Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula

White Sand Beaches and Remote Treasures of the Nicoya Peninsula

Almost an island unto itself, the Nicoya Peninsula is rimmed by white sand beaches and charming villages along its Pacific and gulf coasts. No matter how you arrive, by ferry, car, boat or plane, the idyllic shorelines and mix between dense jungle and extensive cattle farms offer beautiful tapestry of blues, deep greens and yellows that are sure to leave an impression on the first time visitor. In fact, most visitors soon find a reason to make a return visit to this region of wild beauty. Stars like Mel Gibson and Giselle frequent their respective beach mansions that were built along these remote, private shores.

Traveling to the Nicoya Peninsula
One of the reasons Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula maintains its remote, intimate feel is that it's just little harder to get to (by car that is). But NatureAir flies to 3 different Nicoya airports (Tambor, Nosara and Punta Islita) in less than an hour from Costa Rica's capital, San Jose.

Northern Nicoya
On the way to the historic colonial town of Nicoya is the Barra Honda National Park, the only park in Costa Rica whose main attraction is an intricately large system of limestone caverns. As you head south, you'll pass through the lands of the Chorotega indians and cities where Costa Rica's rural cowboy traditions live on in the present. Further south on the coast, the unspoiled gem of Nosara is a haven for surfing, yoga and wellness-oriented centers. Samara to the south has grown and is a pleasant beach town popular among backpackers. The secluded Punta Islita is a lovely close-knit community united by a striking resort overlooking the beach. The many activities of the region include surfing, boogie boarding, kayaking, hiking, canopy tours, horseback rides and estuary boat tours, among others

Southern Nicoya
Fresh and upbeat, southern Nicoya has attracted surf lovers and yogis from around the world. Boutique hotels and restaurants now dot the coastline making for a natural retreat with an eclectic air.

Tambor sits on the southern coast of the peninsula, near the calm waters of Tambor Bay and bordered on the north by the Curu Wildlife Reserve. Tambor boasts calm waters and a variety of great resort hotels that offer golf, tennis, fishing, tennis, horseback riding and snorkeling. 

Montezuma is a quaint vilage just 8km south of Tambor. It offers an off-beat charm, interesting nightlife, and a fun variety of restaurants and boutique lodging that are mostly condensed into the city center that cozies up next to a small bay. Hikers are well rewarded as you can reach some impressive waterfalls both in the forest and directly on the beach!

Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, Costa Rica's very first protected area, is at the southern end just past a charming fishing port. It's name, White Cape, was coined back in the days of the pirates, describing the color of bird guano encrusted rock formations along the shore.

Mal Pais and Santa Teresa are Costa Rica's answer to Malibu, California. They're tres chic - but no one makes a fuss. Both are home to a vibrant mix of international expats and tourists that have attracted a number of restaurants and hotels. The surfing here is excellent for both beginners and experts,.