Costa Rica · Nicoya Peninsula

Nosara
& Santa Teresa.

Surf, yoga and dirt roads

Photo: Christopher Crouzet · CC BY-SA 4.0

36 places
31 open
1 closed
3 restricted
1 seasonal
checked Oct 2026
10 sources

Before you go,
understand the place.

Nosara and Santa Teresa are two separate areas of the Nicoya Peninsula that are often grouped together for their surf and wellness scene. They are about 60 km apart in a straight line, in different provinces (Nosara in Guanacaste and Santa Teresa in Puntarenas), and each is reached very differently.

Best time to go: December to April is the dry and busiest season (in Santa Teresa, high season runs from December to March). From May to November it rains in the afternoon, and September and October are the rainiest months in Nosara. Guiones has waves all year; the south and southwest swell is strongest from April to October, peaking in July and August.
Getting there: Nosara is about 225–260 km from San José and 4.5–6 h by road, with a gravel final stretch; from Liberia airport it is about 2.5–3 h, and SANSA flies to Nosara. Santa Teresa is reached via Puntarenas, the Naviera Tambor ferry to Paquera (8 sailings a day in 2026, about 1 h) and 1–1.5 h by road: about 5–6 h in total. SANSA also flies to Tambor.

Get your bearings before you set out

Destination map

36 places with their status. Open a pin for details and sources, or use the list.

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Open
Closed or prohibited
Restricted access
Seasonal

Groups: the number in the middle is the total of places; the ring shows their statuses. Open a group to see the breakdown.

The “Open and seasonal” filter covers open (31) and seasonal (1) places. Check dates and conditions on each place.

Map: © Stadia Maps © OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap

Seven ways to explore

Themed guides

Places grouped by theme, to plan your day.

7 places
Surf and wellness
Breaks, schools and yoga studios in Nosara and Santa Teresa.
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8 places
Calm beaches and family plans
Sheltered bays, tide pools and short trips suitable for families.
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7 places
Turtles and wildlife
Arribadas, refuges, mangroves and dry forest with monkeys and birds.
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7 places
Montezuma and the southern tip
Waterfalls, a reserve, islands and small villages between Paquera and Cabo Blanco.
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5 places
Boat and island trips
Trips out to sea from Sámara, Garza, Montezuma and Curú.
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8 places
Free on the peninsula
Public beaches, tide pools, trails and a market that cost nothing.
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5 places
Restricted, closed or seasonal
Access rules, tides and closing days worth checking before you set out.
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The place, in context

Everything you can do

Closed or restricted places are included and flagged, so you know what to expect.

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Showing 36 of 36 · 4 closed or restricted, flagged

