Nicoya Peninsula Nosara to Ostional Coastal Traverse

The coastal track between Nosara and Ostional winds through one of Costa Rica’s most pristine stretches of Pacific coastline, where olive ridley sea turtles mass-nest during arribada events. The route cuts through Ostional National Wildlife Refuge on rough coastal tracks, demanding careful timing around high tides at Río Nosara and Río Ostional crossings. Sand traps await unwary drivers along beach sections near Playa Ostional.

Moderate to difficult depending on season and tide conditions. High-clearance 4WD mandatory for river crossings and soft sand sections. Dry season (December-April) offers best conditions, but turtle nesting season (July-December) provides unique wildlife viewing despite challenging wet conditions. No fuel or services between towns. Brings what overlanders seek: untouched Pacific wilderness, world-class turtle viewing, and the satisfaction of navigating Costa Rica’s wild coast.