Everything You Need to Know About Technology and Internet Services in Nosara

In Nosara, opportunities for an active lifestyle are everywhere. You can surf, swim, go for a hike, or even soar through the mountains on a canopy tour. While this is all incredibly wonderful, at some point, your kids may need a break from all the adventures and sun – and you want to put a Netflix movie on. Or, if you are like many people these days, you rely heavily on technology for work and need access to a reliable internet connection. So, the question is – can you live or vacation in a remote and beautiful place like Nosara and still be plugged into the rest of the world? Let’s take a look at the available technology and internet services in Nosara.

Office workplace with laptop on wood table against the windows.

Office workplace with laptop on wood table against the windows.

Internet Options in Nosara

We first reported on technology services in Nosara back in 2013. Things here have changed quite a bit since then, and for the better. So, here’s the good news – you can stay connected in Nosara. In fact, there are multiple internet providers and options to choose from. And now they are even fast enough in most places that you can watch Netflix or Hulu, or skype with a business partner back in the states. Here’s a list of the top technology and internet services in Nosara:

  • Cable Tica – 35/5 Mbps fiber optic service
  • Kolbi – 2048/768 Kbps ADSL through phone lines.
  • American Data Network – 6Mbps/6Mbps up to 10mbps service – also available in the mountains.
  • Gilded Iguana – 100 Mbps fiber optic service in town. (Coming soon.)



Cable Tica is a division of Teletica, Costa Rica’s very first television station. It has been around since 1991 but did not reach Nosara until 2013. It was actually the very first reliable and affordable tv and internet service outside of the government-controlled ICE to come to the area. It offers cable TV, including HD, and internet services for homes. Cable Tica uses fiber optics at speeds of 35/5mbps and is currently expanding and adding even more lines around town.

Kolbi also provides connectivity. For the most part, it is slower service at 2045/768 Kbps that uses ADSL through phone lines. KOLBI is an ICE connection, which is part of the government monopoly that we reported on before. This is not the most reliable connection source, but it is an inexpensive one. KOLBI also offers television services where DSL is available.

American Data Network is a reliable, symmetric internet provider in Nosara that offers high-speed services of 6 Mbps/6 Mbps and sometimes it is as fast as 10 Mbps in certain locations. It provides internet access through both fiber optics and wireless connections. Plus, it is accessible by people outside of town in more remote areas such as the mountains.

Gilded Iguana is the last on this list, but certainly not the least. This beloved hotel and restaurant is currently undergoing a massive renovation and expansion project. However, when it reopens in February of 2018, not only will it be spectacular, it will provide Nosara with fiber optic service speeds of 100 Mbps.

Cell Phone Services in Nosara

In Nosara, you won’t have to trade in your latest-and-greatest smartphone for an old flip phone model – or even worse, a landline. The technology and internet services in Nosara are catching up with the rest of the world. And there are several cell phone services that you can choose from today:

  • Kolbi – 4G service with both prepaid and postpaid plans.
  • Movistar – Also offers 4G service for prepaid and postpaid plans.
  • Claro – Prepaid only 4G service in Nosara



Again, Kolbi is an ICE service, however, their cell phone service has come a long way since we first reported on the company. Kolbi offers 4G service with both prepaid and “postpaid” terms.

Movistar is another 4G cell phone option in Nosara. Similar to Kolbi, this cell phone service provider offers both prepaid and postpaid options, and you can also purchase your phone directly from them.

A third cell phone option in Nosara is Claro. Claro also provides 4G service, but it is only available as a prepaid option.

Technology and Internet Services in a Shared Workspace

One of the great things about Nosara is that the people here are very mindful of how their lives and choices impact others in the community, as well as the environment. And from this consciousness, sprung a shared workspace called Tribewire.

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Tribewire is nestled in the trees above Mala Noche Restaurant in North Guiones. It is a space that provides technology and internet services in Nosara for digital nomads or anyone else who needs access to modern technology. At Tribewire, there are both communal and private workstations available with a membership fee. You’ll have access to computers, printers, and high-speed Wi-Fi at 10 Mbps. Plus, there is plenty of outdoor space to relax in when you need a break from your work.

In Conclusion…

While you may have read about slow and intermittent connections in the past, today technology and internet services in Nosara have improved drastically, and with the 100 Mbps that is coming this next year to the Gilded Iguana, they will continue to do so. So, whether you need services for your business, a rental home, or your own personal enjoyment, access to the rest of the world is not something you’ll have to sacrifice when you come to Nosara.

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Where to Go Surfing in Nosara Costa Rica

While it is a popular destination for many different reasons, Nosara is probably best known for its surfing. The waves, the sun, the sand…. surfing in Nosara Costa Rica should be on your bucket list (if it isn’t already). Travel & Leisure and National Geographic have each featured Nosara as one of the world’s top surf towns. So, where can you find the best surfing in Nosara? That depends on what you are looking for. Read on to learn about the best places in Nosara to surf for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros.