Nature and jungle · 16

Photo: Panegyrics of Granovetter, CC BY-SA 2.0
WildlifeRestricted access
Olive ridley arribadas at Ostional
Ostional village, north of Nosara39.1 km from the centre
Entry
$13.56
Hours
5:00–21:00
Booking
Not stated
Mass nesting of olive ridley turtles: once or twice a month, all year, between 15,000 and 200,000 females come ashore along about 800 m of beach.
During arribadas you may only enter with an accredited local guide (AGLO or ADIO), paid separately. Flash, bonfires, pets, vehicles and horses are banned on the beach. Dates cannot be predicted exactly: check with the guides a few days ahead.
Source: SINAC – Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional · 2026 · +2
Practical details and sources
Entry
Entry: $13.56 for non-residents (SINAC, 2026); the guide is extra, about $25 per person according to a 2025 guide.
Hours
Monday to Sunday, 5:00–21:00 (SINAC).
Booking
Ostional Local Guides Association: 2682-0428 / 6252-7412; ADIO: 2682-1229 / 6108-1681 (SINAC).
Tip: SINAC says arribadas happen all year; a 2025 guide places tours mainly from May to November. The river crossing between Nosara and Ostional can be impassable after heavy rain. Do not wear reflective clothing.
Nearby: ATVs and horses on Ostional beach (1.5 km) · Playa Nosara (2.2 km) · Nosara biological reserve trails (4.1 km)
Sources: SINAC – Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional · Wikipedia – Ostional Wildlife Refuge · Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Nosara trip planning
Find tours(external link) Link to an external platform. Prices, schedules and availability are set by each operator.
NatureOpen
Nosara biological reserve trails
Between Playa Pelada and the Nosara river35.1 km from the centre
Entry
Free
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
A network of about 9 km (5.6 miles) of trails through protected forest by the Nosara river, for monkeys and birds near the beach.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Nosara trip planning · 2025
Practical details and sources
Tip: Go early because of the heat and bring repellent.
Nearby: Playa Pelada (1.2 km) · Horseback ride in Nosara (1.2 km) · Nosara river trip (1.8 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Nosara trip planning
WildlifeOpen
Nosara river trip
Nosara river mouth34.6 km from the centre
Entry
Not stated
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
Boat or kayak trips on the Nosara river estuary to see crocodiles, iguanas, basilisks and mangrove birds.
Source: Wikivoyage – Nosara · 2025
Practical details and sources
Tip: Do not swim at the river mouth: there are crocodiles.
Nearby: Nosara biological reserve trails (1.8 km) · Playa Pelada (2.6 km) · Horseback ride in Nosara (2.6 km)
Sources: Wikivoyage – Nosara
Find tours(external link) Link to an external platform. Prices, schedules and availability are set by each operator.
AdventureOpen
Surf schools in Nosara
Playa Guiones, Nosara32.8 km from the centre
Entry
From about $90
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
Surf lessons at Playa Guiones with certified instructors and board rentals. Waves arrive all year.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Nosara trip planning · 2025 · +1
Practical details and sources
Entry
From about $90 plus VAT per lesson (September 2025); board rental from about $10 a day.
Tip: In the dry season waves are smaller and better for learning; bigger swells arrive from April to October.
Nearby: Yoga in Nosara and Santa Teresa (0.1 km) · Playa Pelada (1.6 km) · Horseback ride in Nosara (1.6 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Nosara trip planning · Wikivoyage – Nosara
Find tours(external link) Link to an external platform. Prices, schedules and availability are set by each operator.
AdventureOpen
Surf schools in Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa and Playa Carmen31.6 km from the centre
Entry
Not stated
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
Schools and hotels offer lessons at Playa Hermosa, the friendliest break for beginners, and at Playa Carmen.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Santa Teresa · 2025 · +2
Practical details and sources
Tip: Ask the school about the best tide: it varies a lot between breaks.
Nearby: ATVs in Santa Teresa and Mal País (0.4 km) · Santa Teresa (0.7 km) · Playa Carmen (2.3 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Santa Teresa · Wikivoyage – Santa Teresa (Costa Rica) · Surf Atlas – Surfing Santa Teresa
Find tours(external link) Link to an external platform. Prices, schedules and availability are set by each operator.
AdventureOpen
Horseback ride in Nosara
Nosara; rides are also offered in Montezuma34.3 km from the centre
Entry
$80
