Things to Do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Start with the experiences Santa Teresa is known for

If it is your first trip, do not try to schedule every hour. We usually recommend choosing one or two booked experiences and leaving the rest of the trip open for the beach, sunsets and exploring nearby areas.

Surfing

Surf is part of daily life here, and lessons work for complete beginners as well as travelers who already have experience. Conditions change by beach and by day, so a good instructor chooses the spot that fits the group. Read our Santa Teresa surfing guide or beginner surf guide.

Bioluminescence

The glow is seen on the Gulf of Nicoya side, with kayak and boat options depending on how active you want the evening to be. See our bioluminescence guide.

Isla Tortuga

A good choice when you want a full boat day with beach time, snorkeling and lunch. It takes most of the day, so we would not combine it with another major activity. Read our Isla Tortuga guide.

Fishing, scuba diving, horseback riding, ATV and zipline

These are good options when you want something more structured than another beach day. Fishing leaves from the Malpaís side, while horseback riding and zipline show you the coast and countryside. Browse the current options on our Santa Teresa tours page.

Free things to do

You do not need to book something every day. Beach walks, sunsets, natural pools, Boca del Río Lajas, Isla Cementerio, the Higuerón in Cabuya and several walks around Montezuma can all be part of a simple day. We put the easy local options together in our free things to do guide.

Beaches and surfing

Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen, Playa Hermosa, Malpaís and Manzanillo all feel different. Some work better for surfing, some for long walks, and some when you want a quieter day. Start with our best beaches guide. If swimming is part of the plan, also read our beach and swimming safety guide.

Waterfalls, wildlife and places worth the drive

Some of the best days happen outside central Santa Teresa. Montezuma has waterfalls and coastal walks. Cabuya has Isla Cementerio, Boca del Río Lajas, the Higuerón and access toward Cabo Blanco. La Florida is a freshwater waterfall stop near Cóbano. Curú is worth the drive when wildlife and Playa Quesera are the priority. We organize these places by area in our best places to visit near Santa Teresa guide.

Things to do with kids

For families, we would keep the schedule simple. Surf lessons are available from age 5, the Malpaís zipline accepts children from age 5, and the Montezuma Waterfall ATV tour accepts passengers from age 5. Isla Tortuga and the bioluminescence kayak and boat options do not have a minimum age, but children must be accompanied by an adult. See our Santa Teresa with kids guide.

What to do when it rains

Rain does not cancel the day. Yoga, spa time, cafés, shops, gyms, coworking and some tours can still work, while electrical storms are a reason to stay away from the beach. See our rainy day guide.

If you only have a few days

For a short stay, we would not try to see the entire peninsula. Pick the experiences that matter most to you, then group nearby places together so you are not driving back and forth all day. Our 3, 5 and 7 day Santa Teresa itinerary shows how we would organize the time.

What we would choose by travel style

If you want the classic Santa Teresa trip

Surf, beach time, sunset, one boat or bioluminescence experience, and one day exploring outside town.

If you want nature

Curú, Playa Quesera, Cabo Blanco, Montezuma, La Florida, Cabuya and the quieter beaches north and south of town.

If you want an active trip

Surfing, fishing, zipline, horseback riding, hiking and exploring by ATV or car.

If you want to slow down

Choose fewer activities. Spend longer at Playa Hermosa or Manzanillo, stay for sunset, eat somewhere good and leave space in the day.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best things to do in Santa Teresa for a first visit?

We would combine beach and surf time with one or two experiences such as bioluminescence, Isla Tortuga, fishing, horseback riding or zipline, plus one day exploring places around Cabuya, Montezuma or Curú.

Do I need to book an activity every day?

No. Some of our favorite days are the simplest ones. Leave time for the beach, sunsets, natural pools and exploring nearby areas without a fixed schedule.

What can I do in Santa Teresa for free?

Beach days, sunsets, several natural pools and local stops around Cabuya and Montezuma can be done without booking a tour, although transport, parking or small access costs can still apply.

Where can I see all the tours?

See our Santa Teresa tours and experiences page for the current bookable options.

Seasonal wildlife: whale watching

From July through October, humpback whale watching becomes one of the most seasonal wildlife experiences near Santa Teresa. The boat departs from Tambor Bay, with an option to meet there directly and another with transportation from Santa Teresa.