Things to Do in Nosara, Costa Rica: A Local Guide

Nosara is built around the outdoors. The main things to do are surfing, snorkeling and kayaking, jungle hikes and bird watching, zip lining, quad tours, yoga and ecstatic dance, pickleball and tennis, and fishing or catamaran trips on the Pacific. Most sit within minutes of The Sanctuary Estate, which looks out over the mountains and valley from 16.3 acres of private land.

What water activities are there in Nosara?

The beaches near Nosara are good for kayaking and snorkeling. You can paddle the calmer coastal water, and snorkeling turns up reef, tropical fish, and sometimes sea turtles.

The beaches themselves are minutes from the estate and are made for walking and running — early morning or late afternoon are the easy times, when the sand is cooler and the light is low.

Where can you hike near Nosara?

Trails run through the tropical forest around the estate, and the biodiversity is the draw. Watch for monkeys, iguanas, and a long list of birds. Nosara is known for its ecosystem, so a hike here doubles as wildlife watching.

What adventure activities are there in Nosara?

If you want more adrenaline, a few options are close by:

• Surfing — Nosara is a well-known surf destination, with consistent breaks and surf schools that teach beginners and coach experienced surfers alike. Playa Guiones is the main beach.
• Zip lining — lines run through the canopy, with views over the forest and coast.
• Quad (ATV) tours — cross jungle trails, rivers, and out-of-the-way beaches you won’t reach on foot.

What is there to do in Nosara for wellness?

Yoga and wellness are part of daily life here. Nearby centers run everything from vinyasa to restorative classes, and ecstatic dance has a steady following in the community.

For staying active, there are pickleball and tennis courts nearby. Pickleball in particular is an easy way to meet people.

Can you fish or sail in Nosara?

Yes. The Pacific coast off Nosara is known for fishing — marlin and sailfish among them — and charters run out of the area. For something more relaxed, catamaran trips take you along the coast and out onto open water.

The pattern in Nosara is simple: surf and beach in the morning, forest or water midday, yoga or a sunset sail to close the day.

The short version: The core things to do in Nosara are surfing at Playa Guiones, snorkeling and kayaking, jungle hikes with wildlife, zip lining, quad tours, yoga and ecstatic dance, pickleball and tennis, and fishing or catamaran trips. Nearly all of it is close to the estate’s 16.3 acres.

At a glance

• Water: kayaking, snorkeling, beach walks and runs
• Land: jungle hiking, bird watching, zip lining, quad tours
• Surf: Playa Guiones, with surf schools for all levels
• Wellness: yoga, ecstatic dance, pickleball, tennis
• Ocean trips: fishing charters and catamaran excursions
• Property: 16.3 private acres, with Del Mar Academy nearby for families