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
A horseback ride through dry forest, mangrove and river that ends on the sand at Playa Pelada, near the blowhole.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Horseback tour in Nosara · 2025 · +1
Practical details and sources
Entry
About $80 per person (September 2025).
Time needed
About 2 hours, in the morning or around 15:30.
Nearby: Playa Pelada (0 km) · Nosara biological reserve trails (1.2 km) · Yoga in Nosara and Santa Teresa (1.5 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Horseback tour in Nosara · Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Montezuma
Find tours(external link) Link to an external platform. Prices, schedules and availability are set by each operator.
WildlifeOpen
Dolphin watching and snorkel in Sámara
Departs from the south end of Playa Sámara14.5 km from the centre
Entry
From $58
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
Boat trip from Playa Sámara to look for bottlenose dolphins and snorkel at a reef known as The Hole.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Dolphin watching and snorkeling in Sámara · 2026 · +1
Practical details and sources
Entry
From $58 per adult in a group (September 2026).
Time needed
About 4 hours.
Tip: Dolphins are seen all year; whales from January to March and July to October.
Nearby: Playa Sámara (0 km) · Isla Chora kayak and snorkel (1.4 km) · Playa Carrillo (1.5 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Dolphin watching and snorkeling in Sámara · Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Things to do in Sámara
Find tours(external link) Link to an external platform. Prices, schedules and availability are set by each operator.
NatureOpen
Samara Trails and viewpoint
Hills behind Sámara16.7 km from the centre
Entry
$46
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
A 5.5 km guided hike in the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve to a viewpoint 205 m above Sámara and Carrillo.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Sámara Trails · 2026 · +1
Practical details and sources
Entry
$46 plus 13% per adult and $37 per child 5–12 (2026).
Hours
Departures at 6:30 and 14:30.
Time needed
About 3 hours (2 of hiking).
Tip: There are steep stretches and strong heat: carry at least 1 litre of water.
Nearby: Sámara farmers market (0 km) · Playa Sámara (2.1 km) · Dolphin watching and snorkel in Sámara (2.1 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Sámara Trails · Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Things to do in Sámara
Find tours(external link) Link to an external platform. Prices, schedules and availability are set by each operator.
NatureOpen
Mal País tide pools
Mal País, down an unmarked dirt road south of Santa Teresa34.6 km from the centre
Entry
Free
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
A rocky shelf with pools of different sizes full of tropical fish, crabs and urchins, to explore at low tide.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Mal País tide pools · 2025
Practical details and sources
Tip: Go at low tide (check a tide chart) and wear water shoes because of urchins. Park where you can see the car and leave no valuables.
Nearby: Playa Carmen (0.9 km) · ATVs in Santa Teresa and Mal País (2.8 km) · Surf schools in Santa Teresa (3.2 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Mal País tide pools
Photo: Hans Hillewaert, CC BY-SA 3.0
NatureRestricted access
Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve
Past Cabuya, 15 min south of Montezuma and ~1 h from Santa Teresa41.8 km from the centre
Entry
$12
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
The country’s first protected area (1963), at the tip of the peninsula, with the Sueco trail to a beach reachable only on foot or by boat.
Closed Monday and Tuesday to reduce the impact on wildlife; open Wednesday to Sunday, 8:00–16:00. On those days, visit the Montezuma waterfalls or Cabuya island instead.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve · 2025 · +2
Practical details and sources
Entry
$12 adults and $5 children 6–12; free under 6 (July 2025).
Time needed
Sueco trail: 10 km round trip, about 2 hours each way. Danés trail: 2 km.
Tip: Start the Sueco trail by about 11:00 to be out before closing.
Nearby: Cabuya Island cemetery (4.6 km) · Mal País tide pools (7.6 km) · Playa Carmen (8.5 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve · Wikipedia – Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve · Costa Rica Vibes – Cabo Blanco Reserve
Photo: Vargob, CC BY-SA 3.0
NatureOpen
Montezuma Waterfalls
A few minutes south of Montezuma village40 km from the centre
Entry
₡2,000
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
