara apart is not just the waves; it’s the entire experience of immersing yourself in the laid-back, surf vibe that permeates the town.

For those new to surfing, we recommend taking surf lessons from one of the many surf schools.

Check Availability and Book Your Surf Lesson

If you’re a more experienced surfer looking to explore the waves independently, Nosara offers a ton of surf shops where you can rent a surfboard for the day.

Additionally, if you would really like to immerse yourself in surfing. You can always opt for a surfing retreat. Our favorite is the 8 Day All Inclusive Buena Vibra Yoga and Surf Holiday.

Check Availability and Book Your 8 Day Surf Retreat

2. Take a Yoga Class

Another one of the top things to do in this area is to enjoy some yoga. The relaxed vibes of Nosara are perfect for taking a yoga class.

If you would like to take a yoga class every day, we suggest staying at a hotel with yoga included in the room rate.

Our three favorite yoga hotels are:

Additionally, you can always skip the class and enjoy your own peaceful yoga session on the beach with the waves crashing in front of you.

I like to do this during sunrise for the ultimate mindset reset before the day begins.

3. Visit Samara

Samara is a beach town located about 30 minutes south of Nosara. This town is a bit more bustling than Nosara and is popular with families.

It is a great place to visit to experience another side of Guanacaste beach town vibes.

Check out our guide to Samara for more info on visiting

4. Take a Half Day Mountain Tour

This is one of our favorite half day tours in Nosara because it will give you the perfect insight into the culture in this area.

Your day will start with an ATV ride through the Nosara mountains with an experienced guide.

Eventually, your group will arrive in the town of Naranjo Naranjal where you’ll visit a family farm.

At the farm you will get the chance to see fruit trees, coffee plants, and other vegetables. T

hen, you will a farm-to-table lunch with the fresh fruit and vegetables before making your way back to Nosara.

Check Availability and Arrange Your Half Day Mountain Tour

🛏️ Our Top Hotels Picks in Nosara Are….

🌴 Here are all your hotel options in Nosara

5. Go Beach Hopping

One of our favorite things to do in this area is to just get in our rental car and go beach hopping.

Just drive along the coastal roads and you will see plenty of small side roads leading to remote beautiful beaches.

We think the best beaches in this area are; Playa Nosara, Playa Pelada, Playa San Juanillo, Playa Garza, and Playa Azul.

All beaches in Costa Rica have public access by law. Just note, it is best to not leave anything of value in your car especially if it is unattended.

6. Take a Cooking Class

We love taking a cooking class in Costa Rica.

In my opinion, it is the perfect way to experience the local culture, get to know someone who lives in the area, learn something new, and get to eat delicious food.

This cooking class is led by a local chef. You will get the chance to prepare (and eat) a traditional meal cooked on a wood grill.

Check Availability and Book Your Cooking Class in Nosara

7. Visit Playa Ostional

Playa Ostional is a beachfront national park that aims to protect sea turtle nesting.

This area is a nesting ground for Olive Ridley sea turtles.

The mother turtles arrive once a month to lay their eggs here, but the best time to experience this is typically in the autumn. At that time of year you can sometimes see thousands of turtles at one time.

This beach is only accessible with a certified guide during nesting time.

Check out our guide to Playa Ostional for more info on how to visit.

8. Visit a Craft Brewery

Our two favorite breweries in Nosara are called Blue Zone Brewery and Guiones Brewing Company.

Blue Zone Brewery serves up excellent brews and food such as tacos and quesadillas. Guinoes Brewing Company serves beers and tasty pizza.

Luckily, both breweries are located across the street from one another so you can easily visit them both in one fun filled excursion.

9. Visit a Day Spa

It’s vacation, you deserve to relax! In our opinion, one of the best ways to do that is with a treatment at the day spa.

Our favorite day spa in Nosara is Spacio Spa and Massage Studio. They offer a variety of treatments with excellent professional masseuses.

Check Availability and Book Your Day Spa Experience

10. Go Waterfall Rapelling

If you are looking for an adrenaline-pumping adventure, waterfall rappelling might be perfect for you.

This fun half-day trip includes transportation from your Nosara area hotel. You will then enjoy a nice jungle hike before rapping down a 20-meter-high waterfall.

This adventure is done with an experienced guide and all safety equipment is provided.

Check Availability and Book Your Water Rappelling Experience

11. Take a Safari Float in Nosara River

I love this activity because it is the perfect experience for nature lovers. You will get to float down the Nosara River with a guide and hopefully spot various wildlife along the way.

You might see crocodiles, birds, howler monkeys, and iguanas.

This activity includes hotel pickup.

Check Availability and Book Your Safari Float

12. Go Horse Back Riding on the Beach

Horseback riding along the Nosara beaches is the perfect peaceful way to enjoy the waves crashing and the beautiful landscape.

We suggest doing this activity at sunset for an extra special experience.

