Frequently Asked Questions
How do I travel to Nosara from Canada or New England?
Getting to E Street Retreats is seamless for our North American guests. Most travelers from the Boston (BOS) area and New York/New Jersey hubs find direct flights into Liberia (LIR) or San Jose (SJO). For our Canadian guests, there are excellent seasonal direct flights from Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), and Calgary (YYC) directly into Liberia. Upon arrival, our private concierge handles your luxury airport transfer, ensuring a stress-free transition from the cold north to the tropical jungle.
What is the best time for New Englanders and Canadians to visit Costa Rica?
The "High Season" runs from December to April, which is the perfect time to escape the harsh winters of New England and Canada. You'll enjoy consistent sunshine and offshore winds. However, the "Green Season" (May–August) is a local favorite, offering lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and world class surfing conditions at Playa Guiones.
Do you have budget-friendly accommodation options in Nosara? Yes! For those seeking a social, community-focused vibe at a lower price point, we highly recommend Hostel Nosara. It is perfect for solo travelers, young groups, or surfers who want to be steps from the waves without the cost of a private villa. Located just a 3-minute walk from the main surf breaks at Playa Guiones, Hostel Nosara offers both private and shared rooms, a communal kitchen, and legendary "Pura Vida" hospitality from local favorites Johan and Mama D.
What is the connection between E Street Retreats and the NH Seacoast?
We are a locally rooted company with a global reach. E Street Retreats is an extension of E Street Surf School in Rye and Hampton, NH. We bring that same high-quality, patient coaching style from the New England Seacoast to the warm, world class breaks of Nosara, Costa Rica. We bridge the gap for surfers who want a familiar, professional coaching standard in a tropical setting.
What surf and wellness offerings do you provide?
We specialize in Custom Boutique Retreats. Our offerings include professional surf coaching (partnering with elite local experts like Living Stoked Surf School), daily yoga if desired in our jungle shalas, and high- nd wellness treatments like cold plunges, sound healing, and Reiki. We also offer adventure tours including ATV jungle treks, ziplining, waterfall hikes, catamaran trips, kayaking, and more.
Are your retreats all-inclusive?
We offer a Boutique Luxury Experience that is far more personal than a standard resort. While we are not a "cookie-cutter" all-inclusive, we provide private chefs options to prepare healthy, locally-sourced meals, a dedicated concierge for all bookings, and luxury villa and boutique hotel accommodations. This allows us to tailor every itinerary to your specific needs, whether you are here for a high intensity surf camp or a relaxing wellness reset.
Is Nosara safe and friendly for a family vacation with young children?
Absolutely. Nosara is widely considered one of the safest and most family-friendly destinations in Costa Rica. Unlike other surf towns, Nosara is a protected area within a Blue Zone, meaning the community is centered on health and nature. Families love the gentle, sandy bottom of Playa Guiones for kids' surf lessons, the local Nosara Kids Camp, and activities like the Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary. For parents needing a "reset," we can also arrange for reputable local nannies so you can enjoy a sunset dinner or a solo surf session.
Are there grocery stores and family dining options nearby?
Yes. While you are in the jungle, you are never far from modern conveniences. There are several high quality organic markets and grocery stores stocked with both local produce and North American staples. Nosara’s dining scene is world class, featuring everything from traditional Costa Rican food to high-end Mediterranean and sushi spots, most of which offer healthy, kid friendly menus.
Do I need to bring my own surfboard from Canada/New England?
While you are welcome to bring your favorite board, we generally recommend renting locally. Traveling with boards from hubs like Toronto or Boston can be expensive and risky. We can secure you high end boards ranging from longboards for the Guiones "mellow" days to performance shortboards for when the swell picks up.
What does it mean that Nosara is a "Blue Zone"?
Nosara is part of the Nicoya Peninsula, one of only five "Blue Zones" in the world where people consistently live past 100. This is due to the mineral rich water, the fresh "Pura Vida" diet, and the active lifestyle. When you stay with E Street Retreats, you aren't just taking a vacation; you are participating in this lifestyle through our focus on clean eating, movement, and connection to the natural environment.
Can I work remotely from E Street Retreats? Is there reliable Wi-Fi?
Yes! We understand that many of our guests from the Boston and Toronto tech hubs need to stay connected. All of our accommodations—from our boutique luxury villas to our partner hotels and hostel—are equipped with high-speed fiber-optic Wi-Fi. Whether you are jumping on a Zoom call, uploading large files, or managing a remote team, you can count on stable, high-bandwidth internet. We provide the perfect "office with a view" so you can finish your work and be in the water by sunset.