Three stepped falls, the tallest almost 25 m, reached along the riverbed or by a trail with hanging bridges.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Montezuma Waterfalls · 2025 · +1
Practical details and sources
Entry
Riverbed route: parking only, ₡2,000; another ₡2,000 may be charged for the upper falls. Hanging-bridge trail: $5 per person (September 2025).
Tip: Do not jump from the middle fall: people have died. The lower one is not safe for jumping either because of rocks. Leave before dark, around 17:30.
Nearby: Montezuma village and beach (0.9 km) · Cabuya Island cemetery (6.4 km) · El Chorro Waterfall (6.5 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Montezuma Waterfalls · Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Montezuma
Find tours(external link) Link to an external platform. Prices, schedules and availability are set by each operator.
NatureOpen
El Chorro Waterfall
Between Montezuma and Tambor43.8 km from the centre
Entry
Free
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
A waterfall that pours straight into the sea on a beach north of Montezuma, reached on foot, on horseback or with a short hike after driving.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Montezuma · 2025 · +1
Practical details and sources
Tip: Check the tide before you go: walking along the beach is easier at low tide.
Nearby: Playa Tambor (3.6 km) · Montezuma village and beach (5.6 km) · Montezuma Waterfalls (6.5 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Montezuma · Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Tambor
WildlifeOpen
Curú Wildlife Refuge
Between Paquera and Tambor53.1 km from the centre
Entry
$17
Hours
7:00–16:00
Booking
Not stated
A private refuge with short trails through forest and mangrove and a cove with gentle waves; you can see monkeys, deer, coatis and many birds.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Curú National Wildlife Refuge · 2025
Practical details and sources
Entry
Visitors: $17 adults and $9 children 3–11 (July 2025).
Hours
Daily 7:00–16:00.
Tip: Kayak rental, horseback riding (about $20 per hour) and Isla Tortuga tours are available. The trail to Playa Quesera requires a reservation.
Nearby: Bioluminescence night kayak (0.2 km) · Isla Tortuga day trip (3.8 km) · Playa Tambor (13 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Curú National Wildlife Refuge
WildlifeSeasonal
Camaronal Wildlife Refuge
Between Playa Carrillo and Islita, Nandayure8.2 km from the centre
Entry
Not stated
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
A beach protected since 1994 where leatherback, olive ridley and hawksbill turtles nest; in November 2006 it recorded its first arribada in 15 years.
Nesting depends on each species’ season and no hours are published in official sources: ask at the ranger station before going at night. For a surer turtle experience, go to Ostional.
Source: Wikipedia – Camaronal Wildlife Refuge · 2026
Practical details and sources
Nearby: Islita (4.1 km) · Playa Carrillo (7.2 km) · Playa Sámara (8.7 km)
Sources: Wikipedia – Camaronal Wildlife Refuge
AdventureOpen
ATVs in Santa Teresa and Mal País
Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen and Mal País32 km from the centre
Entry
Not stated
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
Renting an ATV is the most common way to get around Santa Teresa’s dirt roads and reach Cabo Blanco in under 30 minutes.
Source: Wikivoyage – Santa Teresa (Costa Rica) · 2025 · +1
Practical details and sources
Tip: The main road gets congested and very dusty; do not drive at night. ATVs are banned on the beach in the Ostional refuge.
Nearby: Surf schools in Santa Teresa (0.4 km) · Santa Teresa (1.1 km) · Playa Carmen (1.9 km)
Sources: Wikivoyage – Santa Teresa (Costa Rica) · SINAC – Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional
Find tours(external link) Link to an external platform. Prices, schedules and availability are set by each operator.
NatureClosed or prohibited
ATVs and horses on Ostional beach
Ostional National Wildlife Refuge40.6 km from the centre
Entry
Not stated
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
Riding Ostional beach on an ATV, motorbike or horse, common on other peninsula beaches, is not allowed inside the refuge.
Banned by SINAC: motor vehicles (including motorbikes and ATVs) and horseback tours damage the sand and endanger nests. Visit the beach on foot with a guide, and ride horses in Nosara outside the refuge.
Source: SINAC – Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional · 2026
Cannot be saved: it is closed or prohibited.
Practical details and sources
Nearby: Olive ridley arribadas at Ostional (1.5 km) · Playa Nosara (3.8 km) · Nosara biological reserve trails (5.6 km)
Sources: SINAC – Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional

Sea, beach and reef · 12

Photo: VanTucky, CC BY-SA 3.0
BeachOpen
Guiones Beach
Nosara, inside the Ostional Wildlife Refuge31.7 km from the centre
Entry
Free
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not needed
Nosara’s long beach with consistent waves all year, many surf schools and low-key development behind the protected strip.
Source: SINAC – Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional · 2026 · +2
Practical details and sources
Booking
Not required (public beach); surf lessons are booked separately.
Tip: It is mainly a surf beach, with 2–6 ft waves and rip currents. For swimming, ask locals.
Nearby: Surf schools in Nosara (1.9 km) · Yoga in Nosara and Santa Teresa (1.9 km) · Playa Pelada (3.3 km)
Sources: SINAC – Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional · Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Nosara trip planning · Wikivoyage – Nosara
BeachOpen
Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa, Cóbano (Puntarenas)30.9 km from the centre
Entry
Free
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not needed
A long surf beach with several breaks and a tide pool where you can swim and snorkel.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Santa Teresa · 2025 · +2
Practical details and sources
Booking
Not required (public beach).
Tip: Swimming is not recommended because of rip currents. Boards rent from about $10 per 24 hours (Wikivoyage).
Nearby: Surf schools in Santa Teresa (0.7 km) · ATVs in Santa Teresa and Mal País (1.1 km) · Playa Carmen (2.9 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Santa Teresa · Wikivoyage – Santa Teresa (Costa Rica) · Surf Atlas – Surfing Santa Teresa
BeachOpen
Playa Pelada
North of Guiones, Nosara34.3 km from the centre
Entry
Free
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
Small light-sand beach with rock formations in Nosara, with a blowhole and tide pools; good for sunsets.
Source: SINAC – Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional · 2026 · +2
Practical details and sources
Tip: Wikivoyage considers it better for swimming than its neighbours, but other sources do not confirm it: ask about the day’s conditions.
Nearby: Horseback ride in Nosara (0 km) · Nosara biological reserve trails (1.2 km) · Yoga in Nosara and Santa Teresa (1.5 km)
Sources: SINAC – Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional · Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Nosara trip planning · Wikivoyage – Nosara
BeachOpen
Playa Garza
Between Nosara and Sámara27.9 km from the centre
Entry
Free
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
A fishing-village bay south of Nosara where sportfishing boats depart.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Nosara trip planning · 2025
Practical details and sources
Entry
Full-day sportfishing: $400 to $1,400 per boat (September 2025).
Nearby: Guiones Beach (3.9 km) · Surf schools in Nosara (5.4 km) · Yoga in Nosara and Santa Teresa (5.4 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Nosara trip planning
Find tours(external link) Link to an external platform. Prices, schedules and availability are set by each operator.
BeachOpen
Playa Nosara
North of Nosara, towards Ostional36.9 km from the centre
Entry
Free
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
A quiet grey-sand beach north of Pelada, next to the Nosara river mouth.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Nosara trip planning · 2025 · +2
Practical details and sources
Tip: Crocodiles have been seen near the Nosara river mouth after heavy rain (Tico Times, January 2026).
Nearby: Nosara biological reserve trails (1.9 km) · Olive ridley arribadas at Ostional (2.2 km) · Nosara river trip (2.6 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Nosara trip planning · SINAC – Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional · Tico Times – Crocodiles share waves with surfers
Photo: Mark-Weiss16, CC BY-SA 4.0
BeachOpen
Playa Sámara
Sámara village, Nicoya14.5 km from the centre
Entry
Free
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
A wide bay with relatively calm water thanks to an offshore reef, one of the most family-friendly beaches in the country.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Sámara · 2025 · +2
Practical details and sources
Tip: At low tide there are rock pools near Cangrejal with moray eels and pufferfish; wear water shoes.
Nearby: Dolphin watching and snorkel in Sámara (0 km) · Isla Chora kayak and snorkel (1.4 km) · Playa Carrillo (1.5 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Sámara · Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Things to do in Sámara · Wikivoyage – Sámara
BeachOpen
Playa Carrillo
Route 160, 5 min south-east of Sámara13.1 km from the centre
Entry
Free
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
An undeveloped cove with palm trees, clear water and usually gentle waves, five minutes from Sámara.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Playa Carrillo · 2025 · +1
Practical details and sources
Tip: You park along Route 160. There are almost no facilities: bring water and food.
Nearby: Playa Sámara (1.5 km) · Dolphin watching and snorkel in Sámara (1.5 km) · Isla Chora kayak and snorkel (1.9 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Playa Carrillo · Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Things to do in Sámara
BeachOpen
Playa Barrigona
West of Sámara, on a dirt road20.9 km from the centre
Entry
Free
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
A beach of very white sand and deep-blue water north of Sámara, considered by many the prettiest in the area, with no facilities.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Sámara · 2025
Practical details and sources
Tip: The road is dirt and a 4x4 is advisable in the rainy season. Bring everything you need.
Nearby: Samara Trails and viewpoint (5.2 km) · Sámara farmers market (5.2 km) · Playa Garza (7 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Sámara
BeachOpen
Playa Hermosa (Santa Teresa)
North of Santa Teresa27.5 km from the centre
Entry
Free
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
A long, more remote beach north of Santa Teresa, with palm trees and driftwood, and gentler waves that suit learning to surf.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Santa Teresa · 2025 · +1
Practical details and sources
Tip: Although the waves are gentler, currents can be strong.
Nearby: Santa Teresa (3.5 km) · Surf schools in Santa Teresa (4.1 km) · ATVs in Santa Teresa and Mal País (4.5 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Santa Teresa · Surf Atlas – Surfing Santa Teresa
BeachOpen
Playa Carmen
El Cruce, between Santa Teresa and Mal País33.7 km from the centre
Entry
Free
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
The main beach at the junction of Mal País and Santa Teresa, with a break for intermediate surfers and the gathering spot for sunset.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Santa Teresa · 2025
Practical details and sources
Tip: People gather to watch the sunset between 17:00 and 18:00.
Nearby: Mal País tide pools (0.9 km) · ATVs in Santa Teresa and Mal País (1.9 km) · Surf schools in Santa Teresa (2.3 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Santa Teresa
BeachOpen
Montezuma village and beach
South-east coast of the peninsula, south-east of Cóbano40.6 km from the centre
Entry
Free
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
A small village with a bohemian feel, rocky beaches to the north, stone cairns and a coastal path to Playa Grande.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Montezuma · 2025
Practical details and sources
Tip: Playa Grande, about 45 minutes’ walk north along the beach path, is the best surf spot nearby.
Nearby: Montezuma Waterfalls (0.9 km) · El Chorro Waterfall (5.6 km) · Cabuya Island cemetery (7 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Montezuma
BeachOpen
Playa Tambor
Ballena Bay, between Paquera and Montezuma43.8 km from the centre
Entry
Free
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
A wide cove of brown volcanic sand and very calm water, in a small town with an airstrip near the Paquera ferry.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Tambor · 2025 · +1
Practical details and sources
Tip: Crocodiles have been seen at Playa Tambor (Tico Times, January 2026): do not swim near river mouths.
Nearby: El Chorro Waterfall (3.6 km) · Montezuma village and beach (8.6 km) · Montezuma Waterfalls (9.5 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Tambor · Tico Times – Crocodiles share waves with surfers

