In Nosara, opportunities for an active lifestyle are everywhere. You can surf, swim, go for a hike, or even soar through the mountains on a canopy tour. While this is all incredibly wonderful, at some point, your kids may need a break from all the adventures and sun – and you want to put a Netflix movie on. Or, if you are like many people these days, you rely heavily on technology for work and need access to a reliable internet connection. So, the question is – can you live or vacation in a remote and beautiful place like Nosara and still be plugged into the rest of the world? Let’s take a look at the available technology and internet services in Nosara.

Office workplace with laptop on wood table against the windows.

Internet Options in Nosara

We first reported on technology services in Nosara back in 2013. Things here have changed quite a bit since then, and for the better. So, here’s the good news – you can stay connected in Nosara. In fact, there are multiple internet providers and options to choose from. And now they are even fast enough in most places that you can watch Netflix or Hulu, or skype with a business partner back in the states. Here’s a list of the top technology and internet services in Nosara:

• Cable Tica – 35/5 Mbps fiber optic service
• Kolbi – 2048/768 Kbps ADSL through phone lines.
• American Data Network – 6Mbps/6Mbps up to 10mbps service – also available in the mountains.
• Gilded Iguana – 100 Mbps fiber optic service in town. (Coming soon.)

Cable Tica is a division of Teletica, Costa Rica’s very first television station. It has been around since 1991 but did not reach Nosara until 2013. It was actually the very first reliable and affordable tv and internet service outside of the government-controlled ICE to come to the area. It offers cable TV, including HD, and internet services for homes. Cable Tica uses fiber optics at speeds of 35/5mbps and is currently expanding and adding even more lines around town.

Kolbi also provides connectivity. For the most part, it is slower service at 2045/768 Kbps that uses ADSL through phone lines. KOLBI is an ICE connection, which is part of the government monopoly that we reported on before. This is not the most reliable connection source, but it is an inexpensive one. KOLBI also offers television services where DSL is available.

American Data Network is a reliable, symmetric internet provider in Nosara that offers high-speed services of 6 Mbps/6 Mbps and sometimes it is as fast as 10 Mbps in certain locations. It provides internet access through both fiber optics and wireless connections. Plus, it is accessible by people outside of town in more remote areas such as the mountains.

Gilded Iguana is the last on this list, but certainly not the least. This beloved hotel and restaurant is currently undergoing a massive renovation and expansion project. However, when it reopens in February of 2018, not only will it be spectacular, it will provide Nosara with fiber optic service speeds of 100 Mbps.

Cell Phone Services in Nosara

In Nosara, you won’t have to trade in your latest-and-greatest smartphone for an old flip phone model – or even worse, a landline. The technology and internet services in Nosara are catching up with the rest of the world. And there are several cell phone services that you can choose from today:

• Kolbi – 4G service with both prepaid and postpaid plans.
• Movistar – Also offers 4G service for prepaid and postpaid plans.
• Claro – Prepaid only 4G service in Nosara

Again, Kolbi is an ICE service, however, their cell phone service has come a long way since we first reported on the company. Kolbi offers 4G service with both prepaid and “postpaid” terms.

Movistar is another 4G cell phone option in Nosara. Similar to Kolbi, this cell phone service provider offers both prepaid and postpaid options, and you can also purchase your phone directly from them.

A third cell phone option in Nosara is Claro. Claro also provides 4G service, but it is only available as a prepaid option.

Technology and Internet Services in a Shared Workspace

One of the great things about Nosara is that the people here are very mindful of how their lives and choices impact others in the community, as well as the environment. And from this consciousness, sprung a shared workspace called Tribewire.

A post shared by TribeWire (@tribewirenosara) on Jun 20, 2017 at 6:37pm PDT

Tribewire is nestled in the trees above Mala Noche Restaurant in North Guiones. It is a space that provides technology and internet services in Nosara for digital nomads or anyone else who needs access to modern technology. At Tribewire, there are both communal and private workstations available with a membership fee. You’ll have access to computers, printers, and high-speed Wi-Fi at 10 Mbps. Plus, there is plenty of outdoor space to relax in when you need a break from your work.