Nosara Surfing: The Three Main Breaks

Before you head out to catch a wave in Nosara, it is a good idea to learn a little about the geography. Within the area known as Nosara, there are three main breaks: Bocas Del Nosara, Playa Pelada, and Playa Guiones. Each of these offers its own set of benefits and caters to certain kinds of surfers.

Bocas del Nosara is also known as the Nosara Rivermouth. If you are looking for the least crowded, most challenging surfing in Nosara Costa Rica, then this is the place to try. It is the northernmost of the three surfing areas and is about a kilometer away from Pelada. At this juncture, the Rio Nosara empties into the Pacific Ocean, and there is a rocky break with some of the best waves you’ll find. But this surfer’s paradise is not for beginners. It should only be attempted by those with advanced surfing skills.

Playa Pelada is a great family destination for surfing in Nosara Costa Rica. It is not as difficult to surf as Bocas del Nosara, nor does it attract the crowds that Playa Guiones does. This surf break has a nice sandy beach for kids to play on, but it quickly turns to rock and reef. It has rocky outcroppings that create a volcanic reef surf break. After surfing here, you can grab a bite to eat at La Luna, one of the few beach front restaurants here, and ranked by Trip Advisor as one of the best places to eat in Nosara.

Playa Guiones is one of the top Nosara surf spots because of its versatile breaks. Whether it is high tide or low tide, you can catch a wave here. It has plenty of whitewater waves for beginning surfers plus challenging surf with swells up to 14 feet for veteran surfers. Another reason Playa Guiones is so popular is that even if your main purpose is surfing in Nosara Costa Rica, there are still plenty of other activities to do here. You can find many hotels, restaurants, and businesses up and down the coastline. In fact, it is the top beach spot for vacationing tourists.

Nosara Surf Shops and Lessons

If you are interested in surfing Nosara but need to rent your gear or take a few lessons, there are plenty of excellent places to visit. Most surf shops and schools are around Playa Guiones. They offer a variety of gear and lessons for all ages and stages of surfing in Nosara Costa Rica.

Coconut Harry’s is a popular surf shop and school where you can rent boards, take a lesson, or even sign up for one of their “adventure packages”. They offer both group and private lessons for adults and kids from ISA professionals. For more information visit Coconut Harry’s online.

Nosara Tico Surf School is a locally owned surf school in Playa Guiones offering private, semi-private, and group lessons. This surf school has instructors with extensive experience in competitive surfing and is a great place for advanced surfers to train with professional coaches. You can also buy surfing gear and clothing here. To learn more about Nosara Tico Surf School, visit their website.

Safari Surf School takes pride in offering an authentic sustainable surfing experience. It is an official partner with Billabong Camps and one of the top surfing schools in Nosara. Like the other popular surf shops, you can take a variety of lessons depending on your age and skills, or book a surfing vacation package. For more information about Safari Surf School, check them out online.

Surfing in Nosara Costa Rica

Surfing is an experience like no other. Riding the waves forces you to be present in the moment because the alternative can result in you falling off your board. Many surfers will tell you there is no greater feeling than being a part of the ocean, even if only for a few minutes (or seconds).

For some of the best surfing in one of the top surf towns in the world, visit Nosara Costa Rica.

Five Tips for Living in Nosara Costa Rica

When you visit Nosara Costa Rica, it is hard to leave. There is so much to do here that you may not get to accomplish it all before the trip is over….and since the whole “vibe” is so relaxed, you may not do much of anything! That is one of the many reasons so many expats decide on living in Nosara Costa Rica rather than simply visiting. If this is you, then there are a few things that you need to know to help plan the move. Here’s our five top tips for living in Nosara.

Tip #1: Learn the residency rules for Costa Rica.

Once you have decided to make the move to Nosara, start learning the rules and gathering your documents. If you want to live in Nosara longer than three months at a time, then you will need to apply for residency.

Currently, Costa Rica grants tourist visas for up to 90 days. After 90 days is up, you are required to leave the country. However, if living in Nosara Costa Rica long-term is your goal, then you should apply for permanent residency. The immigration rules regularly change, so check Costa Rica’s official website for the most current information. (Scroll to the bottom of the page for English).

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Tip #2: Living in Nosara is awesome, but there are some critters to contend with.

If you have spent any amount of time living in Nosara Costa Rica, even temporarily, then you have likely encountered a few insects, spiders, and rodents. But then again, part of Nosara’s charm is its vibrant, natural setting.

So, yes – you may have to wipe away a few cobwebs and set out a few mouse traps, but you also get to watch sea turtle hatchlings find their way to the ocean, catch the perfect wave at Playa Guiones, do yoga on the beach, or simply enjoy the views from your mountainside retreat.

