The Best Nosara, Costa Rica, Beaches

Do you love to surf? Or maybe you are a fan of yoga? If you answered yes to either of those questions, then the Nosara, Costa Rica, beaches are a must when planning your trip.

Located in the Nicoya Peninsula, this region is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the country. You can expect chilled, laid-back vibes surrounded by Costa Rica’s wild nature.  

Getting to Nosara, Costa Rica 

If you arrive domestically, you’re in luck. The Nosara Beach Airport caters to domestic flights. It is located in the town and is only 12 minutes by car from Playa Nosara. 

For international arrivals, the airport in Liberia is 2.5 hours away by car. 

Nosara is a great place to start your adventures in Costa Rica, as flights into this airport are often cheaper than those landing at San Jose International Airport.

You can jump on a bus from Liberia to Nosara. Alternatively, you can take a standard minivan. 

Nosara beaches to add to your itinerary 

Playa Nosara

Unspoiled beach perfect for kayaking and paddle boarding 

Known for its dark volcanic sand and idyllic surroundings, Playa Nosara is backed by lush mangroves leading to the Nosara River. While it is growing in popularity for tourists coming to Costa Rica, you will be pleasantly surprised how laid back the area still feels. 

The best part? 

You can enjoy a day at the beach while also heading to the river to kayak or paddleboard. There are over 270 species of birds in the area and monkeys, raccoons and armadillos.

As the closest town is 6 km (3.7 miles) from the beach, you won’t have easy access to shops and restaurants. And since it’s a bit remote, it makes for an unspoiled beach protected by the national park system

Playa Guiones

Most popular beach and great for surfers 

When planning a visit to Nosara, you won’t want to miss one of the most picturesque beaches in Costa Rica, with a 6-kilometer (3 miles) stretch of sparkling white sand and great surf. In fact, the surf at Playa Guiones is what originally put Nosara on the tourist map!

From Nosara, the beach is located just south and takes 18 minutes by car.  

If you are looking for the best Nosara beach club, you won’t find it at Playa Guiones. Instead, this is the kind of beach where you can sunbake, read a book, picnic with friends or enjoy a boogie board or surf.

With warm water temperatures year-round, beginner and experienced surfers can try their luck. The beach is actually known to have some of the most consistent surf in Costa Rica. Close to the shore is perfect for those starting out, while the waves further out are ideal for immediate to advanced surfers. You can book a lesson or rent a board from one of the many surf schools in the neighborhood.

Wondering if this beach is crowded year-round? 

Well, it is one of the most popular Nosara beaches, but the length of the beach means there are always spots to relax that are more deserted. Between January and March is when it’s the most packed.

This neighborhood is a good place to base yourself as there are accommodation options available for all budgets, as well as some yoga retreat centers on the outskirts of the town. You will also have an array of restaurants and cafes to choose from.

Playa Garza

Perfect for laid-back vibes and local food 

If you prefer a lesser-known beach that locals frequent, Garza Beach is an excellent choice. When looking at a beach map of the region, this beach is located just south of Playa Guiones and is less than 30 minutes from Nosara Town.

There you will find a small palm tree-lined sandy beach with big cliffs on either side. With reefs just beyond the beach, it’s not only an excellent place to swim but also to snorkel. In addition, the reefs help protect the bay area from swells, which is why it’s a popular place for families.

However, the unique part of a visit to Playa Garza is the local fishermen who moor in the bay area. Have a chat with them—you may get to purchase fresh fish right off the boat in the afternoons.  

While you may wish to bring your own food and drinks, there are a few simple sodas (local restaurants) where you can grab a bite to eat.  

Playa Pelada

Top-rated for its shelly beach and tidal pools 

Another top-rated Nosara beach in Costa Rica is Playa Pelada, the closest beach just south of Nosara. You’ll find two small seashell beaches which curve, joining in the middle. It’s arguably one of the most picturesque beaches in the area.

It’s perfect for swimming due to the offshore reef, making it a less attractive beach for surfers. However, what may draw you here is the rocky caves and calm tidal pools located in the northern part of the beach. There is even a blow hole to visit when the tides are turning.

