Things to Do in Nosara Beyond Surfing

Affiliate Disclosure: NosaraCostaRica.com is an independent travel discovery guide. When you click outbound partner buttons (marked See Availability or View Live Options · Booked via Viator, or Select Deals · Booked via Agoda) or interact with optional GetYourGuide widgets, we may earn a referral commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Affiliate Disclosure and How Booking Works.

We may earn a commission when you book through links on this page.

Even if half your group came to Nosara for the waves at Playa Guiones, there is plenty to fill a week without ever waxing a surfboard. Our top non-surfing experiences span wood-fire cooking in Nosara Town, mangrove estuary paddling at Boca Nosara, mountain ATV trails, bamboo bike rides, and seasonal waterfall rappelling.

Top Non-Surfing Experiences by Interest

• Culinary & Local Culture: Cook over a wood-fire stove on {tl('2-hour-cooking-class-nosara')} (12541P27, 2h, 159 reviews) or visit a family kitchen on {tl('private-local-cooking-class-nosara')} (331978P6, 2–3h private).
• Calm Water & Estuaries: Paddle the mangroves of Río Nosara and Río Montaña on {tl('kayaking-stand-up-paddle-boarding-nosara')} (375503P1, 2h) or float downstream on {tl('nosara-river-gentle-rafting-safari')} (12541P25, 2.5h, Jun–Dec green season).
• Trails, Bikes & Mountain Viewpoints: Ride {tl('half-day-mountain-tour-nosara')} (331349P1, 3–4h ATV with lunch), pedal {tl('discover-the-magic-of-nosara-cycling-tour')} (389530P1, 2–3h from The Frog Pad, Dec–May dry season), or take a sunset ride on {tl('nosara-golden-sunset-horseback-riding')} (5521744P14, 2h).
• Waterfalls & Wildlife: Rappel 20 meters down Mala Noche on {tl('waterfall-rappelling-nosara')} (12541P24, 3–4h, Jul–Dec), walk the 85-acre reserve on {tl('hiking-and-birdwatching-nosara')} (444953P1, 2h), or visit Ostional with a certified guide on {tl('tour-of-ostional-beach-turtles')} (5604877P1, 2h).

Looking for full-day volcano, hot-spring, or catamaran excursions elsewhere in Guanacaste Province? Explore our sister site Guanacaste.Tours.

Recommended Tours & Excursions Featured in This Guide

Kayaking and Stand-up Paddle Boarding in Costa Rica

Come join us on a unique experience in our beautiful wild national reserve. Its a magnificent place for all to admire and get to know our ecosystem and ways to sustain it. We will drift down river with the perfect tidal conditions to ensure maximum entertainment. Grab a "Pipa" wh...

• Departure / meeting zone: Boca Nosara / Río Nosara & Río Montaña (Playa Guiones pickup option) · Area hub: Playa Nosara & Biological Reserve · Category: Kayaking & Paddleboarding
• Duration: 2 hours · Format: Shared (Shared small-group tour (up to 30 travelers per booking))
• Included: Snacks; Kayaks, doubles or singles and SUP boards are provided
• Run by: Everyday Nosara Outdoor Experience · Reviews: 5.00 average from 37 customer reviews on Viator
• Cancellation: Cancel at least 24 hours before scheduled departure for a full refund.

See Current Price & Availability — Use the deal buttons on this page to check open dates and live pricing on Viator.

Hiking and birdwatching Nosara

The Nosara biological reserve is a 85 acre property and has a great potential, having many species of birds, some mammals, many reptiles and among other things that our visitors will be able to observe at the same time, all tourists will be guided by guides with enough experience...

• Departure / meeting zone: Nosara Biological Reserve (85-acre reserve near Playa Nosara) · Area hub: Playa Nosara & Biological Reserve · Category: Wildlife & Nature
• Duration: 2 hours · Format: Shared (Shared small-group tour (up to 12 travelers per booking))
• Included: Binoculars; Licensed Guide; Telescope
• Run by: Hiking Tours Nosara · Reviews: 4.64 average from 22 customer reviews on Viator
• Cancellation: Cancel at least 24 hours before scheduled departure for a full refund.

See Current Price & Availability — Use the deal buttons on this page to check open dates and live pricing on Viator.

2-Hour Cooking Class in Nosara

You will get hands-on training from a local chef. You will learn traditional Costa Rica cooking techniques and cook on wood fire stove. Vegetarians options, please let us know ahead. Enjoy this amazing culinary experience and book now! Memories of traditional Costa Rican foods wi...

• Departure / meeting zone: Nosara (near Hostel Nicao / 300m before Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary) · Area hub: Nosara Town (Inland Village) · Category: Food, Cooking Classes & Culture
• Duration: 2 hours · Format: Shared (Shared small-group tour (up to 6 travelers per booking))
• Included: Lunch; Bottled water
• Run by: Costa Rica Descents · Reviews: 4.99 average from 159 customer reviews on Viator
• Cancellation: Cancel at least 24 hours before scheduled departure for a full refund.