Tip #3: You will have several very good healthcare options in Nosara.

One top concern for many people when it comes to moving to a foreign country is healthcare. Whether you are at retirement age, have children, or have some health concerns to contend with, you can be confident that you will have excellent care living in Nosara Costa Rica. In fact, International Living ranked it one of its best places to live abroad, in part because of the excellent healthcare system.

The healthcare system in Costa Rica is highly rated internationally. There is an excellent public health insurance system available to both citizens and legal residents, or you can purchase a private insurance plan at a reasonable price. It covers most routine checkups and 80 percent of major surgeries.

Tip #4: When you move to Nosara, get involved with the community.

One of the best parts of living in Nosara Costa Rica is its people. The locals and the expats that live here are the ones who built this cool coastal community. It has a small-town feel, yet the infrastructure of a more urban area, which is not always the case in Central American towns.

The people here are warm, friendly, and foster a sense of community. And when things need to get done, they get them done. When petty crime became an issue, the people of Nosara joined forces and approached the police department to expand its force. Another group worked to get recycling in the area. In fact, there are over 20 different organizations, such as Friends of Nosara, that help make Nosara the awesome beach town that it is. So, find something you are passionate about, find a group, and get involved.

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Tip #5: Work with a knowledgeable local realtor.

While this is a great tip when moving anywhere, it is particularly important when living in Nosara Costa Rica – for several reasons.
First, if you plan to rent, you may discover that it is much easier to find a vacation rental than a long-term rental (because more money can be made from vacation rentals).

And many of the listings for sale or rent are exclusively through the real estate agencies. Working with a local, knowledgeable agent means you have access to more listings and more information about the community. Located in the heart of North Guiones, REMAX First Choice Realty is the top agency in Nosara.

Additionally, an experienced agent can help you navigate the residency and immigration rules of Costa Rica. Investing in a business or property is one of the ways to become a legal citizen. A knowledgeable realtor is familiar with these requirements and could help to point you in the right direction.

Moving to Nosara Costa Rica has a few logistical challenges, no doubt, but anyone who lives here will tell you it is well worth the effort to make this beautiful coastal town your home!

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Move-In Ready House & Income Opportunity in Guiones

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Indoor Outdoor Nosara Style Beach House

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Nosara Costa Rica Real Estate Trends for 2018

If you have been following the real estate market in Nosara Costa Rica for any length of time, then you know that the area has experienced tremendous growth in the last five years. We reported earlier this year that CFIA measured a 300% jump in construction from 2012 to 2016. And it looks like 2017 is on track to be another record year. So, the question is, as we get ready to wind down this year, what will things look like this next year? Here’s a look at the Nosara Costa Rica real estate trends for 2018.

Top Trends in Real Estate for 2018

The Nosara Costa Rica real estate trends mirror many of the global trends for 2018, especially in the upscale market. In fact, it could be argued that Nosara is an ideal place to invest in real estate.

While some economists have worried that we are due for another housing bubble burst, a recent report from PwC reveals that leading experts in the real estate do not see this real estate crash in the future. Economies are stable and steady and lenders have become increasingly careful on who they lend money to. All of this is good news for real estate in 2018.

With that being said, what can we expect to find in the Nosara Costa Rica real estate trends?

Trends in Nosara Homes for Sale

A global trend that continues to impact Nosara is that more people are choosing to trade in the hustle and bustle of their fast-paced lives for a better-quality lifestyle. They are leaving their homes in metropolitan areas and seeking out a slower pace of life. Costa Rica is extremely attractive and will continue to be so for this group because of its political and economic stability, services, and infrastructure. Since Nosara was originally designed as a planned community by an American developer in the 1950s, it is particularly attractive to buyers.

The high-end market of Nosara Costa Rica real estate trends is seeing an influx of “jungle” mansions going up. The Wall Street Journal recently noted this new trend. In 2018, Nosara can expect to see more luxury homes built in the mountains with stunning views of the ocean and countryside. To highlight the views, these beautiful homes will include features like infinity pools and walls of glass windows and sliding glass doors.

One local architect noted that the trend is to build homes that provide the sensation of living in the jungle, without the insects and spiders.

Technology Trends

Another of the Nosara Costa Rica real estate trends that you can expect to see in 2018 is more smart home automation. We’ve heard about smart home automation for some time, and in 2018 it will be a big thing. Nosara may be a laid-back surfer’s paradise, but it still provides many of the comforts and conveniences of home (without all the stress of it).

According to an article in the Costa Rican Times, Costa Rican developers are now offering to include smart home technology in new construction projects. But if you have an existing home, or are buying one that does not have this technology, it is still possible to incorporate it into your home. Some of the smart home features available for 2018 will be:

  • ~Light management
  • ~Video, audio, and television services
  • ~Cameras
  • ~Doors and gates
  • ~Alarms
  • ~Irrigation for gardens
  • ~Air conditioning
  • ~Water heaters

These are just a few of the many smart home features you can incorporate into your Nosara home.

