Top Things to Do in Nosara, Costa Rica: Surf, Nature, Yoga & Pilates
Key Takeaways
🌊 Nosara is world-famous for consistent surf breaks at Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada.
🧘♀️ It’s also a yoga and wellness mecca, with expert teachers like Yali at Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort leading the way in mindful yoga and Kambo ceremonies.
💪 Reformer Pilates at Black Cat Studio offers small, personalized classes to build strength, prevent injuries, and complement surfing and yoga.
🦜 Nature activities include turtle watching at Ostional, zip-lining, kayaking mangroves, and visiting wildlife sanctuaries.
🌅 Nosara sunsets, fresh food, and its laid-back community make it one of Costa Rica’s top wellness + adventure destinations.
Why Nosara is Costa Rica’s Wellness Capital
Tucked along the Nicoya Peninsula, Nosara is part of one of the world’s five “Blue Zones”—regions where people live longer, healthier lives. The lifestyle here blends outdoor adventure, mindful movement, and fresh local cuisine. This unique mix attracts wellness travelers from around the globe who want more than just a beach vacation—they want transformation.
What makes Nosara so special is its balance: you can wake up with yoga, spend the afternoon surfing or zip-lining through the jungle, and finish with a Reformer Pilates class before watching the sunset. Few destinations combine fitness, nature, and pura vida quite like Nosara.
The Best Things to Do in Nosara
1. Surf Playa Guiones & Playa Pelada
Surfing is Nosara’s heartbeat. Playa Guiones is famous for having rideable waves 330+ days a year, making it perfect for beginners and pros alike. Playa Pelada, just north, offers tide pools and a more relaxed vibe. Surf lessons are widely available, making this the perfect place to start—or refine—your surf journey.
2. Practice Yoga with World-Class Teachers
Nosara has earned its reputation as a global yoga hub, attracting teachers and students from every corner of the world. The town’s unique blend of tropical setting, wellness-focused lifestyle, and international community has turned it into one of the top destinations for yoga in Costa Rica.
Studios here range from boutique jungle shalas where you can hear howler monkeys in the background, to renowned retreat centers hosting immersive yoga teacher trainings and wellness residencies. No matter where you practice, the energy of Nosara supports a deep connection to body, mind, and nature.
One standout is Yali Yoga, a teacher at Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort beloved for her soulful, heart-centered classes that emphasize both physical practice and inner transformation. Yali also thoughtfully offers Kambo for those interested in deeper layers of healing and self-discovery.
3. Strengthen with Pilates at Black Cat Studio
Surfing, yoga, hiking—Nosara is an active town. But to really get the most out of it, you need a strong, injury-proof foundation. That’s where Black Cat Studio’s Reformer Pilates comes in.
Small group classes (6 max) for personalized coaching
Expert instructors focused on alignment, strength, and safety
Reformer sessions with springs + straps for resistance training
Special jump board cardio workouts to build endurance without impact
Reformer Pilates isn’t just exercise—it’s cross-training for the lifestyle Nosara offers. Athletes, surfers, and wellness travelers all benefit from stronger cores, better posture, and improved mobility.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a wellness anchor during your stay, book a class at Black Cat Studio. It’s consistently rated one of the best Pilates studios in Nosara.
4. Explore Nosara’s Nature & Wildlife
Nature lovers will find plenty to explore beyond the beach. Popular options include:
🐢 Turtle Watching at Ostional Wildlife Refuge – see thousands of sea turtles nesting.
🛶 Mangrove Kayak Tours – paddle through serene waterways and spot exotic birds.
🦥 Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary – a must-visit for animal lovers, helping rescue sloths and monkeys.
🌳 Jungle Hikes – guided treks through Nosara’s lush, biodiverse trails.
5. Experience Local Adventure: Zip-Lining & ATVs
Adrenaline seekers will love Nosara’s canopy zip-line tours, ATV rentals for jungle exploration, and even horseback riding along the beach at sunset. These excursions show a different side of Nosara and balance out the slower pace of yoga or Pilates.
6. Enjoy Sunsets & Food Culture
No trip to Nosara is complete without a Playa Guiones sunset. As the sun drops, locals and visitors gather barefoot on the sand to watch the sky transform into a canvas of pinks and oranges. Afterwards, you can grab fresh ceviche, smoothie bowls, or plant-based meals from one of the town’s many cafés.
FAQs: Things to Do in Nosara
Is Nosara good for beginners in surf or yoga?
Yes! Both surfing and yoga here are beginner-friendly, with world-class teachers who specialize in supporting newcomers.
What’s the best way to get around Nosara?
Most visitors get around with golf carts, ATVs, or tuk-tuks. Many roads are unpaved, so plan for a bumpy (but fun) ride!
When’s the best time to visit Nosara?
Year-round surfing makes Nosara a great destination anytime. High season (Dec–Apr) is lively and sunny, while green season (May–Nov) is quieter with lush jungle views.
Should I book fitness or adventure classes ahead of time?
Yes—surf lessons, Reformer Pilates classes, and retreats often fill quickly. Booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out.
Why Nosara is More Than Just a Vacation
Wellness travelers often come for the surf or yoga—but they stay because Nosara becomes a reset button. By weaving in activities like Reformer Pilates at Black Cat Studio, yoga with Yali, nature adventures, and nourishing meals, you create a rhythm that strengthens both body and mind.
If you’re seeking more than a trip—if you want a transformative experience—Nosara delivers.
Ready to Go Deeper?
🌞 Join Us for a Pilates Teacher Training or a Retreat at Black Cat Studio ✨
Take your Nosara experience to the next level. Whether you want to become a certified instructor or immerse yourself in a week-long Pilates + wellness retreat, Black Cat Studio offers world-class opportunities in the heart of Playa Pelada.
👉 Get More Info About Teacher Training
👉 Explore Our Upcoming Retreat