WHAT TO PACK FOR NOSARA (AND WHAT YOU CAN LEAVE AT HOME)
Packing for Nosara is refreshingly simple. Life here is casual, warm, outdoorsy, and a little dusty—or muddy, depending on the season. You don’t need fancy outfits, a different pair of shoes for every occasion, or a suitcase full of “just in case” items.
That said, there are a few things that can make your trip much more comfortable. Here’s what we recommend packing for a vacation in Nosara—and what you can happily leave behind.
WHAT TO WEAR IN NOSARA
Nosara is very casual. Even at some of the nicest restaurants in town, you’ll see people in shorts, sundresses, sandals, and surf clothes.
For most trips, pack:
Lightweight shorts
T-shirts and tank tops
Sundresses or casual evening outfits
Swimsuits—more than one is helpful in the humidity
A lightweight cover-up
Comfortable sandals or flip-flops
Sneakers if you plan to hike, work out, or explore
Activewear for yoga, hiking, surfing, or other activities
Natural, lightweight, breathable fabrics are your friend. Nosara is hot year-round, and the humidity can make heavier clothing uncomfortable very quickly.
Do You Need Nice Clothes for Restaurants?
Not really.
Nosara has an incredible restaurant scene, but the dress code remains decidedly beach-town casual. You may want one or two outfits that feel a little nicer for dinner, but there is very little need for heels, jackets, dress shoes, or formal clothing.
SUN PROTECTION IS A MUST
The Costa Rican sun is strong, even when it doesn’t feel particularly hot or when the sky is cloudy.
Bring:
High-SPF sunscreen
Face sunscreen
Sunglasses
A hat
Rash guard if you plan to surf or spend long periods in the ocean
You can absolutely buy sunscreen in Nosara, but imported brands can be more expensive than what you may be used to at home. If you have a particular brand you love, bring it with you.
BUG SPRAY
Mosquitoes are part of tropical life, particularly during green season and around dusk.
Pack a good insect repellent, especially if you tend to attract mosquitoes. You can also find bug spray locally, so forgetting it isn't an emergency.
WHAT TO PACK DURING GREEN SEASON
Nosara's green season generally runs from May through November, and it is one of our favorite times of year here. The jungle is incredibly lush, there are fewer crowds, and the afternoon rains can be beautiful.
If you're visiting during these months, add:
A lightweight rain jacket
Quick-drying clothing
Shoes you don't mind getting muddy
A small umbrella if you like having one
One thing we don't recommend is packing lots of heavy rain gear. Despite the name "rainy season," it doesn't necessarily rain all day. Many mornings are sunny and beautiful, with rain arriving later in the afternoon or evening.
A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE
Bring one.
Nosara is hot, and staying hydrated is important whether you're surfing, doing yoga, walking to the beach, or simply spending the afternoon by the pool.
Many vacation rentals have filtered drinking water or water filtration systems, making it easy to refill your bottle throughout your stay.
A SMALL BEACH BAG OR BACKPACK
You'll probably use this more than you expect.
A lightweight bag is perfect for carrying sunscreen, water, towels, snacks, and a book to the beach. Something washable or easy to shake sand out of is ideal.
YOUR REGULAR MEDICATIONS
Bring enough of any prescription medications you regularly take for your entire trip, preferably in your carry-on luggage.
Nosara has several pharmacies, and Costa Rican pharmacists can help with many common illnesses and minor medical needs. However, specific medications or brands may not always be available, so anything you rely on regularly should come with you.
ELECTRONICS: KEEP IT SIMPLE
Costa Rica uses the same standard electrical outlets as the United States and Canada, so travelers from those countries generally do not need a plug adapter.
Bring whatever electronics you normally travel with, along with:
Phone charger
Portable battery pack
Headphones
Kindle or tablet if you use one
If you're planning to work remotely, it's also worth bringing any specific cables, adapters, or equipment you need rather than assuming you'll be able to find them locally.
A LITTLE CASH
Credit cards are widely accepted around Nosara, but it's still useful to have some cash for smaller purchases, tips, roadside fruit stands, or places where cards may not be convenient.
Both U.S. dollars and Costa Rican colones are commonly used, although your change may be given back in colones.
WHAT YOU CAN LEAVE AT HOME
This is where packing for Nosara gets easier.
Heels and Formal Shoes
Unless you have a specific event that requires them, you probably won't wear them. Nosara's roads, gravel, sand, and tropical terrain aren't particularly heel-friendly anyway.
Lots of Makeup
Of course, bring whatever makes you feel comfortable, but Nosara tends to inspire a much more natural routine. Between the heat, humidity, beach, and pool, many visitors find themselves wearing far less makeup than they expected.
Heavy Clothing
You won't need sweaters, jeans, jackets, or layers for warmth. A very lightweight layer can be nice in strong air conditioning, but otherwise, think tropical.
Too Many Outfits
Nosara has a way of making you repeat your favorite shorts, swimsuit, and sundress over and over again.
Many vacation homes also have access to laundry, so there is rarely a reason to pack an outfit for every single day of your trip.
Beach Towels
If you're staying in a professionally managed vacation rental, check your amenities before packing bulky towels. Rent Nosara homes provide bath and beach towels for our guests, which means one less thing taking up valuable suitcase space.
Hair Styling Tools
You can bring them, of course—but don't be surprised if they stay in your suitcase.
Nosara's humidity has its own plans for your hair. Beach waves, ponytails, and buns tend to win.
A FEW THINGS PEOPLE OFTEN FORGET
Some of the smallest items can be the most useful:
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun lotion
Hair ties
Small first-aid basics
Motion sickness medication if you're prone to it
Earplugs if you're a light sleeper—Nosara's howler monkeys occasionally have very early opinions
A dry bag for boat trips or water activities
Copies or photos of important travel documents
CAN I BUY THINGS I FORGET IN NOSARA?
Absolutely.
Nosara is no longer a tiny town where basic supplies are difficult to find. There are grocery stores, pharmacies, boutiques, surf shops, hardware stores, and other local businesses where you can pick up most everyday essentials.
That said, imported products can be considerably more expensive in Costa Rica. Specialty skincare, favorite sunscreen brands, specific medications, electronics, and other particular items are usually worth bringing from home.
THE REAL NOSARA PACKING RULE: BRING LESS
If you're debating whether you need something, there's a good chance you don't.
Nosara isn't a place where you need to dress to impress. Days revolve around the beach, surf, yoga, good food, sunsets, and time outside. The best packing strategy is comfortable, lightweight, practical, and easy.
Pack your swimsuits, sunscreen, sandals, and a few favorite outfits.
Leave a little extra room in your suitcase—and settle into Nosara life.