Top 20 Things To Do In Nosara, Costa Rica - Updated 2024

things to do in Nosara Costa Rica
Nicole
Nicole 
Updated
| 9 min read

A charming little village of breathtaking nature, an excursion in Nosara promises a great time for tourists who want to escape the busy city life, reconnect with nature, and enjoy lots of activities under the sun or the shady forest canopy. The breathtaking beaches and lush forests attract nature lovers and adventure seekers from around the world. While in Nosara, you can swim and surf in the majestic Playa Guiones and sunbathe till you achieve your desired tan. If you want an astonishing sight of wildlife in its natural habitat, explore the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge, and marvel at the charm of fascinating animals and picturesque nature. Also, for a taste of authentic Latin American cuisine, you can dine in Rancho Tico and Al Chile. When it comes to accommodation, there are plenty of comfy Airbnb vacation rentals. If you plan to stay around for a month or more, a long-term rental is your best bet. For a more in-depth guide, scroll down to find out about the top things to do in Nosara, Costa Rica.

1. Join a traditional Costa Rican cooking class (from USD 65.0)

things to do in nosara costa rica | join a traditional costa rican cooking class

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Costa Rican cuisine with a traditional cooking class. Engage in a culinary journey as you learn the art of preparing authentic dishes using fresh local ingredients. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, discover the secrets behind staple dishes such as gallo pinto, ceviche, and plantains. Gain insights into traditional cooking techniques, spice combinations, and the cultural significance of each dish.

Visit local markets to handpick ingredients, savoring the sights, sounds, and aromas. Roll up your sleeves and get hands-on experience as you chop, mix, and season your way to a delectable meal. As the dishes come to life, indulge in the joy of tasting your creations and savoring the unique flavors of Costa Rica.

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Nosara: Traditional Costa Rican Cooking Class and Meal

Duration: 2.0 hour

15 reviews

2. Explore Nosara mountains by ATV (from USD 150.0)

Hiking in Nosara, Costa Rica, is a lot of fun. Embarking on an exhilarating adventure in Costa Rica as you explore the magnificent Nosara mountains on an ATV provides a more enriching travel experience. Get ready for an adrenaline-filled ride through rugged terrains, lush forests, and picturesque landscapes. Hop on your ATV and navigate off-road trails, ascending to breathtaking viewpoints offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and coastline. Feel the thrill of the open air as you speed along dirt paths, feeling the adrenaline rush with every turn.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Costa Rica as you encounter diverse flora and fauna along the way. Keep an eye out for wildlife sightings and soak in the serenity of the untouched wilderness.

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Nosara Half Day Mountain Tour, ATV, and Lunch

Duration: 4 hours

44 reviews

3. Kayak through the Montana River (from USD 94.0)

Another fun thing to do while in the enchanting town of Nosara is to experience a wildlife hike. Through this experience, you will be treated to magical sights of migratory birds as they fly freely in the air. Aside from bird watching, participants of the tour will get to kayak and hike through Nosara’s magrove forest, the Montana River, and other breathtaking natural sites. This fantastic adventure is ideal for tourists who are very much into nature and outdoor adventure. Included in this superb tour package are transport service, snacks, and drinks.

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Nosara guided bird watching wildlife hike and kayak tour in Guanacaste

Duration: 5 to 6 hours

4. Engage in teamwork at Nosara Escape Room

A surfer recently found the legendary stone and keeps it jealously, without realizing that the last indigenous town of Guanacaste is dying. Save the Chorotegas, find the stone of Matambu!

Posted by Nosara Escape on Monday, 18 December 2017

If you are in the enchanting village of Nosara with your friends, you might want to try Nosara Escape Room and have your teamwork and friendship be put to test. This fun-filled game can be played by a group of up to six members. For an hour, you will be trying to escape a themed room by solving riddles and finding clues. Failure to do so means better luck next time. If you win, you’ll know that your teamwork is as solid as ever. To top it all off, the rooms in Nosara Escape Room features characters of the Costa Rican culture.