Nosara Costa Rica House Rentals

In 2018, another one of the Nosara Costa Rica real estate trends will be a continued rise in the vacation rental market. Not only is Nosara a popular destination amongst yogis and surfers, it is also becoming a favorite amongst those seeking a sustainable vacation.
What is sustainable travel? In part, it is about your green footprint, but it is much more than that. Sustainable tourism embraces local culture and heritage and is mindful of the economic benefit that their travel brings to the local people. Recently, US News ranked Costa Rica as one of its eight top ethical travel destinations. And while many of these travelers choose to stay in one of Nosara’s beautiful hotels, there are also many visitors who prefer to rent a home for their stay, especially families.

So, whether you are looking to plant roots in Nosara or invest in its flourishing real estate market, 2018 will provide plenty of opportunities.

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Waterfront Equestrian Turn-Key Home and Business

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Beachside in Guiones– 5 Bed, 5 Bath Home Just Steps from the Ocean

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Top 5 Nosara Yoga Studios

Top 5 Nosara Yoga Studios

Nosara is one of the best places in the world to practice and explore yoga. Whether you are looking for relaxation and renewal, a deeper yoga experience, or trying it out for the first time, this Costa Rican town should be on your bucket list. In this article, we’ll explore the early beginnings of yoga in Nosara and tell you where to find the best Nosara yoga studios.

Surfing and Yoga?

How did a coastal surf town like Nosara become a yoga hotspot? In 1994, two top yoga instructors from the US, Don and Amba Stapleton, put Nosara on the map in the yoga world when they opened the popular Nosara Yoga Institute. Since then, Nosara has become a mecca for yogis of all ages and abilities. People come for the many retreats and classes available year-round in this lush and tropical Costa Rican climate.
Whatever your reason may be for exploring yoga classes, these are the top five yoga studios in Nosara that you won’t want to miss:

Blue Spirit Costa Rica

Ranked as one of the top 16 favorite yoga retreats by some of the best yoga teachers in the world, Blue Spirit is well-loved for its stunning hilltop views of Nosara’s pristine white sand beaches, its elegant accommodations, and some of the best yoga retreats, workshops, and trainings that you will find.

The setting at Blue Spirit is dedicated to spiritual transformation and personal development in an eco-friendly environment. It was founded by Stephan Retchschaffen, co-founder of the well-known Omega Institute in New York. For more information about classes and accommodations, visit Blue Spirit Costa Rica online.

Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort

The Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort is one of the largest and best places to get a good feel for Nosara yoga. While it is relatively new to the scene (opening in 2014), it didn’t waste any time becoming one of the finest yoga resorts in the area. In fact, when the Nosara Yoga Institute recently went up for sale, Bodhi Tree acquired it.

It offers a beautiful setting for group retreats or individuals looking to deepen their yoga practice. Guests can stay on-site in the resorts high-end accommodations, or simply come for a class. See the Bodhi Tree yoga schedule online for more information about the classes that are offered.

The Nexus Institute for Yoga & Wellness

If you are looking to deepen your Yoga experience and earn your certification in the process, then this top Nosara yoga studio is where you want to be. The Nexus Institute is a registered Yoga School and Continuing Education Provider certified through the Yoga Alliance.

The idea for this school came about after two yogis met in the jungle of Costa Rica in 2013. One was a Catholic nun, and the other – an investment banker. Despite their different backgrounds, they both shared a love and passion for the art of yoga, and together opened this well-respected institute where people from all over the world come to train and cultivate their own personal yoga style.

Costa Rica Yoga Spa

Chosen by Yoga Journal as one of the best luxury escapes for a yoga retreat, Costa Rica Yoga Spa is a private oasis for renewal and restoration. It is nestled on a mountain overlooking both the Pacific Ocean and Costa Rica’s Ostional National Wildlife Park (where thousands of Oliver Ridley sea turtles nest each year).

The Costa Rica Yoga Spa offers amazing yoga retreats throughout the year in collaboration with some of the top internationally trained leaders. This Nosara yoga studio offers a variety of events including their own Signature Surf and Yoga Retreat. Visit Costa Rica Yoga Spa online for a full list of their upcoming yoga events.

The Harmony Hotel

The last on the list, but certainly NOT the least is the Harmony Hotel. Travel & Leisure magazine ranked this yoga studio as one of the best five in all of Costa Rica. Its spacious open-air studio is surrounded by the sights and sounds of the jungle. No walls, no mirrors, just soothing space to relax, restore, and renew yourself.

