Costa Rica is the country that popularised canopy touring, and Guanacaste has many ziplines of its own, from big parks with a dozen cables to small family operations. This Nosara experience sits at the smaller, quieter end of the range. Nosara is known for its protected jungle, its surf beaches and its wellness scene, and the forest around it holds howler monkeys, parrots and a mix of dry and moist forest trees. Taking to the cables here gives you a bird's-eye view of that canopy, with a series of platforms linked by lines of varying length. Guides clip you in, check your harness and gloves and talk you through braking, and the sense of speed through the treetops is exciting without being extreme. For travellers in Tamarindo, the Nosara zipline is a good choice when you want to combine adventure with a day exploring the Nicoya coast, rather than stay within the Tamarindo-Flamingo corridor. It is also a good option for people who like smaller groups and a more personal tone than a large park provides. The details that shape the experience, such as the number of cables, the height and length of the longest line, age and weight limits, transport and whether there are extras like a hanging bridge or rappel, depend on the option you choose, so read the inclusions on your ticket and confirm the meeting point when you book.
How it works
You reserve a time and arrive at the meeting point given when you book. At the base, the crew fits a harness and helmet, explains the signals and the braking technique and walks you to the first platform. Guides ride with the group, going first to receive you at each platform and last to check everything is clear. The tour moves quickly once you start, and a complete circuit usually takes around an hour to ninety minutes.
What to expect
The cables vary from short warm-up lines to longer runs over ravines, and you may also cross a suspension bridge or climb a stair between platforms. Most people feel nervous at the first platform and relaxed by the third. You will see canopy trees, vines, epiphytes and, with luck, monkeys, toucans or parrots, though the speed of the ride means wildlife spotting is better between cables than during them.
Weight and age limits exist for safety. Closed shoes are required, and clothing that you can sweat in is best, as the forest is humid even in the dry season.
Making the most of it
Arrive a little early, wear closed shoes, tie back long hair and leave loose items in the car or a locker. Bring insect repellent and water. If you have a fear of heights, tell the guides, who can talk you through it and give you time. Mornings are cooler and more active for wildlife. Combine the tour with the Nosara cooking class or a beach afternoon to make a full day on this coast, and plan the drive back to Tamarindo before dark, as rural roads can be poorly lit.
Ask the guides about the longest cable and the best vantage point for photographs, and take a moment at the final platform to look back at the canopy you have just crossed.
What to expect
The experience
A guided canopy zipline tour through the forest near Nosara, with a harness briefing and several cables between platforms.
Best time
Mornings are cooler and better for wildlife; the dry season is more comfortable underfoot.
How long
About an hour and a half to two hours including the briefing and walk between platforms.
Tips
Wear closed shoes, tie back long hair, bring repellent and water, and tell the guides if you are nervous about heights.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Thrill-seekers who prefer a smaller, quieter zipline in the forest to a large park.
- Families
- Suitable for children who meet the age and weight limits; check them before you go.
- Couples
- A fun shared adrenaline hit that ends with a good story.
- Pair with
- The Nosara cooking class, a cycling tour or an afternoon at the beach.
- Time needed
- Half a day including travel.
Good questions
Are there age or weight limits?+
Yes, for safety. Check the limits for your option and ask the operator if you are unsure.
Is it scary?+
Most people find the first line nervous and the rest fun. Guides are used to first-timers and will help.
What should I wear?+
Closed shoes, light clothing you can sweat in, and tie back long hair. Leave loose items behind.
Will I see wildlife?+
Possibly monkeys and birds, though the speed of the ride means sightings are mostly between cables.
How far is it from Tamarindo?+
Nosara is on the Nicoya coast to the south, roughly a couple of hours by road depending on the route.
