From the south, the first beach you'll hit is Playa Garza, still a sleepy Tico fishing village with an arc of pale brown sand, and headlands on either side of the rippling bay. Fishing boats bob offshore and there's a point break to the north side. There are a few cabinas and sodas here, lots of sand space, and precious few tourists.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Playa Guiones

1.52 MILES

Nosara's most developed beach is also a stunner, with a wide, generous arc of marbled sand (and a few pebbles and shells mixed in), excellent beach breaks…

2. International Animal Rescue Costa Rica

3.01 MILES

Make an appointment to visit this animal rescue center. Brenda Bombard is an incurable animal lover who has devoted two decades to caring for injured and…

3. Playa Pelada

3.68 MILES

North of Guiones, Playa Pelada is a family gathering place for sunset, swimming and surfing, though the waves can get a bit rough. On the northern end,…

4. Reserva Biológica Nosara

4.53 MILES

The private 35-hectare reserve behind Lagarta Lodge has trails leading through a mangrove wetland down to the river and beach. Stop in the Lagarta lobby…

5. Playa Barrigona

4.75 MILES

A dreamy, hidden, white-sand beach about 30 minutes north of Sámara, where no development is visible. Just inland, though, sits a sprawling hacienda…

6. Sibu Sanctuary

5.16 MILES

Reservations are required to visit this wildlife sanctuary, set on 50 glorious acres of jungle and garden. The sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing,…