In Conclusion…

While you may have read about slow and intermittent connections in the past, today technology and internet services in Nosara have improved drastically, and with the 100 Mbps that is coming this next year to the Gilded Iguana, they will continue to do so. So, whether you need services for your business, a rental home, or your own personal enjoyment, access to the rest of the world is not something you’ll have to sacrifice when you come to Nosara.

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Casa Shangri-La

While it is a popular destination for many different reasons, Nosara is probably best known for its surfing. The waves, the sun, the sand…. surfing in Nosara Costa Rica should be on your bucket list (if it isn’t already). Travel & Leisure and National Geographic have each featured Nosara as one of the world’s top surf towns. So, where can you find the best surfing in Nosara? That depends on what you are looking for. Read on to learn about the best places in Nosara to surf for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros.

Nosara Surfing: The Three Main Breaks

Before you head out to catch a wave in Nosara, it is a good idea to learn a little about the geography. Within the area known as Nosara, there are three main breaks: Bocas Del Nosara, Playa Pelada, and Playa Guiones. Each of these offers its own set of benefits and caters to certain kinds of surfers.

Bocas del Nosara is also known as the Nosara Rivermouth. If you are looking for the least crowded, most challenging surfing in Nosara Costa Rica, then this is the place to try. It is the northernmost of the three surfing areas and is about a kilometer away from Pelada. At this juncture, the Rio Nosara empties into the Pacific Ocean, and there is a rocky break with some of the best waves you’ll find. But this surfer’s paradise is not for beginners. It should only be attempted by those with advanced surfing skills.

Playa Pelada is a great family destination for surfing in Nosara Costa Rica. It is not as difficult to surf as Bocas del Nosara, nor does it attract the crowds that Playa Guiones does. This surf break has a nice sandy beach for kids to play on, but it quickly turns to rock and reef. It has rocky outcroppings that create a volcanic reef surf break. After surfing here, you can grab a bite to eat at La Luna, one of the few beach front restaurants here, and ranked by Trip Advisor as one of the best places to eat in Nosara.

Playa Guiones is one of the top Nosara surf spots because of its versatile breaks. Whether it is high tide or low tide, you can catch a wave here. It has plenty of whitewater waves for beginning surfers plus challenging surf with swells up to 14 feet for veteran surfers. Another reason Playa Guiones is so popular is that even if your main purpose is surfing in Nosara Costa Rica, there are still plenty of other activities to do here. You can find many hotels, restaurants, and businesses up and down the coastline. In fact, it is the top beach spot for vacationing tourists.

Nosara Surf Shops and Lessons

If you are interested in surfing Nosara but need to rent your gear or take a few lessons, there are plenty of excellent places to visit. Most surf shops and schools are around Playa Guiones. They offer a variety of gear and lessons for all ages and stages of surfing in Nosara Costa Rica.

Coconut Harry’s is a popular surf shop and school where you can rent boards, take a lesson, or even sign up for one of their “adventure packages”. They offer both group and private lessons for adults and kids from ISA professionals. For more information visit Coconut Harry’s online.

Nosara Tico Surf School is a locally owned surf school in Playa Guiones offering private, semi-private, and group lessons. This surf school has instructors with extensive experience in competitive surfing and is a great place for advanced surfers to train with professional coaches. You can also buy surfing gear and clothing here. To learn more about Nosara Tico Surf School, visit their website.

Safari Surf School takes pride in offering an authentic sustainable surfing experience. It is an official partner with Billabong Camps and one of the top surfing schools in Nosara. Like the other popular surf shops, you can take a variety of lessons depending on your age and skills, or book a surfing vacation package. For more information about Safari Surf School, check them out online.

Surfing in Nosara Costa Rica

Surfing is an experience like no other. Riding the waves forces you to be present in the moment because the alternative can result in you falling off your board. Many surfers will tell you there is no greater feeling than being a part of the ocean, even if only for a few minutes (or seconds).

