You already know Nosara as a world-class surf destination, but did you know it’s also home to a handful of excellent day hikes? From hidden waterfalls to wildlife-filled forests, Nosara’s trails are the perfect way to experience the region’s natural beauty beyond the beach. Whether you want a morning sweat after surf lessons or an off-day adventure, here are our favorite hikes near Nosara:

1. The Mala Noche Waterfall Hike

Just a short drive from town, the Mala Noche waterfall hike offers a rewarding jungle trek that ends at a refreshing cascade. The trail winds through shaded forest and over small creeks before arriving at a beautiful multi-tiered waterfall perfect for a dip. Go early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat, and bring water shoes for navigating slippery rocks.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 2–3 hours round trip
• Best for: Waterfall lovers and families

2. Nosara Biological Reserve

Located near the mouth of the Nosara River, this protected nature reserve features several short trails through mangrove forests, dry tropical forests, and coastal vegetation. It’s a peaceful place for a stroll and is ideal for wildlife spotting. Look for monkeys, coatis, iguanas, and a wide variety of birds.

• Difficulty: Easy
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours
• Best for: Birdwatchers and beginner hikers

3. Boca Nosara River Mouth Walk

If you’re up for a beach hike with dramatic scenery, walk north along Playa Guiones until you reach the Nosara River mouth. At low tide, you can continue to Playa Pelada and beyond. Bring plenty of water and sun protection — this is a sandy, sun-exposed trek — but the views of the estuary and rocky coastline are worth it.

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Duration: 1.5–2 hours round trip
• Best for: Coastal views and sunset walks

4. San Juanillo–Ostional Trail

Located approximately 40 minutes north of Nosara, the San Juanillo–Ostional Trail is a 9-mile (14.5 km) out-and-back route near Santa Cruz, Guanacaste. This moderately challenging trail is primarily used for mountain biking but is also suitable for hikers seeking a longer trek through diverse landscapes. The trail offers a mix of terrain, providing opportunities to experience the region’s natural beauty. It’s advisable to start early to avoid the midday heat and to bring sufficient water and sun protection.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 4–5 hours
• Best for: Long-distance hikers and mountain bikers seeking a scenic route

5. Ostional Wildlife Refuge

Ostional isn’t just about turtles — it’s also home to wild coastal trails you can explore between July and December during turtle nesting season. Guided tours are available and recommended if you want to witness an arribada, when thousands of Olive Ridley turtles come ashore to nest. Some routes also connect to inland trails through the jungle.

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Duration: 2–4 hours
• Best for: Wildlife lovers and eco-tourists

Tips for Hiking Around Nosara

• Start early: Beat the heat and enjoy better wildlife sightings.
• Bring water and snacks: Many trails have no services nearby.
• Use bug spray: Especially during the rainy season.
• Dress for the trail: Wear lightweight clothing, a hat, and sturdy shoes or sandals with good grip.
• Leave no trace: Pack out what you bring in.

Surfing may be what draws most travelers to Nosara, but a morning on the trail will show you a different side of the region — one filled with waterfalls, wildlife, and epic views. Whether you’re chasing some peace in the jungle or a bit of post-surf cross-training, the trails of Nosara deliver. Book your stay at our Costa Rica surf school to start your adventure.

Nosara, Costa Rica, is more than just a surf destination — it’s a lifestyle. Tucked into the Nicoya Peninsula’s dry tropical forest, this laid-back coastal town has become a favorite for surfers, yogis, and travelers seeking a healthy, grounded getaway. Whether it’s your first time visiting or your fifth, this travel guide will help you experience the best of Nosara — from the waves to the food to the trails less traveled.

Getting There

Nosara is remote by design. That’s part of its charm. The easiest way to get here is by flying into Liberia International Airport (LIR), about a 2.5-hour drive away. Daily shuttles and private transfers are available, or you can rent a 4×4 to explore the region on your own. Keep in mind the roads are rugged — you’ll want the clearance.

Where to Stay

If you’re coming to learn to surf surf, stay where the action is. Our Costa Rica surf school is located at Olas Verdes, a sustainably built boutique hotel situated just steps away from the sand at Playa Guiones. With comfortable rooms, surfboard storage, an on-site restaurant, and easy access to the beach and town, it’s the ideal home base for surf travelers.

Surfing Playa Guiones

Nosara’s crown jewel is Playa Guiones, a long stretch of sandy beach with plenty of room to spread out and year-round swell. It’s ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers but can still deliver punchy sets on bigger days. The beach has multiple peaks, so there’s plenty of room to spread out.

Our surf school offers daily surf lessons and coaching for all skill levels, as well as advanced guiding and video analysis for those seeking to refine their skills. If you’re just getting started, this is one of the best places in the world to learn and grow.

