The paddling around the Nosara area is a well-kept secret. Birds and native foliage make the trips a naturalist's dream come true. Experienced & knowledgeable guides lead you down the slow & beautiful jungle rivers of the Rio Garza, Rio Montaña or Rio Nosara. Some of the many species of birds you are likely to spot are kingfishers, herons, Roseate Spoonbills, whistling ducks, storks, cormorants, anhingas, pelicans, frigates, motmots, sandpipers, kiskadees, & hawks. There are a few different companies offering kayaking tours here, just ask us! info@nosaratravel.com
This from Ed Mayfield, past president of the Mesilla Valley Audubon Society & vice president of the New Mexico State Audubon Council.
One of his lists of sightings in August comprised of 186 birds. "Birding is a very rewarding experience and shared by many aficionados who have had the pleasure of birding in Nosara. You can view numerous species of shore birds, raptors, wrens, flycatchers and many tropical birds which make up only a few of the more than 200 plus species of birds in the area. Places to bird begin when you first look out of your window in the morning and step outside your door. The many trails along the Nosara River, in the jungle, on the beach, in the rice fields, along the jungle roads, always present many new birds to enjoy."One of the best places to go birdwatching is a walk through the Lagarta Biological Reserve. Also, for beginners: the Nosara Boat Tour is perfect! See more information on both options below.
Photo Courtesy of Marc Fenner
Although nesting sea turtles are frequently seen on Playa Guiones, to see large numbers travel to Ostional
a four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended, especially in the wet season when the bulk of the nesting occurs.
With insufficient funding to adequately patrol the beach at Ostional, and needing the support of the local villagers, the Wildlife authorities, in an example of the "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" philosophy in conservation proposed that Ostional residents, and only Ostional residents, be granted permission to harvest a limited number of eggs only during the first two nights of each nesting period; allowing them to sell the eggs only to bars with licenses to serve turtle eggs. This policy theoretically protects the later nests as turtles arriving later on during an arribada often inadvertently excavate early nests. The idea is for the local populace to be able to safeguard their source of income, while functioning as a police force. This novel policy has generated much debate, but seems to be working effectively. Turtle Info: 2682-0470/2682-0462 (Taxi)
Ostional Nesting of the Sea Turtles
Several times a year, (mostly at night) female turtles come ashore in such numbers that the black sand beach resembles a stretch of rocky coastline. These mass nesting episodes (lasting from 2 to 8 days) are locally referred to as "arrivadas," or arrivals. The arrivadas usually begin several nights after full moon.
During the peak nesting season from July through November, however, more than 100,000 nests may be made during a single arrivada & any correlation with moon phases or tides is lost.
The belief that turtle eggs are an aphrodisiac has led to their popular demand as bocas (snacks served as appetizers in local cantinas), and people used to come from as far away as San Jose to indulge in the ransacking of turtle nests for eggs.
You'll often find the "tractor trailer" tracks the turtles leave on Playa Guiones
Jungle Joe of Iguana Expeditions: In addition to kayaking trips (including ocean kayaking for the experienced) Joe can arrange hiking trips to waterfalls & bat caves, canopy tours and overnight volcano watching trips to Arenal. People love the tours with Jungle Joe! Phone: 2682-4089. Monkey Quad Tours: Phone: 2682-1001 also does tours of Snorkeling in San Juanillo, Ostional turtles and jungle/waterfall tours. Coconut Harry's & Gunther's Quads will also do some of these tours on quads/ATVS. Harry: 2682-0574/ Gunther's: 2682-0424. For more information on these options, you may also email us at: info@nosaratravel.com
Nosara Boat Tours
Ride through rivers, jungle paths, hidden waterfalls, and along wide, dreamlike beaches. Experience the tropical rain and dry forest along the pacific coast. The much loved horses of Boca Nosara Tours are well trained so you can relax and concentrate on the natural beauty of your surroundings. Our clients have really enjoyed the following tour:
Beate and Hawe of Boca Nosara Tours are specialized to take small groups (maximum of 6) and they know the animals and plants of our area well. With their knowledge and experience you are guaranteed an unforgettable riding experience. You’ll not only see much of our wildlife, including monkeys, anteaters, armadillos, anteaters & birds, but you’ll learn which trees the natives use for making lipstick, pots, & natural medicines. For more information about horseback riding or this particular tour: Call them at 2682-0280 directly or we can also arrange this tour for you from our office at Nosara Travel & Rentals: 2682-0300 or email us at info@nosaratravel.com.
Mangroves over 200 years old with a mystical atmosphere, 270 different kinds of colorfull birds hunting and nesting, spectacular crocodiles and tiny babycrocs swimming or resting on the sandbank. See the amazing wildlife of the Rio Nosara and Rio Montana (8 miles) with Leroy on a soundless electric powered boat. The silence on the river will be only interrupted by the mysterious noises of the nature. Monkeys and rare birds will join your way, maybe you'll see two staring eyes in the water - a crocodile, turtles lying in the sun. This is a great tour for all kinds of people, including beginner birdwatchers!
RESERVA BIOLOGICA NOSARA is a private nature-reserve with the size of about 50 hectares or 125 acres and is situated along the Nosara River. It is home to a lot of species of plants, mangroves and wildlife. Many different birds, such as seabirds, herons, waders, tukanes, motmots,manakins, etc, can be found in this area, altogether there are more than 270 species. “Birds of the reserva”. You can also see some other animals, such as monkeys, coatis, raccoons, armadillos, snakes, anteaters, crabs, iguanas and others.
The entrance to the Reserva Biológica ($6 per person) is free for Costa Rican residents and Lagarta hotel guests. The walk through the nature reserve starts at the lobby of the Lagarta Lodge. Visitors get a map of the reserve and a tree list which includes names and short description of the trees within the Reserva Biológica. This self guided tour takes about 2 hours. If you would like a guided tour (highly recommended!!!) the entrance fee + guide = $11/per person. The tours are available in the morning or afternoon. Tours can be in English, Spanish or German. The guided tour is between 2 and 2 1/2 hours long. The morning tour can end with a buffet breakfast at the Lagarta Lodge, just add $7/pp and it's a great way to conclude a satisfying nature tour.
Nosara Travel & Rentals is able to book your tour, just visit us at our office or email: info@nosaratravel.com for more information.
