Nosara, Costa Rica

Nosara offers a wealth of activities, from low-key nature exploring to thrilling sports and adventure.

The Nosara Biological Reserve is a 35 hectare private nature reserve on the southern side of the Rio Nosara. The reserve is home to monkeys, coatis, armadillos, deer and wild cats (see animals in the Wildlife Guide). 270 species of birds have been sighted and in the mangroves you might even encounter crocodiles. The entrance to the reserve is on the hill, at Hotel Lagarta Lodge. From the hotel you overlook the river estuary and the shoreline as far as Playa Ostional. The entrance fee of $ 6 includes a trail map and a list of trees that grow in the reserve.
The self-guided tour takes approx. 2 hours. Early morning is the best time to see lots of birds.

Surfer on the beach of Nosara

River Boat Tours: Behind the beach of Nosara, the Rio Montaña and Rio Nosara converge and form a lagoon with large mangrove swamps, that are teeming with maritime life and waterfowl. To explore this fascinating habitat you can rent kayaks to glide silently through the water. Alternatively you can go on a guided river safari in a flat-bottomed boat with electric motor.

The lagoon and river mouth are favorite haunts for local fishermen and are famous for fly fishing. Conditions are best with the incoming tide, when you can observe traditional "pescadores" catch fish with hand lines, and shrimp with large oval nets.

Boat tours: Local fishermen at Playa Pelada will take you on a tour with their pangas (small boat) for fishing, or simply look out for dolphins, turtles and the seasonal passing of whales.

Sport fishing: Just a few nautical miles offshore, the sea bottom drops precipitously to over 1000 m in depth so that pelagic fish are close to shore. Sport fishing in Nosara is world-class. Local and visiting anglers hold records for reeling in prize marlin and sailfish.

Playa Guiones, Nosara

Surfing: The best surf spots are Playa Guiones and Playa Nosara. See: Beaches of Nosara

Snorkeling is readily available in the many tide pools and offshore reefs of Playa Pelada and Playa Rosada.

A main characteristic of Nosara are the many body and health oriented services: Nosara offers gyms, yoga classes in different hotels, spa and health programs, cleansing, and shops and food to cater for health and spirit.

Those seeking an immersion into Yoga can take intensive one to four-week courses at the renowned Nosara Yoga Institute. The institute specializes in advanced techniques for yoga, health consciousness and spiritual renewal.

Horseback Riding can be enjoyed along the beaches, or into the countryside to waterfalls and rivers.

Turtle Watching: To witness an "arribada", the arrival of thousands of sea turtles laying their eggs into the beach of Ostional is an experience you will never forget.
Turtles generally arrive some days after the new moon and peak nesting season is from July through December. Most hotels in Nosara will arrange guided tours to the Ostional Wildlife Reserve, 8 km north of Nosara.

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