Simple Upgrades That Will Make Your Nosara Trip Way Better
Nosara is already an amazing place to visit—but there are a few things that can make your trip noticeably easier and more enjoyable once you’re here.
You definitely don’t need to do all of these—but even adding one or two can make a big difference.
🏄♀️ Take a surf lesson (even if you’re tempted to wing it)
Yes, you can try to teach yourself to surf—but most people end up wasting a lot of time figuring things out.
Taking a lesson—even just one—helps you:
Get comfortable faster
Learn the basics correctly
Actually enjoy it sooner
After that, you can keep going on your own.
🍷 Go to a wine shop (not just the supermarket)
If you’re planning to have wine or liquor during your trip, this is a small upgrade that actually makes a difference.
The selection at most grocery stores is… fine(though most has been sitting on a hot shelf for a while). But if you want something better, it’s worth stopping by a dedicated wine shop like Bottle-O.
They have a much better selection, and it’s an easy way to elevate a dinner at your rental or a relaxed night in.
👶 Traveling with kids? Rent what you need
If you’re coming with a baby or toddler, this is one of the easiest ways to make your trip smoother.
Instead of packing everything, you can rent things like cribs, high chairs, and pack ‘n plays locally. It makes arrival easier and keeps your setup comfortable once you’re here.
💆♀️ Book an in-home massage
This is one of those things that sounds like a splurge—but ends up being one of the most relaxing parts of the trip.
Instead of getting ready and going somewhere, someone comes to you. It’s especially great if you’re traveling with a group or just want a slow, easy afternoon.
🚗 Rent some form of transportation
Yes—you can get around Nosara without a car or ATV. But having your own transportation makes a huge difference.
It gives you flexibility to:
Try different restaurants
Explore beaches and areas outside Guiones
Do easier grocery runs
Not feel stuck planning everything around distance
If you’re deciding what to rent, check out our guide to cars vs ATVs in Nosara to figure out what makes the most sense for your trip.
🛒 Get groceries stocked before you arrive
If you’re arriving later in the day (or just don’t want to deal with it right away), having your basics stocked ahead of time is a game changer.
Things like snacks, breakfast items, and coffee ready to go make your first morning so much easier.
🥭 Eat the local fruit (seriously)
This sounds simple, but it’s one of the easiest ways to upgrade your trip.
Fruit here is just… different. Mango, pineapple, and ones you maybe haven’t tried like passion fruit, guava, papaya, and guanabana—it’s worth grabbing from a local stand or grocery store, even if you don’t recognize everything.
Be a little adventurous—you’ll probably find something you love.
🍽️ Hire a private chef (even just once)
This is one of those things that people don’t always think to do—but it can end up being a highlight of the trip.
Especially if you’re traveling with a group, having someone cook a meal at your place is:
Easy
Customizable
Often more relaxed than going out
Even doing it once during your stay can make your trip feel a lot more special.
🐢 Get up close with wildlife
Nosara is known for its wildlife, but you’ll have a much better experience if you seek it out intentionally.
Things like:
Turtle tours (in season)
Wildlife refuges
Guided experiences
…give you a completely different level of access compared to just hoping to see something randomly.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to plan every detail of your trip—but a few small choices can make a big difference in how your time here feels.
These are the things we consistently recommend to friends and family—not because they’re complicated, but because they actually make your trip easier and more enjoyable.
Planning the rest of your trip?
If you’re still figuring things out, you might also find these helpful:
And if you’re not sure what makes the most sense for your trip, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to help point you in the right direction.