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SOUTHERN NICOYA PENINSULA · SURF, REEFS & RESERVES

Santa Teresa & Mal País Tours Guide

Settle into the Southern Nicoya Peninsula’s rhythm with morning surf sessions along Playa Carmen and Santa Teresa, boat excursions from Montezuma to Isla Tortuga, and trails inside Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve.

Unspoiled Pacific coastline at Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula

Exploring the Southern Nicoya Peninsula beyond the surf break

Stretching along the southwestern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula from Mal País through Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa, and Playa Hermosa, this coastline pairs year-round Pacific swells with dry-tropical forest hills and tidepool headlands. Because travelers come here to slow down rather than rush between buses, the best itineraries balance early-morning ocean sessions with one or two well-chosen excursions across the peninsula tip to Montezuma, Curú, or Isla Tortuga.

Knowing the local geography saves travel time: Santa Teresa faces west into open Pacific swells (ideal for surfing and sunset horseback rides), while Montezuma and Paquera on the eastern side of the peninsula face the sheltered Gulf of Nicoya—where excursion boats launch for island snorkeling and nighttime bioluminescent kayaking.

Top experiences around Santa Teresa, Mal País & Montezuma

  • Tide-matched surf coaching (Playa Hermosa to Playa Carmen): Playa Hermosa north of town offers mellow, sandy-bottom peaks ideal for beginners and longboarders, while La Lora and Suck Rock challenge experienced shortboarders; book 6:30–8:00 a.m. sessions before onshore winds ruffle the face.
  • Isla Tortuga boat & snorkeling day trips: Departing via shuttle to Montezuma beach, speedboats cruise past coastal waterfalls to the turquoise waters of Tortuga Island for volcanic-rock snorkeling, beach time, and lunch on white sand.
  • Cabo Blanco Reserve & Montezuma Waterfalls: Hike Costa Rica’s oldest protected conservation area at the peninsula’s southern tip (closed Mondays and Tuesdays) or combine Montezuma’s three-tier waterfall plunge pools with a canopy zipline walk.

Peninsula road & transfer advice

Confirm whether your tour departs directly from your hotel along the Santa Teresa–Mal País coastal road or requires meeting in Montezuma or Cobano. If arriving from San José, compare the Puntarenas–Paquera car ferry plus scenic drive against 25-minute domestic flights into Cobano Airport (ACO).

Recommended experiences for Santa Teresa & Mal País