A long layover in Nosara Beach is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Nosara Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 20 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Three things to verify before you walk out of NOB:
- Can you legally enter Costa Rica? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 20-minute journey each way by Taxi / Shuttle, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the CRC. A travel-friendly debit card with no foreign transaction fees will save you money here.
Top Picks for a Quick Visit
If you head into Nosara Beach, here are two things worth checking out:
Playa Guiones Beach Walk is a solid choice if you want to get a feel for the area. It’s a great spot to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.
Nosara Yoga Institute / Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is another option that’s easy to fit into a short visit. Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
If you’d rather stay inside NOB — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Nosara Airport Open-Air Waiting Area
- Light Aircraft Plane Spotting
Transport from Nosara Airport to Downtown
You have two main options for getting from Nosara Airport into town:
- Taxi / Shuttle: About 20 minutes, affordable, and consistent. This is what we recommend for time-conscious travelers.
- Taxi or ride-share: Around 40 minutes in normal traffic. More comfortable for groups or heavy luggage, but pricier and less predictable.
Whichever you choose, keep the return journey in mind. Build in extra time — you do not want to be rushing through security.
Where to Eat
In Nosara Beach
If you make it into town, Beach Dog Cafe is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try The Harmony Hotel – The Chill Out Bar & Restaurant.
Inside NOB
If you’re staying in the terminal, Nosara Airport Snack Bar is your main option. Local Fruit & Refreshment Stand works too if you want something quick.
Estimated Costs for a Quick Visit
Quick budget math for your Nosara Beach layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$11 |
| Meal | ~$21 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$42 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Nosara Beach, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at NOB, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Nosara Beach itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Costa Rica that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Luggage Storage at NOB
Luggage storage options at NOB can vary. Rather than arriving and hoping for the best, look up nearby storage on platforms like Bounce or Stasher ahead of time.
Another option: if you’re only in Nosara Beach for a couple of hours, a compact bag that you can carry comfortably saves you the hassle altogether.
Sleep & Lounge Options at NOB
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, NOB has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Nosara Beach count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave NOB. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.