Lakes, rivers and waterfalls · 4

WaterOpen
Isla Chora kayak and snorkel
Off the southern end of Playa Sámara14 km from the centre
Entry
From $57
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
A kayak or SUP paddle from Sámara to Isla Chora islet, a wildlife refuge with a small white beach, plus snorkelling on the reef.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Things to do in Sámara · 2026 · +1
Practical details and sources
Entry
From $57 plus VAT (September 2026).
Nearby: Playa Sámara (1.4 km) · Dolphin watching and snorkel in Sámara (1.4 km) · Playa Carrillo (1.9 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Things to do in Sámara · Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Sámara
Find tours(external link) Link to an external platform. Prices, schedules and availability are set by each operator.
Photo: Johan Guatemala, CC BY-SA 3.0
WaterOpen
Isla Tortuga day trip
Departures from Montezuma, Curú, Puntarenas and Herradura (Jacó)56.4 km from the centre
Entry
from $78
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
Boat trip to an undeveloped island in the Gulf of Nicoya with a white-sand beach, snorkelling, a trail to a viewpoint and lunch.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Tortuga Island catamaran · 2026 · +2
Practical details and sources
Entry
From Montezuma: from $78 plus VAT (September 2025). By catamaran from Herradura: $145 plus tax per adult (September 2026).
Time needed
From Montezuma the boat takes about 1 hour; the catamaran from Herradura takes about 8.5 hours.
Nearby: Bioluminescence night kayak (3.6 km) · Curú Wildlife Refuge (3.8 km) · Playa Tambor (14.7 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Tortuga Island catamaran · Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Montezuma · Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Curú National Wildlife Refuge
Find tours(external link) Link to an external platform. Prices, schedules and availability are set by each operator.
WaterOpen
Bioluminescence night kayak
Curú and Tambor53.2 km from the centre
Entry
Not stated
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
A night paddle in the Curú or Tambor bay to see bioluminescent plankton glowing in the water.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Curú National Wildlife Refuge · 2025 · +1
Practical details and sources
Tip: It runs all year; the glow is best on moonless nights.
Nearby: Curú Wildlife Refuge (0.2 km) · Isla Tortuga day trip (3.6 km) · Playa Tambor (12.9 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Curú National Wildlife Refuge · Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Tambor
Find tours(external link) Link to an external platform. Prices, schedules and availability are set by each operator.
WaterOpen
Puntarenas–Paquera ferry
Terminal in Puntarenas; arrives in Paquera64.9 km from the centre
Entry
₡810
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
Ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya and the usual route from San José to Montezuma, Tambor, Mal País and Santa Teresa.
Source: Naviera Tambor – Horarios y tarifas · 2026 · +1
Practical details and sources
Entry
Adults ₡810, minors ₡480–485 depending on the source, over-65s free; car ₡11,400 plus VAT (2026).
Hours
8 daily sailings each way: 4:00, 6:30, 9:00, 12:00, 15:00, 18:00, 20:00 and 22:00 (valid since 20 April 2026).
Booking
Part of the space is sold online and the rest at the ticket office; arrive at least 45 minutes early, especially on holidays.
Time needed
About 70 minutes.
Sources: Naviera Tambor – Horarios y tarifas · Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Puntarenas–Paquera ferry