See Current Price & Availability — Use the deal buttons on this page to check open dates and live pricing on Viator.

Half day Mountain Tour in Nosara

This tour provides you with some of the greatest views you can find in the area! There are several viewpoints where we can stop on the way to look down over the mountains and beaches in Nosara.

• Departure / meeting zone: Nosara town / mountains above Nosara beaches · Area hub: Nosara Town (Inland Village) · Category: Adventure Tours (ATV, Bike, Zipline & Waterfall)
• Duration: 3–4 hours · Format: Shared (Shared small-group tour (up to 10 travelers per booking))
• Included: Lunch; ATV, helmet
• Run by: Macho ATV Rentals and Tours · Reviews: 4.98 average from 82 customer reviews on Viator
• Cancellation: Cancel at least 24 hours before scheduled departure for a full refund.

See Current Price & Availability — Use the deal buttons on this page to check open dates and live pricing on Viator.

Discover the Magic of Nosara Cycling Tour

Experience the thrill of adventure as you learn about Nosara and its surroundings on our unique front suspension bamboo mountain bikes. Led by our experienced guides, you'll discover hidden trails, off-road paths, and beach areas. Don't miss this opportunity to explore, learn, an...

• Departure / meeting zone: Playa Guiones (outside The Frog Pad surf shop) · Area hub: Playa Guiones · Category: Adventure Tours (ATV, Bike, Zipline & Waterfall)
• Departure & season note: Dry-season schedule: next bookable season runs December 12, 2026 through May 20, 2027.
• Duration: 2–3 hours · Format: Shared (Shared small-group tour (up to 4 travelers per booking))
• Included: Bike helmets, handle bar bag and fruit; Bicycle use; One refreshing coconut water at end of trip.
• Run by: Bamboo Rides Nosara · Reviews: 4.97 average from 29 customer reviews on Viator
• Cancellation: Cancel at least 24 hours before scheduled departure for a full refund.

See Current Price & Availability — Use the deal buttons on this page to check open dates and live pricing on Viator.

Nosara Golden Sunset Horseback Riding Tour

Discover Nosara’s beauty on a horseback ride through jungles and rivers. Enjoy panoramic views, a sunset at Playa Pelada, and capture golden-hour photos. Begin your adventure in the hills of Guiones, guided by a professional who ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all ski...

• Departure / meeting zone: Playa Guiones Main Road (200m south of Beach Dog Café) to Playa Pelada sunset · Area hub: Playa Pelada · Category: Horseback Riding
• Duration: 2 hours · Format: Shared (Shared small-group tour (up to 10 travelers per booking))
• Included: Private transportation; Water; Safety Equipment; Well trained horse; Photo stops
• Run by: Discover In · Reviews: 3 customer review(s) on Viator (4.33 score)
• Cancellation: Cancel at least 24 hours before scheduled departure for a full refund.

See Current Price & Availability — Use the deal buttons on this page to check open dates and live pricing on Viator.

Waterfall Rappelling Nosara

Looking for at a fun excursion to do together with your friend or family, then don’t miss out on this rappelling. Only 6 km from Nosara downtown, we start the hike though the most amazing landscape. Crossing a lot of small rivers, to eventually end up at the most magical place, d...

• Departure / meeting zone: Mala Noche Waterfall (6 km from downtown Nosara) · Area hub: Nosara Town (Inland Village) · Category: Adventure Tours (ATV, Bike, Zipline & Waterfall)
• Departure & season note: Green-season schedule: operates July 1 through December 31.
• Duration: 3–4 hours · Format: Shared (Shared small-group tour (up to 10 travelers per booking))
• Included: Snacks; Bottled water; Rappelling equipment
• Run by: Costa Rica Descents · Reviews: 5.00 average from 12 customer reviews on Viator
• Cancellation: Cancel at least 24 hours before scheduled departure for a full refund.

See Current Price & Availability — Use the deal buttons on this page to check open dates and live pricing on Viator.

Experience Zip Line Nosara in Guanacaste

Zip Nosara is popular for its unique location near by Nosara downtown. Our cables are direct leveled cables, which makes it easy for kids down to 7 years old to join the zip lines. Our zip lines all have both manual and automatic breaks. That means each person can decide their ow...

• Departure / meeting zone: Nosara hills near downtown Nosara (minimum age 7) · Area hub: Nosara Town (Inland Village) · Category: Adventure Tours (ATV, Bike, Zipline & Waterfall)
• Duration: 2–3 hours · Format: Shared (Shared small-group tour (up to 15 travelers per booking))
• Included: Equipment; Parking
• Run by: Costa Rica Descents · Reviews: 8 customer review(s) on Viator (4.88 score)
• Cancellation: Cancel at least 24 hours before scheduled departure for a full refund.

See Current Price & Availability — Use the deal buttons on this page to check open dates and live pricing on Viator.

Explore all 7 Nosara planning guides, browse 10 experience categories, or check where to stay near your activities.