Harmony offers yoga classes seven days a week, including aerial yoga, where yogis can perform postures and poses from a hammock suspended from the ceiling. Harmony Hotel also offers private yoga classes and studio rentals for yoga instructors looking for a place to host their own class.

Which Nosara Yoga Studio Will You Choose?

If you are looking for a truly amazing yoga experience, choosing Nosara is an easy decision. Figuring out which Nosara yoga studio to try might be a bit more difficult. But don’t let that stop you. You may find yourself coming back time and again for new and different yoga experiences. Or, like so many others before you, you might discover that once you get here, you never want to leave.

Things to Do in Nosara Costa Rica with Kids

You’ve heard about all the cool things to do in Nosara Costa Rica – the incredible surf, the stunning views, the laid-back lifestyle…. the peacefully serene yoga sessions. But you have kids. And most of the time there is nothing peaceful or serene about that. So, is Nosara really a place you can go?

The answer – unequivocally YES! There are great things to do in Nosara Costa Rica with kids. Whether you are looking for a great travel destination or planning a more permanent stay, there are plenty of ways to experience Nosara with kids. Let’s take a look…

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Exploring Nosara with Your Kids

There are so many amazing things to do in Nosara Costa Rica – where do we even begin? Nosara provides a natural, beautiful setting to explore the outdoors with your family. From tiny tots to adventurous teens, the possibilities are practically endless. Here are some of the top Nosara outdoor adventures:

Nosara Wildlife Sanctuary at SIBU

The SIBU Sanctuary rescues injured and orphaned wild animals and cares for them until they can hopefully return to the wild. It opened its doors in the 1990s and has been a place of refuge for many different native, Costa Rican animals, and especially howler monkeys. Because of its popularity, and a limited number of guests allowed in each day, you’ll need to make a reservation – and your children must be at least five years old. For more information or to make your reservation, visit SIBU Sanctuary online.

Nosara Adventure Tours

While there are many things to do in Nosara Costa Rica on your own as a family, it is pretty cool when you can get a local tour guide to show you the ropes. Experience Nosara is an adventure tours company offering incredible, memory-making activities for your whole family. Their Family Adventure package has tour options like stand-up paddling, wildlife and birding kayak tours, waterfall hikes, and even horseback riding.

Canopy Tours in Nosara

Considered by many as a thing you must do in Nosara, a canopy tour is a fantastic way for you and your family to experience the beautiful landscape of Costa Rica. Miss Sky Canopy Tour, in Nosara, is described as the longest canopy tour in the world. It takes you through the mountains, valleys, rivers, and coastline of the Pacific Ocean. And most tours are accessible for children ages five and up.

Classes, Lessons, and Camps

Going on adventures as a family is awesome – and it is what family vacations are all about – for the most part. There’s also the more challenging aspect of being constantly together over a period of time. That is why one of the other great things to do in Nosara Costa Rica with kids is to send them to a camp…. or a really cool class. And Nosara offers plenty of great options.

Surf Lessons

Considered by National Geographic as one of the top 20 surf towns in the world, it stands to reason you could find great surf lessons in Nosara. Now, this is something you could do with your kids as a family, but you also have the option of signing them up and taking off for a little adult time too. Safari Surf not only provides daily lessons for surfers of all ages, it hosts full and half day camps for kids ages five to 15.

Activity Camps

While surfing is a very popular amongst kids, there are also other equally fun things to do in Nosara Costa Rica. Nosara Day Camp offers week-long programs, or you can bring your child in for just a day or two. Not only do your kids get to do fun things like paddle boarding or horseback riding, they also get a taste of the local culture – literally. They might pick and eat their own fruit, or visit a local farmer’s kitchen to bake. And if you live in Nosara full-time, you get a 20 percent discount.

On-Going Activities in Nosara for Your Kids

It is hard to imagine that any of these great activities in Nosara could ever get old. But the reality with kids is that you probably can’t spend every day exploring waterfalls and zip lining through the mountaintops. (Although it would certainly be fun to try!) There are still plenty of normal kid activities to do. In fact, a Huffington Post article rated Nosara as one of its five amazing cities for raising a family.

Nosara has an excellent Waldorf inspired school Casa de Las Estrellas. The bilingual elementary school and preschool feature programs in art, dance, science and argriculture.

Whether you are planning to stay in Nosara for a short visit or longer, there are plenty of things to do with your kids in this fantastic Costa Rican town.

Ocean View Estate in K Section – New Listing – Sunset Views and Walk to Surf Break, In Pristine, Natural Environment on 2.5 acres of land

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This is truly a one of a kind private oasis is hitting the market for the first time in nearly 15 years surrounded by pristine jungle and conveniently steps away from The Bodhi Tree and a short walk to the beach. The number of estate properties that are walk to beach with ocean views in Guiones, can be counted on a single hand – this incredible property is one of those very rare properties .

