Wildlife & Nature Experiences Around Nosara

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.

Because Nosara preserved a 200-meter forested coastal zone along Playa Guiones and protected the 85-acre Nosara Biological Reserve at Playa Nosara, wildlife lives remarkably close to town. Mantled howler monkeys (congos), coatis, black spiny-tailed iguanas, roseate spoonbills, boat-billed herons, motmots, and American crocodiles inhabit the mangroves and dry-forest corridors.

Where & How to See Wildlife Ethically

• Nosara Biological Reserve (Day & Night): Join a licensed guide with binoculars and a spotting scope on {tl('hiking-and-birdwatching-nosara')} (444953P1, 2h) or return after sunset with flashlights on {tl('night-walk-nosara-biological-reserve')} (444953P2, 2h).
• Río Nosara & Río Montaña Mangrove Estuaries: Paddle silently with the tide on {tl('kayaking-stand-up-paddle-boarding-nosara')} (375503P1, 2h) or float downstream during the green season on {tl('nosara-river-gentle-rafting-safari')} (12541P25, 2.5h).
• Ostional National Wildlife Refuge (5604877P1, 2h): Observe nesting Olive Ridley sea turtles with a mandatory certified guide.
• Nearby Sámara & Punta Islita Day Trips (~45 min south along Route 160): Hike dry-forest trails on {tl('samara-trails-werner-sauter-biological-reserve')} (12702P9, 2.5h) or visit the Scarlet Macaw conservation project on {tl('wild-macaws-tour-punta-islita-from-samara')} (12702P33, 3h).

Ethical Wildlife Rule: Never feed monkeys or coatis, keep a respectful distance from nesting sea turtles and crocodiles, and never use flash photography at night.

Recommended Tours & Excursions Featured in This Guide

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.

Night Walk Nosara Activity

Our activity is different from others because of the knowledge of our guides. The Nosara Biological Reserve is a protected area in Nosara with a fascinating mangrove forest. Our guides enjoy explaining different processes in this environment, especially its nocturnal life. Our ty...

• Departure / meeting zone: Nosara Biological Reserve (mangrove & dry-forest trails) · Area hub: Playa Nosara & Biological Reserve · Category: Wildlife & Nature
• Duration: 2 hours · Format: Shared (Shared small-group tour (up to 10 travelers per booking))
• Included: Flash lights
• Run by: Hiking Tours Nosara · Reviews: 2 customer review(s) on Viator (5.00 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.

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.

Nosara River Small-Group Family-Friendly Gentle Rafting Safari

Start your day with a relaxing safari float down Nosara river. Definitely the top way to explore the beautiful landscapes of Nosara. Look out for multi-colored birds, Howler monkeys, iguanas, maybe even a crocodile!

• Departure / meeting zone: Río Nosara (100m after Hostel Nicao, 300m before Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary) · Area hub: Playa Nosara & Biological Reserve · Category: Private & Family-Friendly Tours
• Departure & season note: Green-season schedule: operates June 1 through December 31.
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes · Format: Shared (Shared small-group tour (up to 6 travelers per booking))
• Included: Snacks; Bottled water; Lifejacket & paddel
• Run by: Costa Rica Descents · Reviews: 4.80 average from 10 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.

Private Nature Experience at Nosara - Los Ángeles Waterfall

Discover the beauty of Los Ángeles, a hidden gem just minutes from Nosara, offering a private nature experience that immerses you in lush landscapes and authentic rural life. Capture stunning ocean views from our scenic viewpoint, where the Pacific Ocean meets the horizon. Stroll...

• Departure / meeting zone: Finca Los Ángeles Waterfall (rural hills minutes from Nosara) · Area hub: Nosara Town (Inland Village) · Category: Private & Family-Friendly Tours
• Duration: 3 hours · Format: Private (Private tour (your group only, up to 15 travelers per booking))
• Included: Entrance fees
• Run by: Los Angeles Waterfall · Reviews: 3 customer review(s) on Viator (5.00 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.

Tour of Ostional Beach Turtles

Discover the natural wonder of Lora turtle arrivals at Playa Ostional, a fascinating event that attracts thousands of females each month. Watch as between two and two hundred thousand turtles arrive at the beach, especially from July to October, on Luna Menguante, when between 20...

• Departure / meeting zone: Playa Guiones / Nosara pickup to Ostional National Wildlife Refuge · Area hub: Ostional National Wildlife Refuge · Category: Turtle-Watching Excursions
• Duration: 2 hours · Format: Private (Private tour (your group only, up to 15 travelers per booking))
• Included: Certified guide; Entrance to the wildlife refuge; In-vehicle air conditioning
• Run by: Nahual Tour · Reviews: 1 customer review(s) on Viator (5.00 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.

Samara Trails in Werner Sauter Biological Reserve

Located in Playa Samara, the paths of the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve, will lead you to an amazing hiking tour. To discover Samara trails on a different light, our experienced guide will amaze you with interesting facts, regarding our biodiversity and its many wonders. Come ...

• Departure / meeting zone: Nearby Nicoya Coast Day Trip — departs Playa Sámara (~45 min south of Nosara) · Area hub: Nosara Town (Inland Village) · Category: Wildlife & Nature
• Departure & season note: Departs from Playa Sámara (~45 minutes south of Nosara along Route 160).
• Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes · Format: Shared (Shared small-group tour (up to 10 travelers per booking))
• Included: Professional guide; All taxes, fees and handling charges; Driver/guide; Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
• Run by: Samara Adventures · Reviews: 4.74 average from 121 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.

Wild Macaws Tours in Punta Islita from Playa Samara

Just south of Playa Carrillo is Punta Islita, home to the Macaw Recovery Network (previously The Ara Project), a conservation organization dedicated to the survival of Costa Rica’s native macaws. Previously extinct in this area of Guanacaste, the Scarlet Macaw is now back! The si...

• Departure / meeting zone: Nearby Nicoya Coast Day Trip — departs Playa Sámara to Macaw Recovery Network in Punta Islita (~45 min south of Nosara) · Area hub: Nosara Town (Inland Village) · Category: Wildlife & Nature
• Departure & season note: Departs from Playa Sámara (~45 minutes south of Nosara).
• Duration: 3 hours · Format: Shared (Shared small-group tour (up to 8 travelers per booking))
• Included: Bottled water; In-vehicle air conditioning
• Run by: Samara Adventures · Reviews: 4.45 average from 11 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.

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