Nosara Costa Ricais a beautiful travel destination and the number of ex-pats living here is a testimonial to this. Nosara has attractive beaches and there are more beaches near Nosara. Nosara is also surrounded by lovely vegetation. The jungles surrounding Nosara are full of bird and wildlife. Birders will spot toucans, parrots. And, the wildlife, such as monkeys, sometimes visit the beach. Nosara Costa Rica is an extraordinary travel destination with a relaxed atmosphere and I think it is a great place to take a vacation.

Nosara Costa Rica has three beaches: Playa Nosara, Playa Pelada and Playa Guiones. The latter is one of the best surf spots in the central peninsula area. Nosara Costa Rica is located 5-km (3 mi) inland from the beaches. The Nosara area is spread out along the coast and a little inland. Nosara Costa Rica offers supplies, gas, an airport and plenty of accommodations and restaurants.

Nosara Costa Rica travel activities are as follows:

• Surfing on Playa Guioines is terrific and this beach has the best break in the central peninsula.
• Turtle watching is a must for wildlife lovers. The Olive Ridley sea turtle nests from July to November at the Refugio National De Fauna Silvestre Ostional.
• Yoga in the hills near Playa Guiones at the Nosara Yoga Institute.

There are a considerable number of lodging and restaurant options in this area making Nosara a great travel destination.

Nosara Costa Rica is a relaxed village that is undergoing some face-lifts to give it more appeal. There are a number of good quality accommodations and food options which makes this a great place to vacation.

The village has a bank, church, laundry facilities and email services.

Activities in and around Nosara

• Biking: rent bikes from Ciclo Sra or Cabinas Arenas.
• Flying: Ultralight flying offered by Flying Crocodile.
• Zip lining: canopy tours on the eastern outskirts of town.
• Swimming: beach is safe for swimming
• Snorkeling & diving: the coral reef in the center of the bay is good for diving and snorkeling.
• Surfing: good for beginner surfing but may be boring for experienced surfers.
• Learning Spanish: Centro de Idiomas Intercultura has a campus on the beach.
• Adventure touring: two companies offer excursions including horseback riding, kayaking, turtle-watching, snorkeling, and dolphin-watching.

Nosara Costa Rica and its beaches lie about 35-km (21 mi) southwest of Nicoya on a well-paved road. Buses to San Jose depart from the main road at 4:30am and 8:30am.

Traroc buses to Nicoya take two hours and depart from the pulperia by the soccer field at 5:30am, 7am, 8:45am, 11:30am, 1:30pm and 4:30pm.

Ostional National Wildlife Refuge

This wildlife refuge is near Nosara and extends from Punta India in the north to Playa Guiones in the south and includes Playa Nosara and Playa Ostional. It was created in 1992 and contains 248-hectares (600-acres) of land.

The Ostional National Wildlife Refuge was created to protect the Olive Ridley sea turtle, which comes to nest from July to November. The nesting season peaks in August to October. This reserve is one of the main nesting grounds in Costa Rica.

A small species of sea turtle, the Olive Ridley weighs up to 45kg (115 lbs). Although endangered, there are a few beaches in the world where the Olive Ridley nests en mass — up to 1,000 at a time. Scientists believe that this behavior is meant to overwhelm predators which may help the species survive.

The conservation plan allows the locals to harvest the first laying of eggs. Because the first laying of eggs is often trampled by waves or subsequent turtles coming to nest, the locals harvest these first batches. The livelihood of the community is maintained by this harvesting. The local villagers are vigilant about poaching eggs to prevent infringing on their enterprise.

Near the southeastern edge, there is a small mangrove swamp where visitors can find good bird watching.

Nosara Costa Rica Hotels are as follows:

A list of Nosara Costa Rica hotels are as follows:

• 1. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Lagarta Lodge is on a hillside in Nosara about 40m above sea level and has terrific views of the ocean, mountains and river. The beach is a 10-minute walk. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and pool. The rates start at US$80/double.
• 2. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Bella Vista Mar is a property offering several kinds of accommodation including rooms in a main house, two separate guest houses and the owner is able to arrange for other nearby accommodations. Amenities include a pool, breakfast (extra) and in-house spa services. The rates start at US$60/double. Weekly rates are offered at a discount.
• 3. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Villa Mango B & B offers rooms with private bath and some with air conditioning. There's a terrific view of the ocean, beach and natural reserve. There's also a pool for guest use. Rates start at US$80/double and includes breakfast.
• 4. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Nosara B & B is a B & B that has two styles of rooms. It offers tree house private rooms with private bath, hot water and use of a kitchen. The main house also has rooms. The amenities are basic as there is no air conditioning, t.v. or pool. Rooms start at US$60/double and cottage start at US$75/double. Breakfast is included in the rate.
• 5. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Hotels Villa Las Tecas is located in a jungle setting with gardens, pool and grill to BBQ. There are six fully furnished apartments equipped with kitchens. The units have private bath, hot water, screened windows and fan. Rates start at US$70/double.
• 6. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Hotel Rancho Suizo is located only few minutes on foot from the beach. There's a whirlppol, wellness pool, bar and wildlife refuge next door. Rates start at US$60/double. Breakfast is included in the rate.
• 7. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Hotel El Ramal is located about 5 minutes from the beach and is near town services such as bars and restaurants. There's a pool at this hotel and rates start at US$50/double.
• 8. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Panchos Beach Resort offers little bungalows and hillside duplexes. Amenities include kitchenettes, air conditioning, hot water, DVD player and safety deposit box. Rates start at US$65/double.
• 9. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — L'acqua Viva is a 35-room resort located in Nosara. It has a variety of rooms, suites and villas. The amenities vary but include air conditioning, satellite t.v., LDC t.v., safety deposit box, hair dyer, coffee maker, and mini-bar. The rooms are beautifully appointed and there's an element of luxury at this hotel. Rates start at US$205/double. This hotel gets solid travel reviews.
• 10. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Almost Paradise offers 5 rooms with private bath. There are three rooms with kitchenettes. There is also a one bedroom casita with king bed, kitchen and living area. Rates start at US$70/double.
• 11. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Vista del Mar is on a bluff overlooking the ocean and beach. The hotel offers a pool, rooms and apartments. Rooms have access to a kitchen. There are private hot water showers and wireless DSL Internet connection.
• 12. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Rancho Congo is has two rooms with hot water, fans and terrace. The grounds have a swimming pool. The building is very clean. The rates start at US$55/double. Contact at rcongo@infoweb.co.cr.
• 13. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Hostel Solo Bueno is targeted at surfers and attracts young hips surfers from around the world. Check into a dorm room or camp in the backyard. There's an equipped kitchen to share and bathrooms with hot water.
• 14. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Nosara Beach offers clean apartments and is within walking distance of restaurants and services. There's a pool, garden, Internet access and telephone.
• 15. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Kaya Sol Surf offers both private rooms and hostel accommodation. There are a variety of amenities in the private rooms including private bath, fridge and an outdoor area. There are also grander accommodation with full kitchens, living rooms and extra bedrooms. Rates start at US$40/double for rooms. The hostel rates start at US$15.
• 16. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Gilded Iguana has 12 rooms. Six are original units and six are new. The new units have air conditioning, and a shared terrace. All the units come with a private hot bath and a small fridge. The hotel is located on the beach and has a swimming pool, restaurant and bar. There's parking and laundry services, as well. Rates start at US$75/double.
• 17. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Giardino Tropicale offers rooms, deluxe rooms and apartements. These hotel rooms have air conditioning, private bath, fridge, and coffee maker. Apartments have a full kitchen, balcony and shower bath combination. There's a pool and restaurant. Rates start at US$130/double.
• 18. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Vista del Paraiso offers cabins with t.v., air conditioning, fans, hot water, ocean view, fridge, coffee maker, Internet access and complimentary breakfast. Rates start at US$150/double. There are less expensive cabins for US$55/double.
• 19. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Casa Romantica has 10 rooms with private bath, air conditioning, coffee maker, safety deposit box, fridge and wireless Internet access. There's a pool and restaurant. Rates start at US$90/double and includes breakfast.
• 20. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Cafe de Paris has an apartment for rent. It has 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. There's air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, free Internet access, Jacuzzi tub, balcony, washer and dryer, and secure parking. There's also a bar, restaurant and bakery on site. Rate is US$1,500 per week. One week minimum rental.
• 21. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — The Harmony offers rooms, suites and bungalows which are close to the beach. This is a surf hotel and targeted at this audience. The hotel has a restaurant, bar and pool. There's a spa and yoga centre. This hotel little on the pricey side with rooms starting at US$220/double. Tripadvisor reviews have nice reviews but express that the price is a little bit high for the room that you get.
• 22. Nosara Costa Rica Hotels — Casa Tucan is a short walk from the beach and offers a pool, poolside restaurant and bar. There are 8 rooms with t.v., air conditioning, patios, coffee makers and fridges. Rates start at US$75/double.
• 23. Hotel Harbor Reef Lodge has a variety of rooms, suites and apartments with varying amenities that include air conditioning, fans, hot water, satellite t.v., wireless Internet access, porch and hotel services. There's a lovely pool, restaurant and a poolside bar. Rates start at US$99/double.