The house features three bedrooms and three bathrooms over 2 stories of ocean views, with a rooftop deck bursting with potential. This hill-top hidden gem has an abundance of usable property, internal roads and building pads for easy access to expand and build out into a retreat center or family compound. The main house was constructed to allow for the natural breezes to keep it cool, to capture the magnificent views of the Pacific and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. The architecture and precision design of the house are beautifully surrounded in bougainvillea, flowering trees, and very mature landscaping. Well and water storage on site is included with the house. Properties like this rarely hit the market once sold they may be gone for a lifetime, for the discerning real estate buyer in Nosara, this is a “must see” property.

Want to buy this ocean view mansion for only $600,000? What aboutfor just $395,000 ??? This property has two fully separated building areas that are easily sub dividable into three (3) 2000 square meter lots that may sell for roughly $300,000 each and recoup nearly $900,000 in capital right away. Great opportunity for an arbitrage! Contact Us now to get started.

Visit the listing by clicking here…

Double High Ceilings in Living Room

Design Precision

Privacy in Natural Setting

Space to build Rooftop Deck with Spectacular Views

What are the best real estate deals for sale in Nosara right now?

We often get asked, what are the best real estate deals for sale in Nosara right now. That is a tough question to answer since the inventory can turnover quickly especially those properties that have the best prices and features, however, we put together a list of our top 5 deals for sale as of July 1 2017, and they are as follows….


 

DSC_9229-02-375x375Number 5. Best Value Ocean View Lot  This property is located in the A Section of Playa Pelada and is a full 1/4 acre, ready to build a nice home on. Coming in at an asking price of $149,000 , this is a rare opportunity for ocean views, sunsets, and privacy all packaged together in a great location.


 

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Number 4 – Most affordable Condo for sale in the Nosara area, asking price only $99,000! This two bedroom two bathroom condo is located just a 8 minute drive to Playa Guiones in a very private area in Esperanza. Quick access to grocery shopping and activities, this is the only condo for sale under 100k in the entire area. Amazing common pool area as well, this is a great investment and perfect opportunity to make an investment in area at a very low cost.


 

remax_IMG_1233-copyComing in at Number 3 is this Single Level Beach home in Playa Guiones, just steps to the beach and located adjacent to the brand new Gilded Iguana Hotel and Restaurant. Now is the time to scoop this property, which is located on a full 1/4 acre. Two Bed, two bath house with potential for additional 3rd bedroom conversion, or build a guest suite to match. Listed at $590,000 – this is the best value home available for sale in Guiones, and is sure to appreciate in value quite dramatically once the Gilded Iguana project is finished and opened. Don’t wait to long, rumor has it the Iguana will reopen sometime in early 2018.


 

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The second best real estate deal in Nosara is this amazing home in the K section, that is a multi family that includes a 2BR plus loft main house, a 1 BR Apartment, and full exercise and Yoga Studio to boot. Perfectly manicured landscaping and water features add to the jungle ambiance of this wonder home. Priced at $599,999 and on a 1/4 acre parcel of land, this home is a great investment in a killer location.


 

IMG_9039-17And the best deal on the current market is this wonderful home in Playa Pelada, on the high road to La Luna and steps from both Playa Pelada and the jungle path through to the north end of Playa Guiones. With two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a sleeping loft, covered outdoor living space and beautiful pool, this is the best value home for sale currently on the market, within walking distance to both beaches. Please Contact Us to schedule a viewing or to make an offer on this incredible property.

Nosara Real Estate Report – 2016 Midyear Update – Real Estate Roars, First Annotations Removed

As many in Nosara know, the start of the 2015 real estate sales season saw relative weakness, especially after the Registro Nacional placed over 600 annotations on properties in the Nosara area between the months of March and May of 2015. This caused an expected but short-lived pause in real estate activity, as buyers needed to wait for more information and for the dust to settle, while sellers needed time to figure out if they had an exposure to the annotations and, similarly, what it all meant. As information became available, buyers came to realize that besides the 86 fincas and 90 planos with critical flaws (all of which are transposed properties and at the core of the widely known legal proceedings between S.A. de Custodia de Propiedades Guanacastecas and the National Land Registry and State of Costa Rica), the majority of properties with annotations, when analyzed on a case-by-case basis, do not have serious issues and can be purchased and sold, built on, used and enjoyed with confidence.