Volcano and mountain · 1

WellnessOpen
Yoga in Nosara and Santa Teresa
Guiones (Nosara) and Santa Teresa32.8 km from the centre
Entry
Not stated
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
Both towns have many studios and hotels with drop-in classes, retreats and sunset yoga.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Nosara trip planning · 2025 · +2
Practical details and sources
Tip: Most drop-in classes are paid at the studio; retreats are booked in advance.
Nearby: Surf schools in Nosara (0.1 km) · Playa Pelada (1.5 km) · Horseback ride in Nosara (1.5 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Nosara trip planning · Wikivoyage – Nosara · Wikivoyage – Santa Teresa (Costa Rica)

Living culture · 2

CultureRestricted access
Cabuya Island cemetery
Cabuya, south of Montezuma42.1 km from the centre
Entry
Free
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
An islet off the fishing village of Cabuya that holds the local cemetery; you cross on foot over the rocks at low tide.
Reachable on foot only at low tide; at high tide the path is covered and you can be cut off. Check a tide chart and, if timing does not fit, visit Cabo Blanco, a few minutes away.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Montezuma · 2025
Practical details and sources
Tip: It is a working cemetery: walk respectfully.
Nearby: Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve (4.6 km) · Montezuma Waterfalls (6.4 km) · Montezuma village and beach (7 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Montezuma
CultureOpen
Islita
Nandayure, south-east of Sámara and Carrillo7.9 km from the centre
Entry
Not stated
Hours
Not stated
Booking
Not stated
A small coastal village between Carrillo and Bejuco, with a community museum and the Islita river mouth.
Source: Hotel Punta Islita – community and museum · 2026 · +1
Practical details and sources
Tip: Combine it with the Camaronal Refuge just to the north. Roads in the area include dirt stretches and river crossings.
Nearby: Camaronal Wildlife Refuge (4.1 km) · Playa Carrillo (11.3 km) · Playa Sámara (12.7 km)
Sources: Hotel Punta Islita – community and museum · Wikipedia – Camaronal Wildlife Refuge

City and food · 1

FoodOpen
Sámara farmers market
Sámara village16.7 km from the centre
Entry
Free
Hours
7:00–14:00
Booking
Not stated
A weekly market with local produce, food and crafts in Sámara village.
Source: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Things to do in Sámara · 2026
Practical details and sources
Hours
Saturdays 7:00–14:00 (September 2026).
Nearby: Samara Trails and viewpoint (0 km) · Playa Sámara (2.1 km) · Dolphin watching and snorkel in Sámara (2.1 km)
Sources: Two Weeks in Costa Rica – Things to do in Sámara

Nosara & Santa Teresa · Practical guide

The essentials

Playa Guiones (Nosara) is a long beach with steady waves all year and several surf schools for beginners.
The Ostional Wildlife Refuge (85.7 km², declared in 1982 and official since 1984) protects olive ridley turtle nesting beaches.
Santa Teresa has several breaks: Playa Hermosa is the friendliest for beginners, Santa Teresa beach is mixed and Mal País is for more experienced surfers.
Near Santa Teresa is Cabo Blanco, created in the early 1960s as the country’s first protected reserve. It opens Wednesday to Sunday, 8:00 to 16:00.
The Naviera Tambor ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera has 8 sailings a day each way (timetable valid since 20 April 2026): adults ₡810, minors ₡480 and over-65s free.

Nosara & Santa Teresa · Practical guide

Where to stay

Nosara: Playa Guiones: The tourist-focused part of Nosara, with restaurants, yoga studios, shops and the main surf beach. Small-scale development and no large resorts; the streets are dirt, with potholes and dust.
Nosara: Pelada and Garza: Pelada is a smaller, more local beach area; Garza is a fishing village where boat tours depart. Sources disagree on whether Pelada is better for swimming, so ask before you get in the water.
Santa Teresa and Playa Carmen: Playa Carmen (El Cruce) is the commercial hub, with a bank, pharmacy and car rental. The Santa Teresa strip, 3 km north, has restaurants, nightlife in high season, ATVs and heavy traffic and dust.
Playa Hermosa (north of Santa Teresa): Newer, quieter and more upscale development. The waves at Playa Hermosa are gentler and good for learning, although currents can be strong.

