Nosara
Our first time in Nosara was when we first arrived in Costa Rica — we looked at it as a place to maybe settle, but it was too spread out and either muddy or dusty depending on the season. We visited many times after.
It has an amazing skatepark now, the surf is good, and there are a lot of good restaurants. A lot of expats have built large houses there, so it has lost some of the Costa Rica feel — but overall it's a good place to visit and we'd go back.
Watch Nosara
What we'd tell a friend
- Stay in the north Guiones area — more amenities.
- Rent an ATV or a car to get around.
- Take some surf lessons.
- If you go in October, you can see the turtles laying eggs.
Who should come here?
- You have a higher budget
- You don't mind getting dusty or muddy, depending on the season
- You love surfing
- You have a low budget
- You want a true Costa Rica experience
- You want easy access to everything
The Dufresnes Verdict
Questions we actually get
Is Nosara worth visiting?
Yes — good surf, a great skatepark, and solid restaurants. Just know it's spread out, pricey, and has lost some of its Costa Rica feel to expat development. We'd still go back.
How many days do you need?
About five, which is what we did our first time.
Do you need a car?
Yes — a car or ATV. Nosara is very spread out and roads get muddy or dusty.
When can you see the turtles?
Go in October to see the turtles laying eggs.