Things to do in Nosara: surf, river and jungle, beach by beach.

Top picks are a surf class at Playa Guiones, kayaking or paddleboarding on the Nosara River, waterfall rappelling at Mala Noche, an ATV ride into the hills, a bamboo-bike trail tour and a Costa Rican cooking class. All eight are in our list above with exact meeting points and live availability links.

Yes. Playa Guiones is a broad white-sand beach with few stones and many lesson options. Pelada has rocks and stronger waves, and Playa Nosara's sandbars and reefs suit intermediate and experienced surfers. Start with a lesson rather than paddling out alone.

Most visitors fly into Liberia (LIR). Published private-transfer estimates run about two and a half to three and a half hours. You can also fly into San José and take a domestic flight to Nosara's airstrip. Our Getting to Nosara guide compares each option.

Ostional, just north of Nosara, is a protected refuge known for olive ridley turtle nesting. Visits are guide-led under refuge rules, so go with a certified local guide and follow their instructions on lights and distance.

December to April is the dry season, with sunny days and peak demand. May to November is greener and quieter, with afternoon rain. September and October are usually the wettest, and dirt roads can get muddy.

Guiones suits a surf-and-classes routine, Pelada suits snorkeling and stronger waves, Garza and Ostional are quieter, and inland Nosara suits retreats and longer stays. Our where-to-stay guide compares each area.

It can be, if you plan for road time and changing beach conditions. Gentle options include the family river safari, the kayak and SUP tour and the cooking class. Our Nosara with Kids guide has more ideas.

Many visitors get around by taxi, bike or tour transport, but the area is spread out along dirt roads. Check each tour's meeting point. Some, like Mala Noche, have no phone signal, so save directions before you go.

All eight picks on this page offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Always confirm current terms on the live listing before you pay.