Check Availability and Book Your Horseback Riding Tour

13. Visit a Wildlife Sanctuary

If you are looking to see local wildlife, a great way to do that is by visiting one of the two amazing wildlife sanctuaries in the area.

These are Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary and International Animal Rescue.

Both places allow day visitors, but you will need to reserve your spot ahead of time.

Additionally, both places are always looking for long-term volunteers.

14. Enjoy a Delicious Meal

There are several great restaurants in Nosara. We suggest trying at least one traditional meal. The best restaurants for that are:

Another fun experience is to enjoy a meal with a sunset view. The best places for that are:

La Luna (directly on the beach)
HUACAS Restaurant (in the hills above Nosara with sweeping views)

15. Take a Booze Cruise

This is actually a booze bus ride to several excellent bars and restaurants for delicious drinks.

This tour is very well organized and one of the best experiences you can have in the area (in our opinion).

The people who run it put in a lot of work to make sure it is an excellent experience.

You will visit 4 different bars/restaurants on this tour. Drinks are included in the price and transportation is provided.

Check Availability and Book Your Booze Cruise

16. Watch the Sunset

The sun sets year-round between 5:15 and 6pm. The best way to enjoy this is by heading to one of the many beautiful beaches in the area to enjoy the show daily.

It’s a great way to wrap up a fun-filled Costa Rican day!

17. Go Kayaking or Try SUP

This guided tour allows you to choose between a peaceful paddle on kayaks or on SUP boards.

You will float down the river surrounded by dense jungle to the surrounding natural beauty, visit Ostional beach and hopefully see sea turtles, enjoy some fresh fruit, and enjoy a swim in the river.

Check Availability and Book Your Kayak / SUP Tour

18. Play Mini Golf

Cafe de Paris (a delicious French bakery in Nosara) also has an 18-hole mini golf course on their property.

This is a fun activity to enjoy as a family or even as a couple. The course is simple, but good. It is the perfect place to spend an hour or two.

19. Take a Pilates Class

One of the best things to do in Nosara is to take a pilates class. Pilates Nosara offers classes throughout the day for various skill levels.

Their classes are held at Bodhi Tree Resort (which is such a great spot).

Check Availability and Book Your Pilates Class

20. Enjoy a Bicycle Tour

This three hour bike tour will take you through the lush jungle areas surrounding Nosara.

You’ll discover hidden trails, off-road paths, and beach areas.

It is led by excellent guides who will make sure you are safe, comfortable, and have a great time throughout the tour.

Check Availability and Book Your Bike Tour

21. Just Relax

Nosara is one of those beach towns that just exudes peaceful vibes. This is one of our favorite places to do nothing.

Spend a day relaxing with a good book by your hotel pool or on the beach. Just remember lots of sunblock!

22. Take a Spanish Class

Spanish is the main language spoken in Costa Rica. However, most people working in tourism speak at least some English.

If you would like to brush up on your Spanish or learn as a beginner, the Nosara Spanish Institute is the perfect place for you!

They offer several different packages from single lesson to 20 hours of lessons, to retreat packages that combine language learning with surfing or yoga.

Check Out All the Spanish Institute Options

Nosara Travel Tips

Book Your Trip to Nosara early. This is a popular area and fills up fast, especially during the dry season.
Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance. You never know what will happen when visiting a foreign country. Our favorite travel insurance for Costa Rica is Heymondo. You can get a price quote here.
During the rainy season, certain places near Nosara can become difficult to access. A lot of the roads around here have recently been paved for the first time, but there are still some areas with dirt roads and river crossings that can become flooded.
Nosara is a very relaxed town. There is no need to pack fancy clothes. Things laid back vibes.

How to Get to Nosara

Nosara is a small beach town located on the Nicoya Peninsula. Despite being small, it is one of the most popular places in the country to visit.

If visiting Nosara, it is easiest to fly into Liberia International Airport rather than the San Jose International Airport.

From Liberia, it will take about 2.5 hours to drive here. From the San José airport, it takes about 5 hours to drive here.

Typically we suggest renting a car to easily get around. We work exclusively with Adobe Rent-a Car and have a 10% discount plus other perks to pass on to you. One of those perks is the free use of roof racks. This is great if you plan to bring your own board for surfing.

However, if you are uncomfortable driving, a private or shared shuttle is also a great option. This just means you will need to figure out day-to-day transportation while in Nosara.

You can check out all your Nosara shuttle options here.

For more travel tips, the best hotels, and great restaurants; check out our complete Nosara Travel Guide

Conclusion

In conclusion, you have plenty of options for fun things to do in Nosara, Costa Rica. Although this town is most popular with surfing enthusiasts, everyone will find something fun to do here.

If you have any questions about planning your trip filled with fun Nosara activities, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan!

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The 22 Best Things to Do in Nosara, Costa Rica