THINGS TO DO IN NOSARA
 
Lagarta Lodge Biological Reserve Tours:  ****
RESERVA BIOLOGICA NOSARA is a private nature-reserve with the size of about 50 hectares or 125 acres and is situated along the Nosara River. It is home to a lot of species of plants, mangroves and wildlife. Many different birds, such as seabirds, herons, waders, tukanes, motmots,manakins, etc, can be found in this area, altogether there are more than 270 species. “Birds of the reserva”. You can also see some other animals, such as monkeys, coatis, raccoons, armadillos, snakes, anteaters, crabs, iguanas and others.

The entrance to the Reserva Biológica ($6 per person) is free for Costa Rican residents and Lagarta hotel guests. The walk through the nature reserve starts at the lobby of the Lagarta Lodge. Visitors get a map of the reserve and a tree list which includes names and short description of the trees within the Reserva Biológica. This self guided tour takes about 2 hours. If you would like a guided tour (highly recommended!!!) the entrance fee + guide = $11/per person. The tours are available in the morning or afternoon. Tours can be in English, Spanish or German. The guided tour is between 2 and 2 1/2 hours long. The morning tour can end with a buffet breakfast at the Lagarta Lodge, just add $7/pp and it's a great way to conclude a satisfying nature tour. 506 2682 0035

Bird watching: ****
This from Ed Mayfield, past president of the Mesilla Valley Audubon Society & vice president of the New Mexico State Audubon Council. On of his lists of sightings in August comprised of 186 birds. "Birding is a very rewarding experience and shared by many aficionados who have had the pleasure of birding in Nosara. You can view numerous species of shore birds, raptors, wrens, flycatchers and many tropical birds which make up only a few of the more than 200 plus species of birds in the area. Places to bird begin when you first look out of your window in the morning and step outside your door. The many trails along the Nosara River, in the jungle, on the beach, in the rice fields, along the jungle roads, always present many new birds to enjoy." One of the best places to go bird watching is a walk through the Lagarta Biological Reserve. Also, for beginners: the Nosara Boat Tour is perfect! 506 2682 0610

Quads/ATV Rentals and Quad Tours: ***
• Monkey Quads: 2682-1001; 8897-9507  monkeyquadrentals@yahoo.com


Surf Shops, Surf Schools and Surf Lessons:***
Playa Guiones, Nosara, is a fantastic place to learn how to surf for beginners, and, also is a favorite of surfers at higher levels. The beach break is very consistent.

• Frog Pad 2682 4039 Surf board rentals and lessons Dee Dee John/instructor deedee_john@yahoo.com
• Coconut Harry's Surf Shop *also Golf cart rentals: 2682-0574 or surfa@cox.net
• Nosara Surf Shop: 2682-0186 *also does Quad/ATV rentals
• Juan Surfo's: 2682-4041/ 8813-3248 juansurfo@yahoo.com
• Harbor Reef Lodge: 2682-1000 reservations@harborreef.net
• Pancho's Surf Shop: 2682-0591 info@panchosresort.com
• Sweetwater Surf Lessons: 2682-4039 *located @ the Frog Pad/Nosara Net
• Safari Surf School: www.safarisurfschool.com 2682-0573
• Richard Schmidt's Surf Camp: www.richardschmidt.com
• Corky Carroll's Surf School: 2682-0384

Health & Fitness Activities: **
• Nosara Wellness:2682 0360 www.nosarawellness.com
• Tica Massage: 2682-0096     www.ticamassage.com
• Home Healing: 8337-1323
• The Body Work Shop: 2682-0096
• Nosara Workout Beach Gym: 2682-0096
• Tierra Magnifica: often has health related activities or retreats, during which, some activities are open to the public: 2682-0270
• Physical Therapy Nosara: 2682-0360 or jane@nosarawellness.com
• Pelada Spa Services: 2682-1001 or nellirica28@yahoo.com

Nosara Yoga Institute and other yoga class options:
The world famous, Nosara Yoga Institute is located here in Playa Guiones. The Institute has yoga teacher trainings a couple of times a year and also hosts daily yoga classes on-site. For their current schedule or more information, check their website: www.nosarayoga.com or call: 2682-0071.

The Harmony Hotel also has yoga classes: 2682-4114 or frontdesk@harmonynosara.com

Kayaking: **
The paddling around the Nosara area is a well-kept secret. Birds and native foliage make the trips a naturalist's dream come true. Experienced & knowledgeable guides lead you down the slow & beautiful jungle rivers of the Rio Garza, Rio Montaña or Rio Nosara. Some of the many species of birds you are likely to spot are kingfishers, herons, Roseate Spoonbills, whistling ducks, storks, cormorants, anhingas, pelicans, frigates, motmots, sandpipers, kiskadees, & hawks. There are a few different companies offering kayaking tours here.
1.Jungle Joe of Iguana Expeditions: In addition to kayaking trips (including ocean kayaking for the experienced) Joe can arrange hiking trips to waterfalls & bat caves, canopy tours and overnight volcano watching trips to Arenal. People love the tours with Jungle Joe! Phone: 2682-4089.
2.Saltwater Adventure Tours: Phone: 8351-0214: also does tours of kayaking, canoeing, Ostional turtles, & the Pink Beach tours.

