Surfing
& Living
the Nosara Life Since 2006
Surfing Nosara began in 2006 with a simple dream: to find a way to surf for the rest of our lives while living in the place we love most — Nosara, Costa Rica. What started as a handful of surfers with cameras on the beach has grown into one of the most trusted names in Nosara surf photography, vacation rentals, and real estate.
We built this business to share what drew us here — the waves, the wildlife, and the community that makes Nosara unlike anywhere else. Nearly twenty years later, we’re still here every day, helping others find their own connection to this remarkable coastline.
Our Story
How It All Began
In the early days, before Facebook or Instagram, we met people the old-fashioned way — by talking in the lineup and showing them their surf photos afterward. Our little surf-photo shop became a local hangout where travelers and residents swapped stories about the morning’s swell. Those early conversations built friendships that still shape the Surfing Nosara community today.
From Surf Photos to
Vacation Rentals & Real Estate
As the town grew, guests started asking where to stay — and soon Surfing Nosara expanded from photography into vacation rentals and later Nosara real estate.
What began as a small property-management side project evolved into the area’s leading vacation-rental agency. Managing homes gave us a deeper way to welcome newcomers, guide them around Playa Guiones and Playa Pelada, and help them experience the Nosara lifestyle firsthand.
Building the Future
Nosara wasn’t always the polished surf town people know today. In the early years, the roads were rough, the power unpredictable, and construction quality limited. Around 2009, we noticed the same houses changing hands again and again because few people dared to build. Many families wanted to come but couldn’t find homes that matched their standards.
Seeing that gap, we encouraged people to build — and partnered closely with Andrew, whose project-management work later became Nosara Design & Build. Having someone local to oversee every stage removed the fear of construction. Together we helped clients align the right architects and builders, creating modern homes that added lasting value to the community. As Nosara developed, those early builds became some of the town’s most sought-after properties.
Growing with Nosara
Fast-forward to today: Nosara Costa Rica has become a world-renowned destination for surfing, wellness, and slow living. Prices have risen, infrastructure has improved, and the once-sleepy town now draws families, entrepreneurs, and mindful travelers from around the world. We’ve adapted alongside that growth — staying consistent, hiring locally, paying fair wages, and supporting the town through every high and low of the market.
Our Mission & Values
In the early days we created the Surfing Nosara Foundation to support local public schools when private schools began to expand. Those projects — from art-program fundraisers to classroom improvements — grew thanks to the incredible efforts of community members like Sarah Antonsen.
Today, our focus continues through community partnerships and the Nosara Podcast, which Rich launched in 2018. The podcast was born from one simple truth: Nosara needed real information and long-form conversations. It’s become a space where locals, business owners, and visitors can hear the stories behind this evolving town and stay connected to what matters.
We’re still surfers first: people who love the ocean, raise our families in Nosara, and believe this place is worth protecting. Our business model isn’t fancy. It’s built on showing up every day, treating people right, and keeping the spirit of Nosara alive for the long run.
What We Do
Surf Photography & Community
Surfing Nosara began behind the lens. Our team of local photographers still captures daily surf sessions in Playa Guiones, sharing the waves that define this place. It’s how we stay connected to the community that started it all.
Vacation Rentals
Our Nosara vacation rental division is now the largest in town. Every home is locally managed, personally inspected, and supported by our on-the-ground team — so guests experience the best of Nosara without the guesswork. Whether it’s a beachfront villa or a jungle hideaway, we help visitors feel at home in paradise.
Real Estate
Real estate has been at the heart of Surfing Nosara for more than a decade. Many of us came from property backgrounds in the U.S., and those skills translated into helping clients buy, sell, and build in a responsible way here in Costa Rica. From first-time investors to families ready to relocate, we guide every step with transparency and local insight.
Supporting Our
COMMUNITY
We’re All In on Nosara
This place has given us everything, so we give back however we can. We’re proud supporters of the organizations keeping Nosara special:
Tax Deductible Donations
For tax-deductible donations (501c3 certified)
Learn More about Nosara
Nosara Podcast has extensive coverage of community issues
Get Involved with our Team
Support local kids needing surfboards, English classes, school uniforms, taxis to school
Let’s Find Your Place in Nosara
Whether you’re searching for the perfect Nosara vacation rental, exploring homes for sale, or simply curious about life in this extraordinary surf town, we’re here to help. Surfing Nosara has been part of the community since 2006 — sharing the joy, the waves, and the way of life that make Nosara unforgettable.
