Our Costa Rica surf school is perfectly positioned for our guests to have a complete Costa Rica experience, both in and out of the water. Located in Guanacaste on a remote stretch of the Nicoya Peninsula, travelers in Nosara can experience Costa Rica’s abundant wildlife on land and sea. If you’re surfed out for the day or need to give yourself a bit of a break, head to one of the nearby protected nature reserves and see Costa Rica’s exotic wildlife. Nearly one-third of Costa Rica’s land is protected as national parks, nature reserves, and wildlife refuges. Additionally, since the 1980s Costa Rica has successfully reversed its deforestation by 200%. To say that wildlife thrives in Costa Rica would be an understatement. Costa Rica is home to exotic and endangered wildlife that once dominated the entire Central America region but has since but poached out of existence in many other countries. Sloths, Scarlet Macaws, Spider Monkeys, Howler Monkeys, Jaguars, and more all call Costa Rica home. If you want to find out how to experience Costa Rican wildlife on your visit to our Costa Rica surf school, continue reading below.
Turtle watching at the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
Costa Rica’s beaches attract more than just surfers. Oliver Ridley, Leather Back, and Green Sea Turtles travel to Costa Rica’s beaches by the hundreds. For the best chance at encountering Oliver Ridley Sea Turtles, head to Ostional National Wildlife Refuge, the second largest nesting site in the world for Oliver Ridley Sea Turtles. While sea turtles come ashore all year, from June to December, the phenomenon of “arribadas” occurs. “Arribadas” is the arrival of tens of thousands of sea turtles simultaneously. This spectacular event lasts about one week and occurs during the last quarter moon phone or just before the new moon. Ostional National Wildlife Refuge is just under half an hour away from our Costa Rica Surf School.
Spot exotic birds, monkeys, and more Costa Rican wildlife in Nosara Biological Reserve
Nosara Biological Reserve is a 90-acre private nature reserve near Playa Nosara, just a stone’s throw from our Costa Rica surf school. The reserve includes a diverse swath of land, from mangrove wetlands to dry tropical forests. From the trail in Nosara Biological Reserve, you can spot howler monkeys, iguanas, raccoons, snakes, crocodiles, toucans, and more. Over 270 species of birds have been seen in Nosara Biological Reserve. To visit the reserve, head to Hotel Lagarta, which manages the land. An entrance fee of $6 will give you access to the trails and a trail map. Both self-guided and guided tours are available.
Take an educational tour of Nosara Wildlife Rescue and Sibu Sanctuary
Nosara Wildlife Rescue and Sibu Sanctuary rescues newborn orphaned or injured wild animals, rehabilitates them, and returns them to the wild. Animals who are too injured to fend for themselves in the wild are given a permanent home at the sanctuary. Nosara Wildlife Rescue and Sibu Sanctuary is a non-profit, volunteer-run organization that educates the community about protecting Costa Rican wildlife. One of the main causes of injury in local wildlife is faulty powerlines. The organization works closely with the National Electricity Institute to make sure powerlines are secure and have insulated nearly 30 miles of cables so far. Nosara Wildlife Rescue offers educational tours for travelers that allow travelers to interact with the wildlife in the sanctuary. Guests can even sponsor an animal.
While Costa Rica may be a world-renowned surf destination, there’s so much more to the country than just the waves. From the Costa Rican wildlife to adventures like mountain biking and white water rafting, there’s an endless supply of fun waiting for you in Nosara. If you’re itching to fill your days with activities both in and out of the water, stay tuned to our blog for more information on what to do in Nosara when you’re not surfing.