The Turtles of Ostional: *****
Several times a year, (mostly at night) female turtles come ashore at Playa Ostional (north of Playa Pelada) in such numbers that the black sand beach resembles a stretch of rocky coastline. These mass nesting episodes (lasting from 2 to 8 days) are locally referred to as "arrivadas," or arrivals. The arrivadas usually begin several nights after full moon. Although nesting sea turtles are frequently seen on Playa Guiones, to see large numbers travel to Ostional a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended, especially in the wet season, September & October, when the bulk of the nesting occurs.

During the peak nesting season from July through November,  more than 100,000 nests may be made during a single arrivada & any correlation with moon phases or tides is lost.

The belief that turtle eggs are an aphrodisiac has led to their popular demand as bocas (snacks served as appetizers in local cantinas), and people used to come from as far away as San Jose to indulge in the ransacking of turtle nests for eggs.

With insufficient funding to adequately patrol the beach at Ostional, and needing the support of the local villagers, the Wildlife authorities, in an example of the "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" philosophy in conservation proposed that Ostional residents, and only Ostional residents, be granted permission to harvest a limited number of eggs only during the first two nights of each nesting period; allowing them to sell the eggs only to bars with licenses to serve turtle eggs. This policy theoretically protects the later nests as turtles arriving later on during an arribada often inadvertently excavate early nests. The idea is for the local populace to be able to safeguard their source of income, while functioning as a police force. This novel policy has generated much debate, but seems to be working effectively. Turtle Info: 682-0470/682-0462 (Taxi) (There is a river crossing that can not be crossed between Nosara and Ostional when the rains fall. There is a pedestrian bridge however and transportation can be found on the other side if made in advance. Do not attempt to cross this river in the green season)

Boat Rides:  **
Ride through rivers, jungle paths, hidden waterfalls, and along wide, dreamlike beaches. Experience the tropical rain and dry forest along the pacific coast. The much loved horses of Boca Nosara Tours are well trained so you can relax and concentrate on the natural beauty of your surroundings.
Nosara River Tours, 2682 0610

Hoarse Back Riding: ***
Beate and Hawe of Boca Nosara Tours are specialized to take small groups (maximum of 6) and they know the animals and plants of our area well. With their knowledge and experience you are guaranteed an unforgettable riding experience. You’ll not only see much of our wildlife, including monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, anteaters & birds, but you’ll learn which trees the natives use for making lipstick, pots, & natural medicines. For more information about horseback riding or this particular tour: Call them at 682-0280/ 849 3846 directly or you can also arrange this tour with Nosara Travel & Rentals: 2682-0300.

Canopy Tours: ***
Set amidst the unequalled beauty of a Costa Rican forest wilderness is the longest, most exhilarating canopy tour in the world. Traversing majestic mountain ridges and valleys, soaring high above multiple ravines, with breathtaking vistas of rivers, waterfalls and the Pacific Ocean. Comprised of 14 exhilarating runs, a stopover at the waterfall and river pools, the ultimate stage emerges from the serene forest, crosses high above beautiful River Nosara and sails directly into a disco-bar on the top floor of a five story architectural wonder. Suitable for nature lovers, adventurers, families and all who wish to experience the ultimate canopy tour adventure; Miss Sky Canopy promises to be the experience of a lifetime. 2682 0969
*Miss Sky is the longest Canopy Tour in the world (The next longest is less than 50% of the length of Miss Sky Canopy)
*Total length is 6400 meters *The longest line is over 600m long and the shortest is over 300m long
*Most of the 14 runs are between 500 to 600 m long and several hundred feet high, affording the most spectacular views
* Miss Sky Canopy affords 100% natural vistas and 0% human presence, located within a pristine 2500 acre forest reserve that is situated in a coastal mountain range just 4 miles\10 minutes from Costa Rica’s finest Pacific Coast beaches, including the famed Ostional turtle nesting refuge.
* A stop at the largest waterfall in the region, with a network of river pools and endless forest trails to observe nature and listen to the chorus of howler monkeys is all exclusive to the canopy tour participants.
* The only canopy tour in the world where one emerges from a pristine forest, crosses high above the beautiful river Nosara and descends into the 5th floor disco-bar atop a spectacular building unparalleled in Costa Rica
* All lines are double wired, 200% of what is required by the Costa Rica tourist board specifications. The resulting ride is completely smooth with no spinning and hands completely free of the line if desired, ensuring a smooth stop at the arrival pads
* Double harnesses, secondary oversized, sturdy cables and all redundant equipment of the highest quality and standards
* The only lightning grounded canopy in Costa Rica * All continuous connecting platforms are placed on solid ground

Fishing: ***
Costa Rica is famous for its offshore angling. Sailfish, Dorado, Rooster Fish, Marlin and many more species can be found just off the beach. Nosara does not have shelter from the surf and as such does not have a port or marina. Just south of Nosara is the fishing village of Playa Garza. There you will find the local fleet anchored just inside the shelter of the reef. Getting out to the boat required a small skiff but that is part of the culture. Half and whole day trips can be arranged at vast array of prices. These are open boats and vary as much as the price. Many hotels and tourist oriented business can arrange for a fishing charter. Because phone service is spotty in Nosara it might be best to drive over to Garza and walk into some of the charter outfits offices that line the main drag. 

Ed Hudson, Half Moon Bay Sport fishing Charters (506) 2682-0446 costaricaed@yahoo.com