Northern Nicoya

Northern Nicoya: Stellar Surfing

If you’ve spent time on Costa Rica’s lush Caribbean coast or in its cool highlands, the Nicoya Peninsula’s landscape may seem like a non-sequitur. This region’s tropical dry forests and savannah seem more appropriate for East Africa than Central America.

The climate is drier and warmer—low 90’s to high 60’s—than other parts of the country, and dependably sunny. Beneath the shining sun and Pacific sunsets, dozens of beaches line the coast. Some are perfect for surfing, others for swimming. Sand colors range from dark volcanic to shell-white.

Our Favorite Hotels

What to do in Northern Nicoya

As a lot of Costa Rica, this area offers land and sea activities, although water activities are among the most popular in the area. LANDED arranges privately guided experiences with our clients’ unique interests in mind. We’ve tailored experiences such as:

• Surf Lessons
• Kayaking
• Snorkeling
• Scuba Diving
• Dolphin Watching
• Sport Fishing
• Catamaran Tours
• Mangrove Wildlife Tours
• Whitewater Rafting
• Horseback Riding
• Canopy Tours

From August to December, nesting turtles can be observed.

The country’s best golf resorts are also located here, offering their guests the opportunity to enjoy several self-guided activities and access to resort amenities such as the Beach Club, various restaurants, and golf and tennis centers.

What is the Weather Like?

Costa Rica is located in the tropics and close to the equator and is considered a rainforest country with warm temperatures being characteristic throughout the year. There are two well-defined seasons:

Dry Season: December – April
Green Season: May – November

The Guanacaste Province is the driest area in Costa Rica. It’s pleasantly warm all year round, but there are some seasonal differences. During the Wet season, temperatures drop slightly and can go from 82ºF to 86°F. December through April show highs of up to 100ºF. However, due to its seaside position, a refreshing breeze is felt throughout the day. Monthly rainfall is minimal. Even during the May to October green season, afternoon rains are usually intense and brief.

These averages are changing, please check extended weather forecasts using your favorite weather app prior to departure.

Getting There

The beach towns and resorts of the Northern Nicoya are easily reached from Liberia’s international airport. Most of the large resorts are within an hour’s drive.

Tamarindo and Langosta, at the southern end of this coastline, can be reached by road or via domestic flights from San José (four and a half hours) and Liberia (one and a half hours). Farther south, you can explore the beaches and forest of the Central and Southern Nicoya.

Short regional flights connect Manuel Antonio with both international airports, as well as several domestic airfields. Private charters can also be arranged.

For domestic flights within Costa Rica, you will most likely be traveling on a small aircraft which imposes weight restrictions on luggage, typically 25 pounds per person.

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