With the dust having settled, the real estate market picked up steam during the major sales season between December 2015 and April 2016. So, what were the major trends this year? Let’s take a look:

  1. The 2016 market opened very strong, with a high level of activity in sales and purchases making up for the reduced number of transactions in 2015 as a result of the annotations.
  2. The market activity was very segmented. Sales in properties valued under $250,000 were healthy, proceeding at a normal pace as compared to the last few years. Properties between $250,000-$750,000 slowed, with a reduced number of transactions in this price range.  However, the market of properties, homes, and real estate transactions over $750,000 saw a huge uptick, with a number of seven figure sales transactions over the course of the season, nearly equaling the activity of the last 3-4 seasons.  “High-end“ and “Millionaire” buyers have chosen Guiones as their place to be, with a few transactions in Pelada and almost none outside these two areas.
  3. Transactions in commercial- and business-related opportunities also picked up, as the beach areas become more and more oriented towards the tourism and hospitality industries. Investors seeking “location” were buying for “built-in clientele,” an established track record, and a solid foundation for their businesses.
  4. While the immediate beach areas (I, J, K, G, and H Sections) have seen a trend towards almost entirely commercial- and business-oriented transactions, the EE, E, and F sections had a very big uptick in sales activity due to lower inventories and higher prices, prompting buyers to act quickly to secure the few homes and lots still available with high quality views, which lots also afford more privacy and residential-oriented living. Sales averages for the top tier view properties, with only half-an-acre lots, have now eclipsed the $1,000,000 mark. Property prices in the EE, E and F sections have approached all time high prices, being driven largely by permanent residents deciding to relocate from the immediate beach areas because of commercial and tourist development near the beach.

 

This was a very busy sales season for Nosara, and the trend seems to be continuing into the second half of 2016. Inventories are at record lows and prices continue to rise.  The best inventory still on the market seems to be homes in the mid-price ranges of $250,000-$750,000; there still are some deals on the market for homes in this price range. Click here to see Casa Verde, a 3 Bedroom Home on 1/4 Acre with Pool and walk to beach/shops and restaurants in Guiones North, for $575,000.

 

As the current sales season comes to an end, the biggest news to announce is the official lifting of annotations by the Registro Nacional on over 130 properties the vast majority of which are in the C section of Playa Pelada. The resolution issued by the Director of the Registro on May 2, 2016, based on informe DRI-CTE-04-0015-2016 issued on March 11, 2016, is the result of a technical study completed by the Registro on finca 47704, and on properties with annotations subdivided from 47704, to determine if the annotations should be lifted or continued.  As was previously reported by the Nosara Real Estate Report, the majority of annotations in Pelada exist solely because of a technicality that is seemingly irrelevant and without merit. With the recent removal of 130+ annotations, the Registry has taken its first step towards cleaning up the mess created when the annotations were issued, thereby providing a higher level of confidence in the land registry system and renewed good faith in this public institution.

 

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One of the areas in conflict, double titled property on the Guiones/Pelada border.

How did these annotations come to be removed? Although there are now a number or law offices requesting legal fees in order to attempt to lift annotations, the order to remove the annotations was issued by the Director of the Registro, as a result of further review of the Ampliación Informe Expediente 2010-336-RIM published in November 2014 (RIM-CCT-CT-62-2014).  Annotations in the C section were removed only on properties deemed to have no material defects because they presented no problems with overlaps, double titles, or transpositions.  Annotations on properties in the C section that overlap with the ZMT (Maritime Zone) were not removed, and a few new annotations for properties overlapping the ZMT just were issued.

 

What are next steps? We cannot say for sure, but it appears that the Registry will start to go section by section in the Nosara area to remove annotations from properties that should not have annotations and start to provide some property owners with clean titles and legal certainty.  In the case of the 86 fincas and 90 planos transposed within the mother property of S.A de Custodia de Propiedades Guanacastecas, there are a number of legal proceedings underway that likely will determine any resolution, which are independent from the recent study of finca 47704 described above.

 

It appears the Registro will continue looking independently at each section and property on a case by case basis, to determine which of the remaining annotations should be removed.  We urge caution for property owners who are paying legal fees for services to remove annotations, as many have tried and been rejected by the Registro while it completes its own independent studies of the Nosara situation.  

The removal of the annotations is a small consolation to those who still may have big concerns about their property; but in the larger scale and big picture, it is a welcome step in a process that has been so confusing and frustrating to many land owners in Nosara. Only time will tell how things ultimately will play out as the National Registry moves forward, but this certainly is very positive news.

Ocean view lots in a solar powered surfing Shangri-La. A profile of Ostional’s NIMBU reserve.

74911Google the term “Ostional” and you’re likely to be met with an endless string of entries regarding the incredible phenomenon for which it is so famed. “Arribada” is the name given to the event in which tens of thousands of Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles make their way ashore to dig nests and lay eggs. This incredible spectacle prompted the World Wildlife fund to name Ostional as one of the most important and valuable nesting sites in the world for these graceful creatures. Although the Arribada event ranks high on the list of things Ostional ostioffers, many visitors remain oblivious to the wealth of treasures that this town hides. However, a little searching is all it takes to discover the many hidden gems of this area, and little by little, a growing number of real estate investors are waking up to the fact that the abundant natural beauty, stunning ocean views, uncrowded surf, and close proximity to Playa Guiones all come together to form a lifestyle combination as rare and precious as the biological wonder that it hosts. Development in Ostional has rightly remained under the radar, and in order to ensure the natural beauty remains intact the developers at Ostional’s “NIMBU residential reserve” have worked hard to keep to a low impact design ethos. The net result is a development project which offers residents the chance to dwell in sustainable luxury in a modern day Garden of Eden.