For some of the best surfing in one of the top surf towns in the world, visit Nosara Costa Rica.

When you visit Nosara Costa Rica, it is hard to leave. There is so much to do here that you may not get to accomplish it all before the trip is over….and since the whole “vibe” is so relaxed, you may not do much of anything! That is one of the many reasons so many expats decide on living in Nosara Costa Rica rather than simply visiting. If this is you, then there are a few things that you need to know to help plan the move. Here’s our five top tips for living in Nosara.

Tip #1: Learn the residency rules for Costa Rica.

Once you have decided to make the move to Nosara, start learning the rules and gathering your documents. If you want to live in Nosara longer than three months at a time, then you will need to apply for residency.

Currently, Costa Rica grants tourist visas for up to 90 days. After 90 days is up, you are required to leave the country. However, if living in Nosara Costa Rica long-term is your goal, then you should apply for permanent residency. The immigration rules regularly change, so check Costa Rica’s official website for the most current information. (Scroll to the bottom of the page for English).

A post shared by Juliana Bueno Garcia (@jubg) on Nov 14, 2017 at 7:36pm PST

Tip #2: Living in Nosara is awesome, but there are some critters to contend with.

If you have spent any amount of time living in Nosara Costa Rica, even temporarily, then you have likely encountered a few insects, spiders, and rodents. But then again, part of Nosara’s charm is its vibrant, natural setting.

So, yes – you may have to wipe away a few cobwebs and set out a few mouse traps, but you also get to watch sea turtle hatchlings find their way to the ocean, catch the perfect wave at Playa Guiones, do yoga on the beach, or simply enjoy the views from your mountainside retreat.

Tip #3: You will have several very good healthcare options in Nosara.

One top concern for many people when it comes to moving to a foreign country is healthcare. Whether you are at retirement age, have children, or have some health concerns to contend with, you can be confident that you will have excellent care living in Nosara Costa Rica. In fact, International Living ranked it one of its best places to live abroad, in part because of the excellent healthcare system.

The healthcare system in Costa Rica is highly rated internationally. There is an excellent public health insurance system available to both citizens and legal residents, or you can purchase a private insurance plan at a reasonable price. It covers most routine checkups and 80 percent of major surgeries.

Tip #4: When you move to Nosara, get involved with the community.

One of the best parts of living in Nosara Costa Rica is its people. The locals and the expats that live here are the ones who built this cool coastal community. It has a small-town feel, yet the infrastructure of a more urban area, which is not always the case in Central American towns.

The people here are warm, friendly, and foster a sense of community. And when things need to get done, they get them done. When petty crime became an issue, the people of Nosara joined forces and approached the police department to expand its force. Another group worked to get recycling in the area. In fact, there are over 20 different organizations, such as Friends of Nosara, that help make Nosara the awesome beach town that it is. So, find something you are passionate about, find a group, and get involved.

A post shared by Teah Lizée (@teahlizee) on Nov 15, 2017 at 10:48am PST

Tip #5: Work with a knowledgeable local realtor.

While this is a great tip when moving anywhere, it is particularly important when living in Nosara Costa Rica – for several reasons.
First, if you plan to rent, you may discover that it is much easier to find a vacation rental than a long-term rental (because more money can be made from vacation rentals).

And many of the listings for sale or rent are exclusively through the real estate agencies. Working with a local, knowledgeable agent means you have access to more listings and more information about the community. Located in the heart of North Guiones, REMAX First Choice Realty is the top agency in Nosara.

Additionally, an experienced agent can help you navigate the residency and immigration rules of Costa Rica. Investing in a business or property is one of the ways to become a legal citizen. A knowledgeable realtor is familiar with these requirements and could help to point you in the right direction.

Moving to Nosara Costa Rica has a few logistical challenges, no doubt, but anyone who lives here will tell you it is well worth the effort to make this beautiful coastal town your home!

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Move-In Ready House & Income Opportunity in Guiones

Indoor Outdoor Nosara Style Beach House

Nosara is one of the best places in the world to practice and explore yoga. Whether you are looking for relaxation and renewal, a deeper yoga experience, or trying it out for the first time, this Costa Rican town should be on your bucket list. In this article, we’ll explore the early beginnings of yoga in Nosara and tell you where to find the best Nosara yoga studios.

