The Ultimate Guide to Ostional & Nosara, Costa Rica
The Ostional Wildlife Refuge is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, around 31 miles from Nicoya and a few miles from Nosara. This refuge on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica has 238 hectares of protected land, including 15 kilometers of beach where numerous thousands of turtles lay their eggs.
Most nesting sea turtles are Olive Ridley sea turtles, but leatherbacks and Pacific green turtles can also be observed during certain months. This is likely the best site in Costa Rica for animal lovers to see a turtle laying eggs and experience nature and wildlife.
Close to Ostional, we can find Nosara, Costa Rica. This small beach town stands out from the other beach communities in the country since there is no crowded downtown area filled with hotels, surf shops, and restaurants. There are a few places to dine close by, but if you’re looking for shopping and dining options, you’ll want to head to nearby Playa Guiones.
Things to Do in Nosara, Costa Rica
When visiting Nosara, you learn to accept and release what is not. You feel how a gentle breeze from the ocean enters your nose and exits your mouth. As you snack on the local tropical fruits and fish, you reflect on how their uncomplicated flavors are the finest part.
Many visitors from other countries come to Nosara for its tranquil and healthy environment. This is definitely a place to relax and connect with nature!
Surrounded by a dry tropical jungle teeming with wildlife, this stretch of secluded beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste is home to some of the world’s best surfing waves. There are many things to do, including:
- Go surfing
- Take daily yoga classes
- Relax on the beach
- Hike in the Nosara Biological Reserve
- Go on a river safari
- Go horseback riding
- Enjoy sunset
Things to Do in Ostional, Costa Rica
Take a tour of the refuge
Ostional, Costa Rica, is one of the most important locations in the world to see turtles. Local guides provide early morning tours for anyone interested in witnessing the baby turtles hatching from their nests and making their journey to the ocean. Tours in the late afternoon and at night are dedicated to seeing the turtles make their way to the nesting beach.
Stay at the cabinas
The town of Ostional only has a few grocery stores and “sodas” (local restaurants). There are a few cabins and small hotels in the area for a reasonable price if you want to stay the night and explore the area.
Surf
Surfers will also find Ostional to be an excellent destination. Some ideal surf spots can be found in the gap between the primary nesting and conservation areas. All skill levels of surfers will find the waves to be a worthy challenge. If you want to take a surf lesson, this is the perfect place to go.
Best Time to Go to Ostional Wildlife Refuge
The best time to go to the Ostional Wildlife Refuge is May and December. Ostional Wildlife Refuge is at its lushest and most attractive between May and December, during the rainy season.
Turtles are a common sight during the rainy season, even when there isn’t an arribada (arrival). The peak month for arribadas is often November.
It’s important to know that turtles are nocturnal; therefore, the optimum time to visit the nesting area is during the waxing crescent or immediately following the new moon, when it will be at its darkest. Ostional’s turtles are most visible between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Important Things to Know Before You Visit
A vehicle with high ground clearance for the dry season is ideal, while a four-wheel-drive vehicle is best for the rainy season (May through November). It’s essential to know that during tropical storms, the river overflows, making passage impossible.
Turtles are susceptible to light and colors, so it is recommended to dress in dark attire. Also, avoid taking photos with the flash on. To prevent harm to the turtles, the guides will provide a red light that they carry on them.
Another essential thing to know is that you must go with a guide. Nobody is allowed into the refuge without a guide, and the Rangers will turn away anyone who tries to enter alone.
Want Help Planning a Trip to Nosara or Ostional?
Are you looking for help planning a trip to Nosara or Ostional? If so, at Find My Costa Rica, we’ll be happy to assist!
Nosara is a beautiful coastal town located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, known for its stunning beaches, lush jungle, and vibrant wildlife. Ostional, on the other hand, is a small village located just north of Nosara, famous for its turtle nesting beaches, where thousands of Olive Ridley turtles come to lay their eggs and baby turtles hatch every year.
We’ll help you find the perfect fit for your needs and budget. We’ll also assist in finding the best transportation options from San Jose or the Liberia airport, including flights and rental cars, and provide recommendations for activities and experiences to make your trip truly unforgettable.
Don’t let the stress of trip planning hold you back from experiencing the beauty and adventure of Nosara or Ostional. Let me take care of all the details and ensure you have the trip of a lifetime.
Contact us today to get started!
FAQS
1. What is Nosara, Costa Rica, weather like?
The weather in Nosara is similar to other areas of Costa Rica. December to April is the dry season. During these months, the weather is as hot as it is dry, but this is the peak time to visit the area.
2. When can I see turtles at Ostional?
Turtles nest on the beach throughout the year, but there are particular times of the year when hundreds of thousands of turtles hatch their eggs simultaneously. This period is called an arribada, meaning “arrival” in Spanish. The largest arribadas occur between May and December, with November typically displaying the largest arribadas.
3. Are there sharks in Nosara?
Yes. While local fishermen and divers have observed tiger, bull, and even whale sharks, sightings of the white-tipped reef shark are much more common.
The presence of turtles has led some to believe that sharks must be close by; however, sharks are actually relatively rare and don’t pose much of a threat to humans.
4. Are there sloths in Nosara?
No. Because sloths avoid dry regions, you can be sure that there are no sloths in this coastal area of the Pacific, particularly in Nosara, where the environment is typically very dry.
5. Is it safe to travel to Nosara?
Yes, Nosara is a safe place to travel to and spend time. However, you should be extra cautious after 6 p.m., always take a flashlight with you, stay away from the forest trails at night, and if you want to explore the area on foot, you should do so in the company of a friend or a local guide.
On the other hand. We recommend avoiding traveling to the area during tropical storms as the river floods. Avoid using small cars due to the bad condition of the road, especially during the rainy season.
For more details, please get in touch with us at Find My Costa Rica