Nosara Beyond the Surf

Nosara’s magic extends beyond the waves. Early morning yoga sessions, smoothie bowls under the trees, and quiet walks through jungle-lined trails are part of the rhythm here. The town has strict building codes that preserve the natural canopy and limit high-rise development, maintaining a relaxed and eco-conscious atmosphere.

Where to Eat

Nosara’s food scene punches well above its weight. For upscale beachfront dining, book a sunset table at La Luna. For something quick and authentic, Rosi’s Soda Tica serves up hearty casados and fresh fruit smoothies that hit the spot after a morning session. For health-conscious eats, check out Go Juice or Rolling Waves Café, both of which offer fresh, energizing meals made with local ingredients. And if you’re in the mood to celebrate a great day in the water, Tropicana is the place to go for live music, tasty bites, and a fun nightlife scene.

When to Visit

The dry season (December to April) offers offshore winds and clean conditions, while the rainy season (May to November) brings heavier swell and lush jungle landscapes. There’s really no bad time to visit — it just depends on what kind of waves you’re chasing.

What to Pack

Pack light. Swimsuits, breathable clothing, sandals, reef-safe sunscreen, and other ocean self-care essentials, a good hat, and your surf gear (though rentals are readily available) should cover you. If you plan to explore inland or hike, bring proper footwear and a hydration pack.

Getting Around

Nosara’s unpaved roads often make walking or biking easier than driving. Rent a fat-tire beach cruiser or an electric golf cart for short distances. For day trips or more remote beaches, a 4×4 is helpful.

Day Trips and Activities

When you’re not surfing, consider:

• Ostional Wildlife Refuge – Just north of Playa Guiones, this beach is one of the most important nesting sites for Olive Ridley sea turtles.
• Stand-Up Paddle Tours – Glide through the Rio Nosara mangroves and spot howler monkeys and tropical birds.
• Waterfall hikes – Hidden waterfalls are just a short drive away, making for a refreshing escape from the heat.

Nosara is a place you return to again and again — not just for the surf but for the people, the pace, and the natural beauty. Ready to plan your trip? Book your lessons, pack your boardshorts, and come experience the pura vida lifestyle firsthand.

Costa Rica is a surfer’s paradise—not just for pros hunting barrels but for everyone, from first-timers to lifelong surfers. With over 800 miles of coastline on two oceans, Costa Rica delivers a wide range of waves suited to every skill level. Whether you’re learning to stand up, working on your turns, or chasing the next big swell, there’s a break here for you.

Here’s our breakdown of the best surf destinations in Costa Rica for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers—and why Nosara remains the best all-around surf town in the country.

Beginner: Playa Guiones, Nosara

Let’s start where most surfers do—at the beginning. And there’s no better place to begin than Playa Guiones, our home break in Nosara. Guiones checks every box for a proper learning wave: sand bottom, gentle slope, long rides, and plenty of space to spread out. Unlike reef breaks or heavy shore pound, Guiones breaks soft and slow, allowing beginners to focus on fundamentals in a safe, inviting lineup. It’s not just the wave that makes Nosara ideal—it’s the vibe. The “Pura Vida” spirit is alive in every lineup, and local surfers are among the friendliest you’ll find anywhere. Oh yeah, it’s home to the best surf school in Costa Rica.

Why it’s great for beginners:

• Sand bottom for safer wipeouts
• Forgiving waves with long shoulders
• Consistent conditions year-round
• Friendly, supportive surf culture

Intermediate: Playa Grande

Just north of Tamarindo, Playa Grande offers faster, more powerful waves than Guiones and plenty of open face to work on turns. It’s a step up in intensity, with longer walls and steeper drops that challenge intermediates to dial in bottom turns and cutbacks. The beach is part of a national park, so it’s uncrowded and undeveloped, with raw natural beauty and consistent swell.

Why intermediates love it:

• Stronger, more powerful waves for progression
• Room to practice maneuvers
• Clean lefts and rights depending on the swell

Advanced: Playa Hermosa

For surfers looking to challenge themselves, Playa Hermosa near Jacó delivers heavy beach break energy. With steep drops and fast, barreling waves, Hermosa is a proving ground for experienced surfers who are confident in hollow surf and powerful currents. Even on small days, this wave demands commitment—and paddling strength.

What makes it advanced:

• Powerful, consistent beach break
• Steep, fast waves that barrel
• Strong currents and heavy hold-downs

Expert: Pavones

Pavones is the stuff of surf legend. This remote southern left-hand point break offers one of the longest rides in the world when conditions line up. On a proper swell, it’s possible to connect multiple sections for rides well over a minute long. But Pavones isn’t just about the length—its speed and technicality make it a dream wave for surfers who know how to read and flow with a long point.