Nosara Escape Room

Address: North Guiones Entrance, Guanacaste Province, Nosara, 50206, Costa Rica

Website: Nosara Escape Room

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

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5. Be fascinated by the spider monkeys in Nosara Refuge for Wildlife


Nosara and the whole of Costa Rica is an enchanting paradise of stunning natural wonders. When you explore this country, you’ll get to see breathtaking beaches, lush forestry, stunning rolling plains, waterfalls, rivers, and a lot more. Because of its topography, Nosara has an abundance of wildlife that charms nature lovers. If you want a glimpse of these friendly creatures, visit the Nosara Refuge for Wildlife in Guanacaste Province and interact with animals, pet them, feed them, and even help in healing their injuries. Most of the animals here are cute little monkeys but there are other animals as well, such as capuchins, Puerto Rican primates, different kinds of birds and others.

Nosara Refuge for Wildlife

Address: Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica

Website: Nosara Refuge for Wildlife

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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6. Adopt a pet monkey from Sibu Sanctuary


Another lovely sanctuary in Nosara is the Sibu Sanctuary in Santa Marta. Surrounded by lush jungle gardens of exotic plants and flora, this property is home to various animals that are rescued by locals. They aim to help heal these animals of their injuries until such time that they are capable enough to be brought to the wildlife. This organization is not funded by the government. So, it would be big help if you can shell out some cash as donations. If you are interested you can also adopt a monkey from Sibu Sanctuary, as long as you promise that you’ll take excellent care of it.

Sibu Sanctuary

Address: 600 Meters Este De La Plaza De Deportes De La Localidad, Provincia de Guanacaste, Santa Marta, 50206, Costa Rica

Website: Sibu Sanctuary

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7. Ride the waves of Playa Guiones


If you love the seas, you will never be disappointed as Nosara is close to breathtaking beaches. One of them is the Playa Guiones, also called Nosara Beach. This pristine beach is not commercialized and you’ll see its natural beauty as it is. Lots of people come here to swim and bask in the warmth of the sun. Others come with their surfboards to ride the challenging waves as this beach is also a perfect surfing spot. Because there are no hotels and resorts on the beach, you’ll have to walk a short distance to gorge on delicious eats from various laid back cafes nearby.

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8. Gorge on delicious eats at Rancho Tico

Posted by Rancho Tico Nosara on Monday, 23 July 2018

Nosara is not only a paradise of gorgeous natural wonders but also a haven of exquisite cuisine. If you want to try some of the town’s most mouthwatering eats, visit Rancho Tico and try the food and the vibes in this fantastic restaurant. Its interior reflects the tropical character of the country, featuring wooden furniture and lots of ornaments. The food is delicious and fresh from locally sourced suppliers, and it is priced reasonably, without causing a dent to your bank account.

Rancho Tico

Address: Guanacaste Province, Nosara, Costa Rica

Website: Rancho Tico

Opening hours: 11am - 10pm (daily)

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9. Enjoy the drinks and the views from K-Rae's Black Sheep Pub

things to do in nosara costa rica | enjoy the drinks and the views from k-rae's black sheep pub
Source: instagram

Savor excellent craft beers and fruity cocktails in K-Rae’s Black Sheep Pub. Located in Provincia de Guanacaste, in an elevated hill that offers picturesque views of Nosara’s lush tropics, this pub is the best place to unwind and relax in town. Its interior design is artsy with lots of decors and tropical accents and exudes a friendly vibe. Not only is this pub famous for its premium drinks, but their delicious eats as well. Unleash your inner social butterfly and make friends with locals and other tourists in K-Rae’s Black Sheep Pub.

K-Rae's Black Sheep Pub

Address: Finca Dona Cielo, Provincia de Guanacaste, Nosara, 50206, Costa Rica

Website: K-Rae’s Black Sheep Pub

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

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10. Give your body a treat at Tica Massage

Exquisite Massage Luxurious Spa Services Since 2003

Posted by Tica Massage on Saturday, 10 September 2016

After days of reconnecting with nature, swimming in refreshing waters of various beaches, and visiting wildlife refuges, you might feel like your body is starting to take its toll on you. Give it a treat and reenergize yourself in Tica Massage. Located in downtown Guiones, this fantastic spa and wellness center is in the middle of an enchanting garden. It offers massages from full body to neck massages and deep tissue massages. Here, you can customize your desired services, from facial and neck to full body and facial, and other combos. After hours in Tica Massage, you’ll feel ready to explore Nosara once again.