NIMBU residents can look forward to waking up to views like this from the comfort of a secluded luxury home.

In the ancient Costa Rican native Chorotega language the word “Nimbu” translates to “water” and symbolizes the purity of living close to the coast. The Nimbu development is tucked away on one of the hills overlooking the Playa Ostional turtle reserve and was designed to appeal to community minded individuals who value sustainability, ocean views, natural surroundings, and surfing incredible waves. The mission statement was simple: to provide the best possible infrastructure with pathways to conscious development that are both socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable.

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Breakfast barrels at Playa Ostional

“Nimbu was created to foster a vibe where we can connect with the ocean and the land around us while also having the amenities and infrastructure we need to stay attached to our busy lives’” says project developer Mike Cothran. “The goal for me as a developer has not been to make a profit, but to provide a few large private spaces with some of the best utilities in the country. It is like taking a pretty painting and finding the best way to frame it. A place where my own family could imagine building our dream home and spending the rest of our days. To accomplish this, we have spent the last 5 years working on a sustainably based infrastructure. And although Nimbu has a rustic, nature filled exterior, underneath it can provide us everything we need and expect out of a modern off the grid community.”

A visit to the development provides conclusive evidence that the developers have striven to meet the high standards imposed by themselves. Because of Nimbu’s proximity to the turtle reserve, one of the main advantages for residents is the guarantee that nothing can ever be built between the development and the ocean, meaning that the biological treasures will remain undisturbed, and that views can never be obstructed by future development. In addition to limitless fresh water from the underground wells delivered via solar pumping stations residents are also offered homes where all the power is provided via the extensive solar technology waiting to be installed. In order to address concerns whether lighting from the development would confuse turtles all road and access lighting has been designed to be turtle friendly and energy efficient. Last but not least the developers planted over 14,000 plants in 12 irrigation zones. The irrigation zones were designed to reduce water consumption , and all plants are low water consumption native species that provide year round color and attract an abundance of local wildlife species.

Ocean view lots at the Nimbu development start at $200,000. To contact us about this opportunity click here, or to check out the listing directly click here.

Casa Vidrio – K section Playa Guiones – Walk to beach – Family home and workspace

Imagine you had the ability to travel anytime, anywhere — and that you could whisk the family off to a destination most only dream of, to a house you love rather than a place where you’re forced to live out of necessity. To most, this remains a mere pipe dream which in many cases comes down to one thing – your job! Continue reading

$130,000 Knocked Off This Spectacular Las Huacas Ocean View Lot

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Wake up to this every morning

Anyone who has ever surfed Playa Guiones can relate to looking to the shoreline and wondering how nice it must be to awake in a home on Las Huacas, check the waves over morning coffee, or wind down your day with another mind-blowing light show courtesy of a Costa Rican Pacific sunset. Unfortunately for many people, a quick search through the local real estate websites confirms what they suspected; that making this dream a reality is way above their pay grade. As news of Nosara and Playa Guiones hidden charms becomes more mainstream the prices of land, particularly land on Las Huacas Mountain continue to surge. However, occasionally something becomes IMG_1910available that places a lifestyle that many could previously only dream of within reach. In this case that ‘thing’ is a great piece of land on Las Huacas that has just seen it’s price slashed. If you have dreamed of acquiring a Las Huacas ocean view lot at a price that won’t break the bank then keep reading.

With sweeping Pacific views this Las Huacas lot really is the perfect canvas for the new owner to design a home to complement the naturally sloped terrain on which it rests. On viewing this lot for the first time, you’ll have a hard time NOT trying to visualize your future residence – a sanctuary built to foster a rejuvenation of mind, body and soul IMG_1912amid the tranquility of a breathtaking and secluded location, and WHAT a location!! This land sits at the end of the EE section (AKA Las Huacas Mountain) surrounded only by greenery, a few neighboring residences (all of which are valued South of a million dollars) and offers west facing ocean views interrupted only by a mosaic of lush verdant jungle.

IMG_1917We could forever elaborate on the magnificence of this property without coming close to doing it justice. Suffice to say that very scarcely does a piece of land like this hit the market along with a price reduction this large. If you’re one of those people finally ready to green light your dream lifestyle then this opportunity represents the chance to acquire a place you can proudly call home. Contact us now for more information, or click thi2s link to visit the listing.

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