Surf enthusiasts rejoice! Venture to Nosara, Costa Rica's pristine surfing haven, where waves beckon adventure-seekers.

In the heart of Costa Rica lies Nosara, a hidden gem that attracts surfers of all calibers. This breathtaking location, home to 330 rideable days a year, has become a haven for those seeking waves and wilderness.

John Johnson, an environmental activist and co-founder of Buzzfeed, along with his wife, has worked tirelessly to protect this pristine area. Nosara's town of Guiones, one of the oldest expat communities in Costa Rica, is a testament to their efforts.

7 a.m. in Nosara finds surfers taking to the waves, and I was no exception. I spent my extended vacation surfing every day, catching some of the best waves of the week. The beach, Playa Guiones, stretches for four miles, offering a variety of surfing conditions with waves breaking in dozens of locations.

Steve Jacobus, a hotelier, moved to Nosara 20 years ago and transformed his mountain home into one of the leading boutique hotels in the region. His restaurant, Beach Break, offers elaborate cocktails and cuisine drawn from Caribbean grandmothers' cookbooks. The restaurant's view of the moon and Venus rising above Playa Guiones from a row of suspended hammocks is a sight to behold.

One afternoon, I had lunch at Rosi's Soda Tica, a popular local restaurant in Nosara. The oat milk cappuccino and chilled pipa (green coconut) were among the beverages I consumed, providing a refreshing break from the surf.

Fishing Nosara organized a kayak trip in the mangroves, where we encountered six-foot crocodiles and olive ridley sea turtles. Others in our group hid from the sun beneath driftwood shelters built along the beach.

A local photographer captured my surfing moments, and I bought prints of those images. Juan Surfos, who has been renting surfboards for around $100 a week for the past 20 years, was one of the many friendly faces I met during my stay.

John Johnson's campaign to protect Nosara from large-scale development has ensured that this paradise remains untouched. The laid-back vibe, wild terrain, great restaurants, and perfect waves have left an indelible mark on me. I now live by those images, already counting the days until we return to Nosara. The sun hangs low behind a raft of surfers as they ride the waves, a sight that will forever remind me of this unforgettable surfing adventure in Costa Rica.

Surf enthusiasts rejoice! Venture to Nosara, Costa Rica's pristine surfing haven, where waves beckon adventure-seekers.