Tica Massage

Address: Heart of Guiones Wellness Center, Downtown Guiones, Playas de Nosara, Costa Rica, Costa Rica

Website: Tica Massage

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

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11. Learn surfing at Coconut Harry's Beach Rentals & Surf School

Surfer Maui.
Source: Photo by user Bernard Spragg. NZ used under CC0

It is not a secret to everyone that Nosara has breathtaking beaches. A testament to that is the stunning Playa Guiones. This beach is not only an ideal swimming spot but a surfing site as well. Whether you are a pro surfer or a budding talent who wants to learn the ropes of this exciting water sport, Coconut Harry’s Beach Rentals & Surf School might be of help to you. If you are a pro surfer, you can rent equipment and gears from this fantastic surf shop. If you’re a budding talent, you may take advantage of its surfing lessons and programs that will surely help you master your skill. Plus, this shop sells lovely souvenir items that you can purchase and give to your friends.

Coconut Harry's Beach Rentals & Surf School

Address: Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica

Website: Coconut Harry’s Beach Rentals & Surf School

Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)

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12. Book an accommodation in Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort


If you are looking for the best resorts in town that can provide you with cozy accommodation, excellent amenities, and interesting programs, Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is the perfect choice for you. This five-star resort is located in the heart of the tranquil jungle with picturesque views. It has a stunning swimming pool for your morning and afternoon dips, cozy bedrooms, and yoga classes for a complete vacation experience. Plus it has an excellent spa and a fitness center where you can burn your unwanted vacation calories.

Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort

Address: Bodhi Street, Nosara, 50206, Costa Rica

Website: Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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13. Book a fishing trip with Fishing Nosara

book a fishing trip with fishing nosara
Source: instagram

If fishing is a cherished activity that you and your family enjoy, explore the gorgeous Nosara beach and go on a fishing adventure with assistance from Fishing Nosara. This fantastic travel agency offers excursion tours and fishing adventure packages, They provide the ride, the fishing equipment, as well as the itinerary as they know the most ideal places to fish. They have packages for any group of any size. Customize your tour according to the number of days and the preferred schedule.

Fishing Nosara

Address: Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica

Website: Fishing Nosara

Opening hours: 7am - 6pm (daily)

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14. Experience the longest Costa Rican zipline with Miss Sky Canopy tour

experience the longest costa rican zipline with miss sky canopy tour
Source: instagram

Done sailing the enchanting seas? Why not try aerial activities? If you like nature, outdoor activities, and adrenaline-inducing adventures, book a tour with Miss Sky Canopy Tour. Nestled in the lush tropical jungle of Nosara, Miss Sky Canopy Tours offers safe zip lines where you can hang from one point to the other. Through each ride, you’ll be treated to breathtaking natural views in Nosara. Aside from zip-lining, you can book accommodation in its hotel, and spend the night camping and stargazing.

Miss Sky Canopy tour

Address: 160, Provincia de Guanacaste, Nosara, Costa Rica

Website: Miss Sky Canopy tour

Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)

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15. Go horseback riding with Playa Ponies


Another lovely activity to try while in Nosara is horseback riding. If you have a fascination for these friendly animals, check out the offerings of Playa Ponies. It is a fantastic tour agency that offers guided tours, with provided rides. Through this tour, you can explore the enchanting area of Nosara, all while petting a horse. To top it all off, the agency provides a detailed itinerary where you will get to see Nosara’s hidden gems, from lush forestry to mystical rivers, the beach, and a glimpse of wildlife.

