Nosara

Nosara is a city in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. This town has access to several great beaches and retains "Blue Flag" status as an environmentally clean area. Nosara has become increasingly popular with tourists over the years – perhaps to its detriment, depending on your point of view – as evidenced by the numerous organic smoothie bars and wellness centers dotted along its main road.

Get in
The easiest way in is via a flight to the Liberia Airport and then renting a (4 wheel drive) car, or taxi to Nosara. Eventually the roads turn to gravel on the way to the beach, and there is one point where you cross a river (minus that bridge thingy). There is also a bus that runs from the capital and Alajuela through Nicoya and on to Nosara.

Get around
Once in Nosara you really don't need a car to get around, though if you're in a hurry to get from the beachfront to Nosara town proper, a car or other transport is fastest.

If you do want to get around with a bit more freedom, a few local businesses will rent golf carts. This can be a convenient way to navigate. Other than golf carts, some people also use bicycles, motorcycles, ATVs, or on horseback.

Do

 * MissSky Canapoy tours offers a 2-hour, 8-point zip-line course.
 * Surf. Playa Guiones sports 2-6 ft waves, but getting past the rough stuff can be a lesson in humility. There are several places to rent boards. The cheapest option is to talk to the blond American at the Bar Tucan. He's given a US$10/day deal in the past for 9-ft boards to folks he likes. Also, check out Juan Surfo (he claims this is his real name) at Punto Surf Shop. Nice guy, decent prices and a local character.
 * Swim. Playa Pelada is a much better beach for swimming than the others (no deadly rip tide, no silt from the river).
 * Take a river cruise. A few operators will take you up the rivers, show you the native plants and animals and entertain you well educating you. Bring your camera and sunscreen. See crocs, iguanas, basilisks, birds beyond description. Well worth the time and money.
 * Take a river cruise. A few operators will take you up the rivers, show you the native plants and animals and entertain you well educating you. Bring your camera and sunscreen. See crocs, iguanas, basilisks, birds beyond description. Well worth the time and money.

Buy

 * The Pot Guys will hound some members of your group to buy their pots, which are pretty, but they are, well, pots.
 * There's a small touristy street up from the Playa Guiones blue flag on the beach.

Eat

 * El Manglar Restaurant at Olas Verdes Hotel offers fresh cook-to-order delicious meals and beverages, featuring organic ingredients and a great atmosphere overlooking the Wildlife Refuge.
 * Olga's in Playa Pelada is a great location right on the beach and decent food. This place feels like it is straight out of a Hemingway novel. Dirt floor, chickens running loose, iguanas in the rafters and a great view.
 * La Luna is the most popular beach side restaurant in Playa Pelada. It's sometimes used for destination weddings.
 * Casa Romantica has great food.
 * Rosie's is a good option for cheap and local food, they serve arroz con pollo, casados and tortillas.
 * Robin's Ice Cream in Playa Guiones features homemade ice cream, sandwiches and a wide assortment of salads.

Drink

 * Most restaurants offer drinks as well. Olga's gets loud after dark

Sleep

 * Casa Romantica is a beautiful property that offers air conditioned rooms right on the beach and a great pool. The owners are warm, friendly people who can answer questions about things to do.
 * Lots of cheaper local rentals are available if you're looking for a beach house or something more informal.