Support

Nosara Beach

About the Airport

Nosara Beach. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Nosara Beach Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true portal to the world of "Pura Vida," where the runway literally cuts through the dense tropical jungle. The descent here resembles a scene from an adventure movie: emerald forests and the turquoise waves of the Pacific Ocean rush past under the wing, setting a relaxed mood even before you touch the ground. This intimate airfield lacks the sterility of giant hubs, welcoming travelers to Nosara with a warm breeze and the singing of birds instead of the hum of baggage belts.
IATA Code NOB
ICAO Code MRNS
City Nosara
Distance to center 3-5 km
Status Domestic
Annual Passengers About 30,000 (estimated)
Schedule According to airline flights
**Features and Advantages of the Airport:** * **Scenic Approach:** The flight to Nosara is often called an excursion in itself. Small aircraft fly quite low, revealing stunning panoramic views of the Nicoya Peninsula coastline and the beaches of Guiones and Pelada. * **Jungle Atmosphere:** The airport terminal is an open structure that blends harmoniously with the surrounding nature. There are no glass walls separating you from the tropical climate of Costa Rica. * **Lightning-Fast Service:** Due to its small size and the absence of complex security procedures (typical of international flights), the path from the aircraft steps to the city exit takes just a few minutes. * **Convenient Location:** The airport is strategically located close to major hotels, yoga centers, and surf spots, allowing you to dive into the ocean just half an hour after landing.

Contact Information

Nosara Beach Airport (NOB) is a small domestic airfield serving a popular tourist region. Due to its size, most services are provided directly by the airlines. Below is the main contact information to consider when planning your trip.

  • Official Website: As a rule, such small regional airports do not have their own dedicated website. The most up-to-date information on flight schedules and services is best found on the official websites of airlines flying to Nosara (for example, Sansa Airlines). General air traffic management in the country is carried out by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation of Costa Rica (DGAC).
  • Inquiry Service Phone: There is no direct public telephone number for inquiries at Nosara Airport. For all questions, including booking, flight changes, and other clarifications, it is recommended to contact your airline's call center directly.
  • Airport Address: Aeropuerto de Nosara, Provincia de Guanacaste, Nosara, Costa Rica. The airport is located a few kilometers from the main beaches and tourist zones, such as Playa Guiones.
  • Email: The airport does not have a separate public email address for passengers. Please use the contact forms or email addresses of the air carriers for communication.
  • Social Media: Nosara Airport does not maintain official pages on social networks. News and updates can be tracked on the pages of airlines flying to this destination.
  • Lost Luggage Information: All issues related to lost, delayed, or damaged luggage are the responsibility of the carrying airline. If such a situation arises, immediately contact a representative of your airline at the airport.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support for all matters (from check-in to special requests) is provided exclusively by the airlines.

How to Get to the Airport

Nosara Beach Airport (NOB) is a small domestic airfield serving the popular resort of Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica. Getting to it from the main beaches and hotels, such as Playa Guiones or Playa Pelada, is quite simple, although the choice of transport has its own nuances.

Taxis, Tuk-tuks, and Private Transfers are the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. The trip from the central part of Nosara (for example, from Guiones Beach) will take just 10-15 minutes. The cost of a taxi is usually $10-25 USD. A more budget-friendly option is the ubiquitous tuk-tuks, which are excellent for short trips with light luggage. Many hotels and villas offer transfer organization, which is especially convenient if you are traveling with family or a large amount of belongings. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the high tourist season.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those planning to actively explore the surroundings of Nosara. Several rental companies operate in the town. It is extremely important to rent an SUV (4x4), as most roads in the region are unpaved and can be in poor condition, especially during the rainy season (from May to November). Check with your rental company if it is possible to return the car directly at Nosara Airport — some firms offer this service. Regarding parking, it is very limited at the airport and is not intended for long-term vehicle storage, so it is better to use a drop-off service.

