Calling 911 in Nosara: Limitations and Alternatives

Nosara’s remote location means emergency services are often limited. While 911 is the central hub for dispatching police, fire, and medical assistance, understanding its limitations is critical for your safety.

Medical Emergency

• Dispatch: 911 contacts the Red Cross in either Nosara or Nicoya, depending on local ambulance availability.

• Hospital Transport: Ambulances are legally required to transport patients to the public hospital in Nicoya. They cannot transport you to private clinics or hospitals.

• Proactive Care: Response times—especially from Nicoya—can be significant. If you are stable enough, it is often faster to transport yourself or have someone drive you to a local private clinic (e.g., Paradise Medical or Lifeguard) or directly to a hospital.

Police Emergency

• Dispatch: 911 routes calls to the local Nosara police station (where the Policia de Nosara and the Policia Turistica are based).

• Response: Due to frequent vehicle shortages, expect long wait times for an officer to arrive on-site.

Fire Emergency

• Direct Assistance: For immediate fire emergencies, call Bomberos de Nosara directly for the fastest response.

• Official Records: If you require an official report for insurance claims or legal documentation, you must also contact the Bomberos de Costa Rica via 911. Be aware that dispatching from Nicoya results in extended response times.

Non-Emergencies & Other Crimes

• Please use 911 to report all criminal activity and environmental infractions, such as illegal trash disposal or burning.

Why call 911 if response is slow?

Even when response times are delayed, it is vital to report every incident to 911. These calls create an official paper trail. Aggregated data on crime, health, and fire incidents is the most powerful tool local organizations have when advocating for increased resources and infrastructure in Nosara.