If you love spending time in Guanacaste but would like to see other beaches aside from Tamarindo and Flamingo, perhaps somewhere that’s a little more secluded, how about the area of Nosara?

Nosara is a district of the county of Nicoya in Guanacaste, it’s actually home to a big community of American expats that established in the area many years back. The town of Nosara is 6 kilometers from the beach and the majority of foreigners reside in the areas of Playa Pelada (Pelada Beach) and Playa Guiones (Guiones Beach);  Guiones, a white sand beach, is particularly known as a great surfing destination,  Pelada is a more quiet and relaxing area perfect for families or couples looking to enjoy a day at the beach.  Playa Garza (Garza Beach) is also part of this stretch and a beach preferred by those who enjoy sport fishing, while Nosara beach is a black sand beach that usually has a high tide, swimming here is not recommended.

Just 8KM distance from Nosara you’ll find the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, the nesting site for Leatherback Turtles, Green Sea Turtles and one of the most important nesting sites in the world for the Olive Ridley sea turtle. The mass “arribadas” (arrivals) of sea turtles has its peak during the months of August through December, hundreds and sometimes thousands of turtles can be seen at night (usually once a month the night before the full moon) laying and burying their eggs in the sand.

The community of Nosara is very well organized and has fought to protect the area and maintain a sustainable development. You won’t find large hotel projects in this area, but you can find smaller boutique style hotels and very nice sustainable eco luxury communities like Bellazo by Kalia.

Aside from witnessing the incredible turtle arrivals, you can enjoy other fun activities, horseback riding, boat tours and visiting the Nosara Wildlife Refuge, this animal sanctuary rescues injured or orphaned wild animals, provides them with shelter and veterinary care with the hope of reinserting them into their natural habitat.

If you decide to visit Ostional to witness the turtles nesting, please follow the recommendations of the park.