Nosara, Costa Rica
Nosara offers a wealth of activities, from low-key nature exploring to thrilling sports and adventure.
The Nosara Biological Reserve is a 50 hectare private nature
reserve on the southern side of the Rio Nosara. It is a home to monkeys,
coatis, armadillos, deer and wild cats. 270 different species of birds have been sighted
and in the mangroves you may even encounter crocodiles. The entrance to the reserve
is on the hill, at Lagarta Lodge. From here you can overlook the river estuary
and the shoreline as far as Playa Ostional. The entrance fee of $ 6 is paid at
the lodge and a trail map with information are included in the charge.
In the early morning at 6:30 a.m. you can participate in a guided tour of the reserve
where you can learn about trees and plants of the tropical
dry forest, one of the world's rarest habitats. Call 682-0035 for making the required tour's reservation.
Surfer on the beach of Nosara
Kayaking: Behind the beach of Nosara, the Rio Montaña and Rio Nosara converge to form a large lagoon with extensive mangroves, teeming with maritime life and waterfowl. Gliding slowly and silently through the water in a kayak is the best way to explore this fascinating habitat.
The lagoon and river mouth are favorite haunts for local fishermen and are famous for fly fishing. Conditions are at their best with the incoming tide, at which time you can observe traditional "pescadores" catch fish with hand lines, and shrimp with large oval nets.
Boat tours: Local fishermen at Playa Pelada will take you on a tour with their pangas (small boat) to try your hand at fishing, or simply contemplate the spectacle of dolphins, turtles and the seasonal passing of whales.
Sport fishing: Just a few nautical miles offshore, the sea bottom drops precipitously to over 1000 m in depth so that pelagic fish are close to shore. Sport fishing in Nosara is world-class. Local and visiting anglers hold records for reeling in prize marlin and sailfish.
Playa Guiones, Nosara
Surfing: The best surf spots are Playa Guiones and Playa Nosara. See: Beaches of Nosara
Snorkeling is readily available in the many tide pools and offshore reefs of Playa Pelada and Playa Rosada.
Those seeking an immersion into Yoga can take intensive one to four-week courses at the renowned Nosara Yoga Institute. The institute specializes in advanced techniques for yoga, health consciousness and spiritual renewal.
Horseback Riding can be enjoyed along the beaches, or into the countryside to observe waterfalls and rivers.
Turtle Watching: To witness an "arribada", the arrival of thousands of sea turtles
laying their eggs into the beach of Ostional is an experience you will never forget.
Turtles generally arrive some days after the new moon and peak nesting season is from July through
December. Most hotels in Nosara will arrange guided tours to the
Ostional Wildlife Reserve, 8 km north of Nosara.