Playa Ponies

Address: Nosara, Costa Rica

Website: Playa Ponies

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16. Book a fun-filled trip with Conocer eco-tours


If you are planning to explore Nosara but don’t know where to start, check out the offerings of Conocer eco-tours. This travel agency offers exciting eco-tours, which you can customize according to your availability and group size. You can choose between a half-day adventure or a full day itinerary. Conocer Eco-Tours provide everything that you will need, from the transport vehicle to essential equipment for activities, entrance fees, and others. From exploring mangrove forests to engaging in tree planting activities to surfing lessons, and others, Conocer eco-tours has a lot of activities prepared for their guests.

Conocer

Website: Conocer

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17. Savor the treats at Morpho Nosara

...⁣⁣ Mint & Yerba Buena Chocolate Shard⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ We source & use all organic ingredients from farms local to Nosara & the...

Posted by Morpho Nosara on Thursday, November 25, 2021

After a day of touring and engaging in fun-filled activities in Nosara, Costa Rica, relax while savoring a cold treat from Morpho Nosara. This charming little cafe features a lovely interior design with lots of natural light and a cool and airy ambiance. It offers delicious treats that are made from fresh and organic locally sourced ingredients. Its flavors vary from classic vanilla, chocolate, and caramel to vegan ones like pineapple, tropical lime, golden coconut, and others.

Morpho Nosara

Address: 160, Provincia de Guanacaste, Nosara, Costa Rica

Website: Morpho Nosara

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 3:30pm (closed on Sun)

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18. Indulge in delectable desserts at Cafe de Paris


While in Nosara, be sure to include Cafe de Paris in your detailed food crawl. This cafe features a chic and elegant interior design. From fresh bread to delectable desserts, Cafe de Paris has treats that guests of any preference will enjoy. Also, this cafe offers delicious lunch meals. Plus, the food in this fantastic cafe is served in aesthetically pleasing ways, perfect for the Gram. You can enjoy your food in the restaurant or chill by the pool, in the comfy outdoor seating.

Cafe de Paris

Address: Guiones Beach Guanacaste Nosara, 50206, Costa Rica

Website: Cafe de Paris

Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)

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19. Have a hearty breakfast at Al Chile

Posted by AL CHILE on Tuesday, 24 July 2018

Your Nosara escapade will not be complete without sampling some delicious eats at Al Chile. Al Chile is open daily, ready to serve you a hearty breakfast, a heavy lunch, some delicious snacks, and even a sumptuous dinner. Food in this fantastic restaurant is not only delicious, but also served in generous portions, without emptying your wallet. Another thing to love about Al Chile is its casually relaxing setting with laid back decors and a cool and airy ambiance.

Al Chile

Address: Downtown Guiones, Guanacaste Province, Nosara, Costa Rica

Website: Al Chile

Opening hours: 7am - 9:30pm (daily)

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20. Try paddleboarding in Nosara River (from USD 83.0)

Explore the enchanting Guanacaste’s Nosara River and reconnect with nature, all while marveling at the scenic views through this delightful tour package, offered by Viator. Through this package, you will be provided with equipment for an exciting experience of stand-up paddleboarding. The views of wildlife add excitement to the adventure. You will also catch sight of the enchanting mangrove trees by the river. This tour package is ideal for any type of tourist, with or without a paddleboarding experience. To top it all off, a delicious and fruity snack is prepared for all participants. Also, complimentary hotel pick up and drop off are at guests’ service.

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Nosara river stand-up paddleboard, mangrove, and environment watching tour

Duration: 4 to 5 hours

Fall in love with nature in Nosara

Wondering about what to do in Nosara? Fret not as the small village is a paradise of breathtaking views and has so much to offer. It is an ideal hideaway destination for tourists who want to escape the noise and pollution of the concrete jungle. From stunning forestry, and excellent hiking routes to breathtaking beaches that are excellent for swimming and surfing, there are lots to love about this enchanting village. If you are planning a much-deserved vacation in this side of Costa Rica, use this list as your guide in planning your itinerary.

Frequently asked questions about things to do in Nosara


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Nicole, a writer and traveler, also identifies herself as a free spirit with a wild heart. She is dedicated to telling authentic stories in a relatable manner. Nicole also enjoys exploring new,...Read more

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