Why it’s a bucket-list wave:

• World-class left-hand point
• Long, fast walls for flow and precision
• Best suited for high-level surfers

All-Around Favorite: Playa Guiones, Nosara

Costa Rica is packed with incredible surf towns, but Nosara stands alone as the best destination for surfers of all levels. Playa Guiones is as beginner-friendly as it gets, yet its long, clean waves offer plenty for intermediates and even advanced surfers on a solid swell. Its mellow vibe, consistency, and variety of peaks make it the most versatile surf destination in the country. Nosara’s surf scene is backed by top-tier instruction, like what you’ll find at Safari Surf School, along with yoga studios, healthy eats, and a community built around ocean living.

Why Nosara is the best all-around destination:

• One of the most consistent beach breaks in the country
• Suitable for every skill level, from first-timers to advanced surfers
• Spacious, peaks along a long stretch of beach
• Welcoming surf culture and world-class instruction

Whether you’re just starting out or chasing world-class waves, Costa Rica delivers. And if you want the full spectrum in one place, Nosara’s Playa Guiones is the wave that keeps on giving. Ready to surf? Head to our website to learn more and start planning your Costa Rican surf experience with Safari Surf School.

Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity has made it one of the most celebrated destinations for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. From the cloud forests of Monteverde to the pristine beaches of the Guanacaste region, this small Central American country packs an incredible amount of wildlife into a relatively small area. Whether you’re hoping to spot colorful toucans, elusive jaguars, playful monkeys, or nesting sea turtles, there’s no shortage of places to connect with nature. Continue reading below for The Best Destinations to See Costa Rican Wildlife.

Corcovado National Park: The Crown Jewel of Biodiversity

Often called the “crown jewel” of Costa Rica’s national park system, Corcovado National Park protects some of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Located on the remote Osa Peninsula, Corcovado is home to an astonishing 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. Within the park, you’ll find endangered species like Baird’s tapirs, scarlet macaws, harpy eagles, and even jaguars. Corcovado’s remoteness means it’s best visited with a licensed guide, both for safety and to maximize wildlife sightings. Whether you’re hiking through primary rainforest or exploring coastal mangroves, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Tortuguero National Park: A Sea Turtle Sanctuary

On Costa Rica’s northern Caribbean coast lies Tortuguero National Park, a labyrinth of rivers, canals, and beaches teeming with life. Tortuguero is world-renowned for its sea turtles, particularly green sea turtles, which nest on its beaches between July and October. Leatherback and hawksbill turtles also frequent the area. Tortuguero is only accessible by boat or small plane, making the journey there feel like an adventure in itself. Once you arrive, guided boat tours through the canals allow you to see manatees, caimans, river otters, and hundreds of bird species.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: A Birdwatcher’s Paradise

If you’re drawn to cooler climates and misty forests, head for Monteverde. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a unique ecosystem characterized by consistent cloud cover and lush, mossy vegetation. It’s one of the best places to spot the resplendent quetzal, one of the world’s most beautiful and elusive birds. In addition to its impressive bird population, Monteverde is home to howler monkeys, sloths, and a staggering variety of orchids and butterflies. Guided night walks are particularly popular, giving visitors a glimpse into the forest’s nocturnal life.

Manuel Antonio National Park: Wildlife Up Close

Although it’s one of Costa Rica’s smallest national parks, Manuel Antonio is one of the country’s premier destinations for wildlife viewing. Located along the central Pacific coast, the park combines stunning white-sand beaches with dense tropical rainforest. It’s common to spot three-toed sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, iguanas, and colorful crabs—all within a short walk of the park entrance. Because of its accessibility and beauty, Manuel Antonio can get busy, so plan to arrive early for the best experience.

Marino Ballena National Park: Whale Watching Heaven

For a wildlife experience unlike any other, head to Marino Ballena National Park. This protected marine park is located near Uvita on the southern Pacific coast and is famous for whale watching. Humpback whales migrate here from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, making it one of the few places in the world where you can spot whales almost year-round. The park is also home to dolphins, sea turtles, and vibrant coral reefs. Time your visit with the whale migration seasons (July–October and December–April) for your best chance to see these majestic animals up close.

Nosara and Ostional: Witness a Natural Wonder

Just north of our home break at Playa Guiones, Ostional Wildlife Refuge hosts one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles in the world—the arribada. During an arribada, hundreds of thousands of Oliver Ridley Sea Turtles come ashore simultaneously to nest. The arribada typically happens during the rainy season, between July and November, and seeing it firsthand is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Guided night tours allow you to watch these ancient mariners at work without disturbing them.

Combine your surf adventure with a nature tour and discover why Costa Rica is truly a paradise for animal lovers. Book your stay at our Costa Rica surf school to start planning your Safari Surf trip today!