Nosara & Santa Teresa · Practical guide

Practical tips

Expect gravel and dirt on the final stretch into Nosara and inside Guiones: dust in the dry season, mud in the rainy season. A 4x2 SUV is usually enough in dry months; a 4x4 is advised from May to November or if your lodging is up a steep road. The river crossing between Ostional and Nosara can be impassable in the rainy season.
In Santa Teresa the sources disagree on road conditions: a September 2026 road guide says the last 5 km are dirt and recommends a 4x4, while Wikivoyage says it has been paved since 2025. Confirm with your lodging.
Ferry: Naviera Tambor sells only part of its seats online and the rest at its ticket offices. Check its official page, because the timetable is “valid until further notice” since 20 April 2026.
Carry cash in colones. Nosara has two banks with ATMs; in Santa Teresa the ATM at El Cruce often has queues and sometimes runs out of cash in high season.
Cabo Blanco is closed Monday and Tuesday and open Wednesday to Sunday, 8:00 to 16:00; go early, because the beach trail should be left by about 14:00. Do not leave valuables in a parked car.
The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) issues general, local and specialised tour-guide credentials and publishes a list of guides on its website. Consult it to check your guide’s credential.

Safety and precautions

All Nosara beaches have surf and rip currents, and a 2025–2026 planning guide does not recommend any for casual swimming. Santa Teresa beach is also described as unsuitable for swimming because of currents; Playa Hermosa is milder.
Crocodiles have been seen near the Nosara River mouth after heavy rain and at Playa Tambor (Tico Times, January 2026). MINAE advises against surfing near river mouths.
Dirt roads are very dusty in the dry season and muddy in the rainy season, and Santa Teresa’s main road is congested with cars, ATVs, motorbikes and pedestrians. Do not drive at night.
Do not leave valuables in cars or on the beach, and avoid beaches after dark.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from San José to Santa Teresa?

The usual way is by road to Puntarenas, then the Naviera Tambor ferry to Paquera (8 sailings a day in 2026, about an hour), then 1–1.5 h by road to Santa Teresa: about 5–6 hours in total. Alternatives are a SANSA flight to Tambor plus about 45 minutes by road, a direct bus (about 6 hours or more) or a shuttle.

Do I need a 4x4 for Nosara or Santa Teresa?

Not always. For Nosara most visitors manage with a 4x2 SUV in the dry season; a 4x4 is advised from May to November, if your lodging is on a steep road or if you plan to cross rivers toward Ostional. For Santa Teresa, a September 2026 road guide recommends a 4x4 for the last 5 km, while Wikivoyage reports the main road paved since 2025: confirm with your lodging.

Are Nosara and Santa Teresa good for beginner surfers?

Both have options: Playa Guiones in the dry season (2–6 ft waves and many schools) and Playa Hermosa or Carmen near Santa Teresa. Some guides say Santa Teresa’s main break suits intermediates (others call it all-levels), and there are rip currents at all of them, so take lessons with a school.

Nosara & Santa Teresa · Practical guide

Sources consulted

Information checked in October 2026. Prices, hours and rules change: confirm them with the official source before you travel.

Before you go,understand the place.

Themed guides

Surf and wellness

Calm beaches and family plans

Turtles and wildlife

Montezuma and the southern tip

Boat and island trips

Free on the peninsula

Restricted, closed or seasonal

Everything you can do

Nature and jungle · 16

Olive ridley arribadas at Ostional

Nosara biological reserve trails

Nosara river trip

Surf schools in Nosara

Surf schools in Santa Teresa

Horseback ride in Nosara

Dolphin watching and snorkel in Sámara

Samara Trails and viewpoint

Mal País tide pools

Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve

Montezuma Waterfalls

El Chorro Waterfall

Curú Wildlife Refuge

Camaronal Wildlife Refuge

ATVs in Santa Teresa and Mal País

ATVs and horses on Ostional beach

Sea, beach and reef · 12

Guiones Beach

Santa Teresa

Playa Pelada

Playa Garza

Playa Nosara

Playa Sámara

Playa Carrillo

Playa Barrigona

Playa Hermosa (Santa Teresa)

Playa Carmen

Montezuma village and beach

Playa Tambor

Lakes, rivers and waterfalls · 4

Isla Chora kayak and snorkel

Isla Tortuga day trip

Bioluminescence night kayak

Puntarenas–Paquera ferry

Volcano and mountain · 1

Yoga in Nosara and Santa Teresa

Living culture · 2

Cabuya Island cemetery

Islita

City and food · 1

Sámara farmers market

The essentials

Where to stay

Practical tips

Safety and precautions

Frequently asked questions

Sources consulted

Other destinations

Before you go,
understand the place.