[3] Unlike most coastal tourist towns, Nosara lacks nearly any development directly on the beach as much of it consists of the Ostional Wildlife Refuge (necessitated by the presence of breeding olive ridley and leatherback sea turtle populations).

Nosara is a surfing destination as Playa Guiones is one of the most consistent waves in the world with over 330 days per year of rideable conditions.

These comprise the largest areas of foreign-owned residences, tourist hotels, and restaurants, centered on Guiones and Pelada.

The "suburb" Esparanza de Nosara borders the Playa Guiones area, sitting between its first two beach entrances to the south.

Esparanza hosts the Guiones area's largest market, a school and soccer (football) field, and a few new housing developments, hotels, and restaurants.