Public Transport in this area is poorly developed and is not a reliable way to get to the airport. Although local buses may run along the main road, they do not have a clear schedule or special stops at the terminal. This option is suitable only for the most budget-conscious and flexible travelers willing to walk part of the way.

Most international tourists arrive at the country's major airports, such as Liberia Airport (LIR) or Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), and then reach Nosara either by domestic flight or land transport, which takes several hours. Please consider this when planning your route.

Terminals and Layout

Nosara Beach Airport (NOB) is a compact regional airport that differs significantly from large international hubs. Its main advantage lies in its simplicity and lack of hustle. All infrastructure here is concentrated in one small terminal, which serves both arriving and departing flights.

The terminal layout is extremely simple and intuitive. There are no long corridors, confusing transitions, or multiple levels. Check-in counters, a small waiting area, and the baggage claim area are located in the same room or in close proximity to each other. The concept of "transfer between terminals" is not applicable here, as all operations are carried out within a single space.

Thanks to the modest size of the airport and low passenger traffic, all pre-flight formalities take a minimum of time. The process of checking in for a flight and passing security usually takes no more than 15-20 minutes. This allows you to avoid the stress and long queues typical of large airports. Departure and arrival zones are not strictly separated, and passengers often wait for their flight in the open air, enjoying the warm weather of Costa Rica.

The main recommendation for navigation is not to worry. It is practically impossible to get lost at Nosara Beach Airport. Even if you have arrived here for the first time, you will easily orient yourself. Staff are always ready to help and suggest where to go. Simply arrive about an hour before departure to check in and drop off your luggage without rushing.

Airport History

The history of Nosara Airport (NOB) is the story of the transformation of a secluded corner of Costa Rica into a popular tourist destination. Initially, it was a simple airstrip created to provide access to a developing community of expats and the first travelers discovering the beauties of the Nicoya Peninsula. The exact date of its founding is not documented, but its appearance is directly linked to the growth of interest in this region in the second half of the 20th century.

A key stage in the airport's development was the establishment of regular air service with the country's capital, San Jose. As Nosara became a Mecca for surfers and yoga enthusiasts, the demand for fast and convenient flights grew. The small airfield turned into a vital transport artery, reducing travel time from several hours on difficult roads to less than an hour of flight. This played a decisive role in the establishment of the local tourism industry.

One of the most significant events in the recent history of the airport was the major reconstruction of the runway. For a long time, it was unpaved, which created difficulties during the rainy season. In the mid-2010s, the strip was paved with asphalt, which significantly increased flight safety and allowed flights to be received year-round without interruption. This modernization became an important milestone, strengthening Nosara's status as an accessible world-class resort.

Despite improvements, Nosara Airport has retained its unique charm and simplicity. There are no huge terminals or the bustle of large aviation hubs. Essentially, it is a runway in the middle of the jungle and a small building for passengers. An interesting fact: arrival in Nosara itself becomes part of the adventure — the plane lands a few steps from lush tropical vegetation, immediately immersing travelers in the atmosphere of pura vida.

Services and Facilities

Nosara Beach Airport (NOB) is a small regional airport serving domestic flights in Costa Rica. Its infrastructure is simple and functional, so the range of services for passengers is quite limited. It is important to understand that you will not find the amenities inherent in large international hubs here.

Shops, cafes, and restaurants are practically absent in the airport terminal. Light snacks and beverages can sometimes be purchased at small outlets, but one should not count on a full lunch or shopping. All major establishments are located in the town of Nosara itself, which can be quickly reached by taxi. There are also no specialized waiting lounges, VIP zones, conference rooms, or business centers at the airport.

The waiting area is a simple room with a basic set of seats. Opportunities for charging electronic devices are very limited, and the availability of stable Wi-Fi is not guaranteed. It is recommended to carry a portable power bank and arrange for mobile internet in advance. Banking services, ATMs, and currency exchange points are absent in the airport building, so it is better to complete all financial transactions in advance in larger cities.