Looking for an activity to do while in the area? 

Then why not take a tour with local fishermen to spot dolphins, turtles, and whales during mating season?  

If you are craving something to eat, two beachfront restaurants are a perfect place to end your day while watching the sunset with a beer in hand.

Playa Ostional

A turtle lovers’ paradise 

If you plan a visit from July to December, you must come to Playa Ostional. It’s one of the largest nesting sites in the world for the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle.

If you’re lucky, you’ll witness sea turtles laying eggs in the sand. It only happens 4-6 times during the season and lasts for a few days. If you miss their egg-laying, don’t worry, a few turtles can be spotted at any time of the year.

Pro tip: If you are a turtle lover, there are opportunities to volunteer to protect the baby turtles from predators.

To reach Playa Ostional, it’s best to come by car from Nosara as it’s approx. 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from the town. 

Playa Samara 

Ideal for a relaxing family getaway and epic day trips 

Playa Samara meets the brief for those looking for a small beach-town feel. With a good selection of restaurants, small boutiques, and low-key accommodations, it’s easy to spend a few chilled days there.

The main beach, Playa Samara, is the biggest draw. Coconut trees line the horseshoe-shaped bay with a coral reef just offshore. The water is calm and gentle, making it perfect for families.

Of the Nosara, Costa Rica, beaches, this one offers an unmissable day trip to Isla Chora, a small island off the coast. Local boats will take you there to snorkel or, if you feel like an adventure, why not rent a kayak? You’ll be able to spot colorful fish, octopuses, eels, and maybe even dolphins.

Pro tip: If you have a few days in Samara, then be sure to rent an ATV or car to check out the neighboring beaches, Playa Carillo and Playa Barrigona.

With lots to keep you occupied, it’s best to plan an entire day at this beach—it’s located over an hour South of Nosara. 

Playa Carillo 

Best for hidden gem seekers

This sheltered cove with clear, blue water is a hidden gem in the region. With only a small town area, Playa Carillo is natural beauty at its best. There are a few accommodation options, a couple basic grocery stores and restaurants, but otherwise, you will need to stock up in Samara beforehand, which is only a 5-minute drive away.

With palm trees extending the length of the beach, it’s the perfect place for a swim in the calm ocean, followed by a picnic lunch at one of the tables and benches under the palms.

Weather in Nosara

The great thing about visiting Costa Rica is that temperatures are warm year round, with those in the Nosara region ranging from 31°C (87°F) to 36°C (96°F). If you are flexible with timing, the best months to visit are January, February, March, April and December, when there is little to no rainfall. 

Of course, it’s essential to keep in mind that during these months, prices are higher, and tourism is at its peak. 

Traveling during off-peak season comes with its perks. May to November is known as the “green season,” which means the vegetation in the area is lush and vibrant. However, if you can, avoid September and October—they are the rainest. Some businesses also close down during these months. 

Packing list essentials for Nosara

Packing for a beach holiday always seems relatively easy, right? Swimsuit? Check. Sunscreen? Check. Hat? Check. However, it’s important to consider the country you are visiting as some other items may be essential. Which is the case for Costa Rica’s Nosara beaches.

• Raincoat or light waterproof jacket—packing an umbrella can be a nuisance, so bringing a raincoat or light waterproof jacket is a smart option, particularly during the rainy season. 
• Beach flip-flops and sandshoes/hiking shoes—essentials for beach days and adventure activities. 
• A lightweight towel—if you plan to go on a snorkeling trip like one to Isla Chora, towels are not always provided, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
• Protective water shoes—useful for exploring tidal pools like those at Playa Pelada. 
• Dry Bag—a smart item that doesn’t take up much space. Great for snorkeling or day trips on the water. A must for the rainy season.  
• Your driver’s license—seems like a no-brainer, but it is an easily forgotten item when packing. You will need this if you plan to rent a car or ATV to travel around the region.

Besides adding the Nosara region to your itinerary, check out Bookaway’s other routes in Costa Rica. 

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