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Nosara

Costa Rica · Coast · CRC · 9.976500, -85.652800
Family friendly 6.5/10 · Rank 1221 of 2 709
Best season: December-April

Best for

Suitable for surfing, yoga, ecotourism, families, and those seeking a quiet holiday

Best season

December-April

Daily budget
$121.00 (≈ 10 154 ₽ · ≈ 64 130 CRC)
For 7 days
$847.00 (≈ 71 080 ₽ · ≈ 448 910 CRC)
Nosara is a quiet resort village on the Nicoya Peninsula, known for its endless golden-sand beaches and excellent waves for surfing. This place attracts yogis, health-conscious travellers, and those seeking seclusion in nature. It has a completely relaxed atmosphere, and the sunsets over the Pacific are considered among the most beautiful in Costa Rica.
Summer
34.0°C
Winter
22.0°C
Sea
29.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, with Costa Rican "pura vida" traditions

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Excellent surfing conditions
  • World-class yoga centres
  • Reserve with sea turtles
  • Relaxed atmosphere
  • Visa-free entry for Russians up to 90 days
  • Rich nature

Cons

  • No direct flights from Moscow
  • High prices
  • Transport needed to get around the outskirts
  • Limited nightlife
  • Strong currents at Playa Guiones
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
28.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
32.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
34.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
27.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
31.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
22.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
28.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
29.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-November
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
golden
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
moderate
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
clear
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Playa Guiones
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
Yes
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
Yes
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
No
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
No
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
moderate
Note

Strong currents possible at Playa Guiones, swimming on guarded sections recommended

Sea urchins — details

  • The Central American rock-boring sea urchin (Echinometra vanbrunti) is a common species in the Nosara area. Inhabits the intertidal zone, wave-exposed rocks and reefs
  • Sea urchins are found in tide pools along with starfish and crabs. Stings are painful, special swimming shoes recommended

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs in the Nosara area are represented by coral formations at Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada, which are part of the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge
  • Reefs are home to diverse marine life: tropical fish, starfish, sea urchins and molluscs. In 2024, 240 corals were planted in Costa Rican waters to restore reefs

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish may appear seasonally, caution recommended

Sharks — details

  • Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier), bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas), whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) and whitetip reef sharks (Triaenodon obesus) inhabit the waters off Nosara. Encounters with large sharks are rare
  • Shark attacks on humans have not been recorded in the waters of Guiones and Pelada. Whitetip reef sharks are the most commonly encountered species in this area
Attractions

Playa Guiones

Scenic beach with golden sand and surfing waves, popular among surfers

Playa Pelada

Quiet beach with tide pools and restaurants, popular for sunset watching

Ostional Reserve

Reserve with sea turtles, popular for nesting observation

Nosara Biological Reserve

Reserve with tropical forests and wildlife

Rainbow Market

Saturday market with local products and crafts

Best areas

Playa Guiones

Main area with hotels, restaurants, and beach

Playa Pelada

Beach area with hotels and restaurants

Nosara

Central area with shops and restaurants

Must-try food

Casado

Traditional dish of rice, beans, meat, and salad, popular lunch

Gallo Pinto

Traditional breakfast of rice and beans with egg

Ceviche

Fresh fish marinated in lime with chili and cilantro

Pescado Entero

Whole fried fish, popular coastal dish

Acai Bowl

Popular breakfast with acai berries, granola, and fruit

Where to go next

Ostional Reserve

Reserve with sea turtles, 30 minutes away

Playa Pelada

Quiet beach with tide pools, 10 minutes away

Nosara Biological Reserve

Reserve with tropical forests, 15 minutes away

Santa Teresa

Surf town with beaches, 1 hour away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Аэропорт Носара (NOB).
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Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 90 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 13 250 CRC
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 42 400 CRC
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 79 500 CRC
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$300.00
≈ 25 176 ₽ · ≈ 159 000 CRC
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$200.00
≈ 16 784 ₽ · ≈ 106 000 CRC
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 42 400 CRC
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 6 360 CRC
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 13 250 CRC
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 2 650 CRC
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 3 180 CRC
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.50
≈ 126 ₽ · ≈ 795 CRC
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 6 360 CRC
Burger
Average price for a burger
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 5 300 CRC
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 2 650 CRC
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 5 300 CRC
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$150.00
≈ 12 588 ₽ · ≈ 79 500 CRC
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$1.00
≈ 84 ₽ · ≈ 530 CRC
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 3 180 CRC
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$60.00
≈ 5 035 ₽ · ≈ 31 800 CRC
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 7 950 CRC
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 18 550 CRC
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 26 500 CRC
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$80.00
≈ 6 714 ₽ · ≈ 42 400 CRC
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 26 500 CRC
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 7 950 CRC
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 7 950 CRC
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Frequently asked questions
Nosara: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Nosara: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +34.0°C, during the day — up to +32.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Nosara: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +22.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Nosara: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +29.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Nosara: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-November. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Nosara: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, golden sand, clear water. The most popular beaches: Playa Guiones. The beaches have cafes and bars.
Nosara: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as high — swimming is only recommended in specially designated areas. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Nosara: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Strong currents possible at Playa Guiones, swimming on guarded sections recommended. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Nosara: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $121.00 (≈ 10 154 ₽ · ≈ 64 130 CRC) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Nosara: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $25.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $80.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $150.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $300.00 per night, an apartment — $80.00 per night, a villa — $200.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Nosara: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $12.00, dinner at a restaurant — $25.00, a cup of cappuccino — $5.00, a 0.5L beer — $6.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Nosara: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $150.00, a single public transport ticket — $1.00, a short taxi ride — $6.00, car rental — $60.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Nosara: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Playa Guiones — Scenic beach with golden sand and surfing waves, popular among surfers; Playa Pelada — Quiet beach with tide pools and restaurants, popular for sunset watching; Ostional Reserve — Reserve with sea turtles, popular for nesting observation; Nosara Biological Reserve — Reserve with tropical forests and wildlife; Rainbow Market — Saturday market with local products and crafts. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Nosara: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Casado — Traditional dish of rice, beans, meat, and salad, popular lunch; Gallo Pinto — Traditional breakfast of rice and beans with egg; Ceviche — Fresh fish marinated in lime with chili and cilantro; Pescado Entero — Whole fried fish, popular coastal dish; Acai Bowl — Popular breakfast with acai berries, granola, and fruit. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Nosara: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Playa Guiones — Main area with hotels, restaurants, and beach; Playa Pelada — Beach area with hotels and restaurants; Nosara — Central area with shops and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Nosara: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 90 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Nosara: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Аэропорт Носара (code NOB). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $150.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Nosara: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — CRC. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $121.00 (≈ 10 154 ₽ · ≈ 64 130 CRC). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Nosara: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Nosara: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Nosara: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Ostional Reserve — Reserve with sea turtles, 30 minutes away; Playa Pelada — Quiet beach with tide pools, 10 minutes away; Nosara Biological Reserve — Reserve with tropical forests, 15 minutes away; Santa Teresa — Surf town with beaches, 1 hour away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.5/10
Overall rank: 1221 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 798

Best season

December-April

Useful information

Currency: CRC
Coordinates: 9.976500, -85.652800