There are no hotels within the airport territory itself. However, this will not be a problem, as just a few minutes' drive away, in the town of Nosara and its picturesque surroundings, there are many accommodation options. Here you will find everything: from cozy boutique hotels and guesthouses to comfortable villas and eco-lodges.

There is no medical point at the airport, and the nearest clinics are located in the town. Services for passengers with children or disabilities are also minimal. If you require special assistance, it is necessary to inform the airline in advance when booking your ticket so that they can organize the necessary support.

Where to Eat

It is important to understand that Nosara Beach Airport (NOB) is a small regional airport serving mainly domestic flights. Therefore, the choice of dining establishments here is quite modest and not comparable to large international hubs. Nevertheless, travelers can find basic options for a snack before departure.

In the airport's single terminal, a small cafe or snack bar usually operates. The assortment typically includes ready-made sandwiches, pastries, chips, soft drinks, water, and coffee. Sometimes you can find simple local dishes, for example, empanadas (pastries with meat or cheese filling) or fresh coconut juice. This is an excellent option for a quick snack to satisfy hunger while waiting for a flight.

Specialized dietary dishes, such as vegan, gluten-free, or Halal, are practically impossible to find here. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are strongly advised to bring food with them. Prices at the airport are usually higher than in the city, which is typical for tourist zones in Costa Rica. The cafe's opening hours are directly linked to the flight schedule, so it may be closed during quiet periods.

If you are counting on a full lunch or dinner, the best solution would be to eat beforehand at one of the numerous cafes and restaurants in the town of Nosara itself. This will allow you to enjoy the variety of local and international cuisine in a calm atmosphere, without worrying about the limited selection at the airport.

Tips for Travelers

Nosara Beach Airport (NOB) is a small regional airport serving mainly domestic flights. To ensure your journey goes smoothly, use these tips to help navigate its features.

Arrival at the Airport and Check-in. Given the compact size of the airport and fast procedures, there is no need to arrive 3-4 hours before departure. As a rule, it is sufficient to arrive 1.5–2 hours before your flight's departure. This time will be enough to check in without rushing, drop off luggage, and pass security control, which usually takes just a few minutes here.

Flight Specifics. Flights from Nosara are operated on small propeller aircraft. This implies two important points. Firstly, luggage weight restrictions here are very strict — be sure to check the allowances with your airline (e.g., Sansa Airlines) before traveling. Often, the allowable weight for hand luggage and checked baggage is significantly less than on international flights. Secondly, seat selection may be limited or unavailable. However, if you have the opportunity, choose a window seat — the views of the Costa Rica coastline from above are simply mesmerizing.

Hand Luggage. Besides standard prohibitions on carrying liquids over 100 ml, sharp objects, and flammable substances, a key factor is the weight and size of your bag. Airlines strictly monitor this due to the limited load capacity of the aircraft. Pack only the essentials to avoid extra charges or the need to check your hand luggage.

Connecting Passengers and Customs. Nosara Airport serves domestic flights, so there is no customs or passport control here. If you are flying from Nosara to San Jose to transfer to an international flight, you will need to collect your luggage at the domestic terminal, and then re-check in and drop it off at the international terminal. Allow at least 3-4 hours for the connection.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, book tickets in advance, especially during the high season (from December to April). Travel in the "green season" (from May to November) can be more economical. Also, book a transfer from the airport to the hotel in advance, as taxi prices on the spot may be higher. To avoid wasting time, pack light luggage and, if possible, complete online check-in.

If the Flight is Delayed. Delays, especially in the rainy season, are not uncommon for small aviation. Infrastructure at Nosara Airport is minimal: there are no numerous cafes or shops here. In case of a delay, have a book, a charged power bank, headphones, and a light snack with you. Keep the airline's contacts at hand to promptly receive information about your flight status, and treat the wait with philosophical calmness in the spirit of "Pura Vida."

Reached the end of the page?

That means the route is fully explored