Nosara is famed for its incredible yoga classes, retreats, and teacher trainings, epic surf breaks, and jaw-dropping sunsets. But what else can you do in Nosara? Here is our list of some lesser known, though extremely worthy, things to do when in Nosara, Costa Rica.

Take an Off Road Adventure

Photo: Howling Monkey Adventures

Howling Monkey Adventures leads groups on tours of Nosara’s hidden beaches, jungle wildlife, and mountain terrain… from behind the wheel of a TOMCAR. You drive the vehicle yourself for some adrenaline pumping adventure, along with tour guides who lead you to the best places. Custom tours can be designed for groups, and they provide a wide variety of options.

Nature excursions lead you deep into the jungle to spot howler monkeys and other wildlife, surf tours take you to the best surf spots on the Pacific Coast like Witch’s Rock, Playa Hermosa, and Pavones, and sunset tours go in the mountains for expansive views and night jungle observation.

Go on a Canopy Tour

KP Tice

There is no denying that canopy tours are one of the most popular activities in Costa Rica. Monteverde and Arenal are among the most famous places in the country to fly through the trees on a zipline, but Miss Sky Canopy Tours in Nosara actually has the longest tour of its kind in the world with over 11km of line.

It’s also likely the safest in Costa Rica as all lines are doubled which goes beyond the national safety standards. Enjoy wildlife and sweeping views of waterfalls, rivers, and the ocean while getting some thrills high above ground. The tour includes 21 runs, a stop at a waterfall for a cool swim, and a final stop on the top of a five story building with a disco bar at the top.

Paddle Boarding in Mangroves

ST Flight

The biological diversity of mangrove forests is truly magical. They support marine life by feeding fish with their dried leaves, house land animals like birds and crabs, filter toxins with their roots to protect deep seawater from contamination, and stabilize soil to prevent land erosion.

Nosara is home to many stunning mangroves and stand up paddle board tours make it possible to explore on water at your own pace. Experience Nosara has tours that run along the Rio Montana and Rio Nosara through mangrove tunnels and hidden trails that lead to Playa Nosara. You will spot amazing wildlife while essentially walking on water around the mangrove’s watery perimeter.

Explore the Rio Nosara in a Kayak

Chris Goldberg

Experience one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful rivers deep in the jungle inside of a kayak. Wander through mangroves, observe wildlife, and possibly spot some crocodiles. Guided tours allow you to see animals up close and personal while getting some great exercise. Drifter Kayaking leads 3-4 hour long tours where they take you down the Rio Nosara identifying wildlife along the way.

Help Baby Turtles at the Ostional Turtle Refuge

Liz

Imagine watching thousands, perhaps hundreds of thousands, of baby turtles scamper from their nests towards the ocean as an important right of passage. Year round, turtles come out from the sea to lay their eggs on the sandy shore of Playa Ostional, a couple of miles from Nosara. About a month and a half later the eggs hatch and baby turtles run to the ocean to begin their lives as turtles.

This incredible sight is called an “arribada”. While you can watch turtle nesting year round, the peak season coincides with the rainy season from July to December. Observers can come to simply marvel in the incredible spectacle, or volunteer to help the turtles make it to shore by protecting the hatchlings from vultures and dogs.

The ranger station is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and guided tours are available with park employees. However, the best time to observe is often in the middle of the night between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. a few days before the new moon. Flash photography is prohibited so stay as the sun comes up. Contact the Asociacion de Desarollo de Ostional for more information.

Take a Nature Walk in the Nosara Biological Reserve

Bob Cotton

Explore the beautiful flora and fauna in the Nosara Biological Reserve on a self-guided hike. On this 35 hectare private reserve on the southern side of the Rio Nosara, it is possible to spot monkeys, coatis, armadillos, deer, wildcats, and 270 species of birds. The hike takes about two hours and early in the morning is the best time for bird sightings.