Things to Do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
A local's guide — surf, waterfalls, beaches & where to stay
Santa Teresa is a small surf town at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula: one long dirt road, jungle on one side, the Pacific on the other. Most people come for a week and wish they'd stayed a month. We live and ride here every day, so this is our honest list of what's worth your time, and the easiest way to do each one.
1. Surf Santa Teresa's famous beach breaks
The waves are why the town exists. Playa Santa Teresa has consistent surf all year, while Playa Hermosa (to the north) and the inside at Playa Carmen are friendlier for beginners. Go early in the morning before the wind picks up.
2. Ride to Montezuma Waterfall
The most popular day out on the peninsula. Ride over the hills through Cóbano to Montezuma, hike about 20 minutes along the river and swim in the big pool under the falls. Finish with lunch in Montezuma's laid-back beach town.
Montezuma Waterfall ATV Tour →
3. Explore Manzanillo, the wildest beach nearby
South of Mal País, the road turns to river crossings and empty sand. Manzanillo has tide pools, huge sunsets and hardly anyone on it. It's reachable by ATV, and it's easy enough for first-timers.
4. Watch the sunset from Playa Carmen
Every evening the whole town walks down to the beach at Playa Carmen or Playa Hermosa to watch the sun drop into the Pacific. Bring a drink and get there 30 minutes early.
5. Sail to Tortuga Island or cruise the coast
Isla Tortuga is famous for white sand, clear water and snorkeling. See it (and the coast, the sunset and maybe dolphins) from a private catamaran, with drinks on board and your own crew.
Private yacht charters in Santa Teresa →
6. Hike Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
Costa Rica's first protected reserve sits just south of Santa Teresa. The trail winds through dry forest full of howler monkeys and ends on a quiet white beach. Bring water, start early, and check opening days before you go.
7. Take a UTV into the jungle hills
If you don't want to drive a quad, a side-by-side fits up to 4 people. Head into the hills for mud, river crossings, a waterfall swim and the best lookout over the coastline.
8. Walk to the Cabuya island cemetery at low tide
In the fishing village of Cabuya there's a tiny island used as the village cemetery. At low tide you can walk out across the rocks. It's one of the most unusual spots in Costa Rica. Check the tide times first.
9. Explore the tide pools of Mal País
The rocky coast at Mal País is full of tide pools with small fish, crabs and sea stars. It's great with kids at low tide, and the small fishing harbor is right there too.
10. Build your own adventure
Want Manzanillo in the morning and Montezuma in the afternoon? We'll plan a private route around exactly what your group wants to see.
11. Do yoga with an ocean view
Santa Teresa is one of the best yoga towns in Central America, with open-air studios in the jungle and drop-in classes every morning. It's the perfect way to recover after a surf session.
12. Ride horses on the beach
Horseback rides along the sand at sunset are a classic here. You can add a horseback ride when you book any Vroom8 tour or rental.
Getting around Santa Teresa
There's one main road, it's mostly dirt, and taxis are rare. That's why almost everyone rents an ATV or UTV. It's the easiest way to reach the beaches, restaurants and viewpoints on your own schedule. We deliver to your hotel or Airbnb.
ATV & UTV rentals in Santa Teresa →
Where to stay
From jungle villas with ocean views to houses walking distance from the surf, our sister company PlugTrip has hand-picked villas in Santa Teresa and Mal País.
See villas in Santa Teresa on PlugTrip →
Best time to visit
- December to April (dry season): sunny every day, dusty roads, busiest and most expensive.
- May to November (green season): afternoon rain, everything is green, fewer people and better prices. The mud makes ATV tours even more fun.
- Surf: good all year. Bigger swells arrive from about April to October.
FAQ
How many days do I need in Santa Teresa? At least 4–5 days: 2 for surfing and beaches, 1 for Montezuma Waterfall, 1 for Cabo Blanco or a boat trip, and 1 to just relax.
Do I need a car in Santa Teresa? No. Most visitors rent an ATV or UTV, which handles the dirt roads better and is easier to park. We deliver to where you're staying.
Can I drive to Montezuma from Santa Teresa? Yes. It's about 40 minutes by ATV over the hills via Cóbano. Our guided tour includes the waterfall hike and time in town.
Is Santa Teresa good for families? Yes. Calm tide pools, easy beach-hopping tours, UTVs that fit the whole family and plenty of space to spread out.
Is Santa Teresa good for beginner surfers? Yes, with a lesson. Beginners do best at Playa Hermosa or the inside of Playa Carmen, and an instructor will pick the right spot for the day's conditions.
Ready to explore? Browse all our Santa Teresa tours or message us on WhatsApp (+506 7227 2474). We'll help you plan your whole trip.