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Beaches
The beaches of Nosara together form a chain of one of the most
gorgeous and unspoiled beaches providing an abundant opportunity for
exploration & adventure or tranquility & relaxation.
Playa Ostional
The seaside village of Ostional is the heart of the Nosara-Ostional
Wildlife Refuge which protects its coast. This 162 hectare of land and
587 hectares of ocean have been set aside to specifically protect one
of the largest nesting sites for the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle. Hundreds
(and sometimes hundred of thousands) arrive in large groups every
three to four weeks and last for about a week on the darkest nights
following a new moon.
What triggers this mass nesting is still a mystery, but the importance
of this spot has been recognized by all the major global environmental
organizations. The peak season is from May to November during the new
moon, however on any given night throughout the year you can still see
turtles in fewer numbers.
The female will dig a hole large enough to encompass 70 - 150
"ping-pong ball" sized eggs. The whole process for each turtle -from
the water and back- takes approximately an hour and a half. After
about six weeks, little miniature turtle struggle out of the sand, and
it's not uncommon to have their head pop up next to you while you're
sitting on the beach. After surfacing, the race to the ocean is on.
Scientists believe the species produce and over abundance of eggs to
promote their survival. The more there are allows for a greater
survival rate, however most of the eggs don't hatch, and most of the
hatchlings never reach maturity.
Through a managed conservation plan, the residents of Ostional are
allowed to harvest the eggs from the early stages of the nesting. Most
turtles return to the beach several times and the earlier eggs tend to
damaged by other turtles as the nesting progresses.
The giant leatherback turtles, as well as the rare and endangered
green turtle also nests here, but in much smaller numbers. Ostional is
decidedly a special place in the planet and deserving of the most
dedicated conservation efforts.
If the surf is good at Guiones it can be better at Ostional. However,
beware of the strong currents and hidden rock forms. Additionally,
because of the turtle nesting, many underwater predators abound i.e.
sharks. Add this to the strong rip currents and the hot black sand
beaches and you're left with "user-unfriendly" swimming and surfing
conditions.
Playa Guiones
White sand stretching approximately 3 miles in an almost perfect
crescent shape may sound to good to be true, but in Nosara it is. This
beautiful beach is surrounded with lush vegetation and lined with a
few ranchitos (thatch roof huts) to shade you from the sun. Warm water
and gentle waves mixing with long beach breaks; make this a perfect
place for swimming, surfing, or just frolicking in the waves.
The naturally occurring tropical dry forest (one of the earth's
rarestecosystems) keeps wildlife in their natural environment year
round.
The point to the south offers one a rare opportunity to walk to one of
the world's few pink sand beaches. Here you will find tide pools
perfect for snorkeling. These are protected by a small offshore
barrier reef. Good shelling conditions exist throughout the year from
here all the way to the point to the north.
Quality and consistency makes this beach THE spot for surfing in Costa
Rica. Great beach break conditions, with multiple peaks bothleft and
right. The place has become popular among
traveling"Longboarders".Great surf can occur at any time during the
year,however November through May will offer you the best chance
offinding excellent conditions. As in California, the best time for
surfingis early morning
Playa Nosara
A true "tico" (Costa Rican) experience is by the river mouth. Finding
this beach is not so easy but well worth your effort. It is the most
remote beach with vehicle accessibility on a rough road to the river
mouth or simply walking. This vigorous walk is a perfect workout and
those adventurous enough will be well rewarded. It's highly
recommended and the only place to observe the local fishermen, using
ancient fishing techniques. Fishing is at its best on the incoming
tide, when fish like snook and sea bass wait for river shrimp and
other estuary life to feed on.
Large oval fishing nets are thrown at the mouth of the river to
trapthe shrimp. A small weight attacked to a fishing line wrapped
arounda wooden board is also an effective fishing technique and often
produces enough fish to feed the fisherman and his family.
At low tide you can wade across the river toPlaya Nosara. Crossing at
high tide is advised only if you enjoy getting wet. Watch your step;
the shallow water can be deceiving with its slippery rocks. This is a
great place for river canoeing and the best opportunity to see a
variety of birds and other wildlife. Like the rest of Nosara beaches,
the waves here can get good and it's always worthwhile checking out.
Playa Pelada
A short cut through the north point of Playa Guiones brings you to the
shady trees and tidal pools of Playa Pelada. This beach has a very
-family oriented- feeling. A blowhole occurring on one of its rock
formations provides a spectacular sight, especially during the
transition of the tides. The sound of the sea and its enormous power
is an experience to remember.
Surfers beware! Although Playa Pelada is quite gentle most of the
year, the waves can get big and carry a mean punch. When it breaks it
breaks, mainly over a jagged rock reef.
Just beyond the rocky reef you will find a beautiful walk toward the
river mouth. Herrings, gulls, and pelicans will surround you. Takesome
time out on the sand and watch the pelicans search andswoop for their
fish.
Playa Garza
A fisherman's paradise. This small bay with its rocky coves, and long
sandy beaches, creates the perfect natural harbor. You feel
transcended back in time to a small fishing village that has had
little change over the last decade. Colorful pangas (skiffs) line the
shore with a few sport-fishing boats moored in the bay.
The world class offshore fishing found in Garza did not happen by
chance. Garza is protected from the winds that normally blow from
December through April. The fish population tends to move north to
this area from the central area during this time. You only need motor
10 to 30 miles off shore to be in the middle of the deepest part of a
submarine canyon that runs from the North America's west coast through
Central and South America. If offshore fishing is not in your budget,
you can enjoy a similar experience by hiring out a local skiff and
going 1/2 mile offshore where you will find great tuna, snapper and
mahi-mahi.
The thrill of reeling in a prize Marlin or Sailfish is a daily
occurrence. You always have an added "treat" of watching a few turtles
swim by or having a giant school of dolphin that can spread over the
range of a mile.
When you think about Garza, much more than fishing comes to mind.
Garza's naturally formed bay with its two distinct small barrier reefs
creates beautiful, tranquil beaches. Crystal Beach, where you can see
clear and semi-transparent smooth rocks covering its shores instead of
shells. And, Playa Rosada (pink beach) one of the longest pink sand
beaches on Guiones point. You will need to take a short walk up the
hill to the point to access this beach. Both are so secluded you will
probably not see another person.
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