Located in Guanacaste, a small province in Costa Rica, Nosara is a beautiful beach town along the Pacific coast. Its natural splendor, abundant wildlife and world-class surfing make it an international vacation spot all year round. There are four major playas or beaches in Nosara, beckoning you for a holiday. Though it is no more the quiet and deserted town it once was, you can still find serene and quiet corners tucked away when you start exploring. Though surfing is the main entertainment, the beaches provide a variety of other option to satisfy the non-surfers too.
The four amazing beaches of Nosara are described here.
· Playa Ostional: This beach borders the small village of Ostional. It is especially knows for its Wildlife Refuge which has been set up to protect the biggest nesting grounds of the Olive Ridley sea turtle. Hundreds and thousands of these turtles come here every few weeks during the new moon. From May to November is the peak time for nesting, but you are bound to see at least a few of them throughout the year. There are also small groups of the giant leatherback turtles and the green turtle, which is now endangered, that sometimes make this beach their nesting grounds. Aside to the turtle attraction, the beach is also good for surfing. However, the strong currents are dangerous and you need to be cautious. There also is a risk of sharks and other predators because of the abundance of turtles.
· Playa Nosara: This is the most secluded beach but it is worth a visit. You can get to the river by foot or in a vehicle. The walking train provides a tough hike but the results are rewarding. This is where you will find the local fishermen with their age old techniques to catch and haul fish. During low tide you can swim across to the Playa Nosara. River canoeing is something you could do here. The waves are also gentle here, but the best part is the range of wildlife and birds you will get to see on this beach.
· Playa Guiones: White, crescent shaped beach extending up to nearly three miles is the beautiful Playa Guiones. There are numerous ranchitos on the beach for you to sit and enjoy the beach while escaping from the hot sun. This is the best surfing spot in all of Nosara, though it is good for swimming to. Towards the south part you can enjoy the pink sandy beach and small tide pools ideal for snorkeling.
· Playa Pelada: You will find a path from the north side of Playa Guiones which will bring you to Playa Pelada, surrounded by trees and tidal pools. If you are on vacation with your family, you must visit this beach. It is a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the gulls, herrings and pelicans that are abundant here. The powerful sound of the sea is an experience in itself. Numerous rock formations are seen and blowholes on it are a gorgeous sight during changing of the tides. You can't surf here as it is dangerous, but you can definitely walk along the river and enjoy nature.
If a beach vacation is what you are looking for, this little seaside town has so much to offer. These four amazing beaches have much more to offer than surfing and snorkeling. Stay here for a week and experience the ultimate Nosara vacation.