Nicoya Peninsula holidays
Nicoya Peninsula holidays at a glance
Across the Gulf of Nicoya from the dry cattle-ranch country of Guanacaste, the peninsula juts out into the Pacific, physically and culturally cut off from the rest of Costa Rica.
Its limited, mostly unpaved road network has helped keep it that way: many visitors arrive not by road but on small aircraft that hop between the airstrips dotted along the coast, landing them somewhere that still feels a world apart from Costa Rica’s more accessible regions.
Inland, modest towns remain largely untouched by tourism, while the coast is strung with small resort communities built around surf culture, boutique accommodation and beachfront relaxation.
Tamarindo, where the beaches take the full force of the Pacific’s rollers, is the main hub for tourist infrastructure and among the best-known of the Costa Rica surf beaches, though quieter spots like Nosara, Sámara and Tambor offer their own version of the same laid-back appeal.
Wildlife adds another layer worth planning around. The Olive Ridley turtles Costa Rica is celebrated for arrive here in their mass nesting arribadas, while the smaller Leatherback population at Las Baulas Marine National Park, near Playa Grande, nests from October to mid-February. Between August and November, migrating humpback whales can often be spotted offshore too.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Nicoya Peninsula
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Explore endless stretches of soft sandy beaches dotted with small, tranquil towns.
When to visit Nicoya Peninsula
The Nicoya Peninsula enjoys warm temperatures year-round but experiences distinct dry and green seasons.
Virtually no rain falls during this period making it a fantastic time for taking the beaches and bays of the Nicoya Peninsula. Sea temperatures are around 27°C whilst in the sun expect highs of 33°C and balmy evenings. The beaches can become busier over weekends and during Easter as locals enjoy the idyllic beaches.
Temperatures remain high even out of season, regularly topping 30°C. During these months you can expect rainfall on over half the days of the months between May and October.
Top Things to do in Nicoya Peninsula
Between turtle-watching, surfing and simply doing very little at all, there’s no shortage of things to do in Nicoya Peninsula.
Witness one of nature’s most humbling spectacles as sea turtles return to the beach where they were born to hatch the next generation.
Accommodation in Nicoya Peninsula
Accommodation ranges from boutique beach properties to luxury coastal retreats, many positioned close to beaches, wildlife areas and surf breaks.
Lagarta Lodge is a luxurious, eco-friendly property on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula offering intimate first class accommodation, spa, gourmet restaurants and fabulous ocean views.
Small boutique hotel offering replenishment to both body and soul, set beside a remote and completely undeveloped beach that’s ideal for surfing.
Luxurious yet not pretentious, this hotel blends perfectly with its natural surroundings, due to some creative architectural forethought.
Super-cool Mangroove is a luxury, tree-shaded beach resort on Costa Rica’s undeveloped Guanacaste Pacific coast.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Tailor-Made Nicoya Peninsula Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Explore and Relax in Costa Rica: Volcanoes to the beach
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Nicoya Peninsula
11 days from £4,100
Mini Adventures in Costa Rica
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Nicoya Peninsula
15 days from £4,350
Self-drive Costa Rica: Coast to coast adventures
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Nicoya Peninsula
14 days from £2,400
Signature Costa Rica: The natural highlights
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Nicoya Peninsula
12 days from £3,450
FAQs about visiting Nicoya Peninsula
Nicoya Peninsula is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit the Nicoya Peninsula?
For a beach wind-down good weather is a priority, so most visits are in the dry season Dec – Apr when there is plenty of sun. It’s hot all year round (often over 30°C). The busy times for visitors are the dry season months, especially weekends and Easter week. The green (i.e. rainy) season is much quieter.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken in the Nicoya Peninsula?
The main language spoken in the Nicoya Peninsula is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in the Nicoya Peninsula?
The Colón is the main currency used in the Nicoya Peninsula. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in San José using a UK credit or debit card. You may have to authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited to amounts lower than in the UK. US dollars cash can be exchanged in banks too. There’s an ATM in Tamarindo, but stock up with your local currency needs before travelling to the Nicoya Peninsula.
- What is the time difference between the Nicoya Peninsula and the UK?
The time difference between the Nicoya Peninsula and the UK is GMT -5 hours.
- What places combine well with the Nicoya Peninsula?
Anywhere in Costa Rica, since you depart from or return to San José by air. Arenal, in the north, the most spectacular volcano; Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, for excellent bird watching; Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast for wildlife turtle watching. Costa Rica is a tiny country so road journeys, even winding ones through the highlands, are relatively short. Some roads are in good condition while others require 4WD vehicles.
- How do I get to the Nicoya Peninsula?
By light aircraft from San José to the beach resorts at Tamarindo, Nosara, Sámara and Tambor. Flights take less than one hour. Road transfers between the beaches tends to be arduous and only possible by 4WD vehicles.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.