Surfing and Yoga?

How did a coastal surf town like Nosara become a yoga hotspot? In 1994, two top yoga instructors from the US, Don and Amba Stapleton, put Nosara on the map in the yoga world when they opened the popular Nosara Yoga Institute. Since then, Nosara has become a mecca for yogis of all ages and abilities. People come for the many retreats and classes available year-round in this lush and tropical Costa Rican climate.
Whatever your reason may be for exploring yoga classes, these are the top five yoga studios in Nosara that you won’t want to miss:

Blue Spirit Costa Rica

Ranked as one of the top 16 favorite yoga retreats by some of the best yoga teachers in the world, Blue Spirit is well-loved for its stunning hilltop views of Nosara’s pristine white sand beaches, its elegant accommodations, and some of the best yoga retreats, workshops, and trainings that you will find.

The setting at Blue Spirit is dedicated to spiritual transformation and personal development in an eco-friendly environment. It was founded by Stephan Retchschaffen, co-founder of the well-known Omega Institute in New York. For more information about classes and accommodations, visit Blue Spirit Costa Rica online.

A post shared by Bluespiritcostaria (@bluespiritcostarica) on Apr 27, 2015 at 7:30am PDT

Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort

The Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is one of the largest and best places to get a good feel for Nosara yoga. While it is relatively new to the scene (opening in 2014), it didn’t waste any time becoming one of the finest yoga resorts in the area. In fact, when the Nosara Yoga Institute recently went up for sale, Bodhi Tree acquired it.

It offers a beautiful setting for group retreats or individuals looking to deepen their yoga practice. Guests can stay on-site in the resorts high-end accommodations, or simply come for a class. See the Bodhi Tree yoga schedule online for more information about the classes that are offered.

The Nexus Institute for Yoga & Wellness

If you are looking to deepen your Yoga experience and earn your certification in the process, then this top Nosara yoga studio is where you want to be. The Nexus Institute is a registered Yoga School and Continuing Education Provider certified through the Yoga Alliance.

The idea for this school came about after two yogis met in the jungle of Costa Rica in 2013. One was a Catholic nun, and the other – an investment banker. Despite their different backgrounds, they both shared a love and passion for the art of yoga, and together opened this well-respected institute where people from all over the world come to train and cultivate their own personal yoga style.

Costa Rica Yoga Spa

Chosen by Yoga Journal as one of the best luxury escapes for a yoga retreat, Costa Rica Yoga Spa is a private oasis for renewal and restoration. It is nestled on a mountain overlooking both the Pacific Ocean and Costa Rica’s Ostional National Wildlife Park (where thousands of Oliver Ridley sea turtles nest each year).

The Costa Rica Yoga Spa offers amazing yoga retreats throughout the year in collaboration with some of the top internationally trained leaders. This Nosara yoga studio offers a variety of events including their own Signature Surf and Yoga Retreat. Visit Costa Rica Yoga Spa online for a full list of their upcoming yoga events.

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The Harmony Hotel

The last on the list, but certainly NOT the least is the Harmony Hotel. Travel & Leisure magazine ranked this yoga studio as one of the best five in all of Costa Rica. Its spacious open-air studio is surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle. No walls, no mirrors, just soothing space to relax, restore, and renew yourself.

Harmony offers yoga classes seven days a week, including aerial yoga, where yogis can perform postures and poses from a hammock suspended from the ceiling. Harmony Hotel also offers private yoga classes and studio rentals for yoga instructors looking for a place to host their own class.

Which Nosara Yoga Studio Will You Choose?

If you are looking for a truly amazing yoga experience, choosing Nosara is an easy decision. Figuring out which Nosara yoga studio to try might be a bit more difficult. But don’t let that stop you. You may find yourself coming back time and again for new and different yoga experiences. Or, like so many others before you, you might discover that once you get here, you never want to leave.