7 Santa Teresa Tours to Build a Day Around

1.Eddy’s Bioluminescence Reserve in Punta Cuchillos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 102 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $40Our pick

Meet Eddy at Punta Cuchillos near Paquera at 6:15 pm for a private 75-minute kayak or canoe trip through the bay. Eddy explains the science, searches for the brightest patches of glowing water, and may offer a swim beneath the stars. Moon phase matters greatly, so choose a dark night when possible.

“Make sure that you don’t go when the moon is bright or you will not be able to see much. I was surprised that the tour went on knowing it was too bright.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Specialized Group Surf Lesson in Playa Hermosa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $95

Meet Álvaro or Juan at Playa Hermosa for a private 90-minute surf lesson suited to beginners and improving riders. You’ll learn board parts, water safety, proper entry, and the pop-up before receiving constant coaching in the waves. A surfboard is included, but transportation to the beach is not.

“Absolutely amazing surf lessons with Álvaro and Juan! I booked together with two friends and had an unforgettable experience. From the very first moment, we felt incredibly welcome, safe, and perfectly taken care of. They explained all the basics and the rules in the water in a clear and motivating way, which gave us a lot of confidence right from the start. Álvaro took a very individual approach, gave constant, constructive feedback, and helped us improve so quickly. The surf sessions in the lineup were an absolute highlight and so much fun. I’m already looking forward to coming back to Playa Hermosa and surfing again with Álvaro and Juan. Thank…”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Isla Tortuga boat tour – from Paquera

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 55 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $98

Leave Bahia Rica near Paquera at 9 a.m. for a small-group boat trip to Isla Tortuga. Captain Juan or Chato may guide you past Monkey Island, point out turtles and other wildlife, and lead snorkeling near volcanic rocks. Lunch, drinks, water, and gear are included, with time for the white-sand beach.

“Friendly, trustworthy, highly recommend! Found online and the reviews hold up. Easy to access from Paquera, accomodated my celiac disease (gluten free diet) without a problem.”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Inshore Fishing trip in Santa Teresa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)

Set out from Malpaís with Jason Tours for a private 3.5-hour fishing trip along the Nicoya Peninsula. Guides such as Jason, Erik, and Janvier provide the gear, drinks, fruit, and local know-how. You may troll for tuna, mahi mahi, roosterfish, wahoo, snapper, and more, with dolphins, turtles, rays, or whales possible by season.

“Did not catch anything. Didn’t seem like the captain was that motivated to catch fish. We just went around in circles, trolling blindly it seemed like. There wasn’t any explanation of what type of fishing we would be doing. One expensive boat ride. I would skip fishing in Mal Pais”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Private Surf lessons in Santa Teresa Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 48 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $100

Meet Sammy, Ryan, or another Santa Teresa Extreme Center instructor for a private 90-minute lesson at Santa Teresa or Hermosa Beach. Beginners learn board control and standing up, while stronger surfers work on green waves, bottom turns, cutbacks, and roundhouses. A board is included.

“We took our first lesson ever with Sammy & Ryan and we will never forget this experience. It was amazing we had zero experience and walked away with having caught some wicked waves. If you have never taken a lesson before this is the place to go. Our instructors were patient and explained everything in great detail and helped us unlock our inner surfer. Can’t wait to return for more lessons on our next trip back out to Costa Rica.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Sunset Bioluminescence Tour by Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 45 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $50

Leave El Gecko Tours at 5:30 pm for a sunset boat ride to Isla Cedros. Once darkness settles, you can swim and snorkel among glowing plankton for up to an hour. The boat carries water, soft drinks, and snacks. Some outings feature Captain Slater, Jairo, or Flor, though guide language may vary.

“Nice folks Beautiful area. Nice hanks for the boat ride. The boat is a good way to see the area Thanks”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Private Nature Adventure Tour in Curu Wildlife Refuge

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 42 reviews · 4 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $150

Explore Curu Wildlife Refuge from Santa Teresa or Montezuma with a private naturalist guide such as Douglas, Jose, or Ernesto. Over about four hours, you may spot monkeys, scarlet macaws, deer, crocodiles, iguanas, and tropical birds. Hotel pickup, a telescope, snacks, and a beach stop may be included depending on your customized plan.

“We had a wonderful time with a group of five, led by Ernesto who was an outstanding driver, guide, spotter, and photographer with extensive knowledge of Curu and all of the flora and fauna. In about four hours we saw a mind-bending array of animals including white faced capuchin monkeys - dozens, up close! - a crocodile, deer, iguanas, bats, exotic birds, and many more - plus really detailed descriptions of various trees, insects, and other aspects of the ecosystem. Ernesto spotted these animals for us and used a telescope for close looks and to capture digital photos on our phones for posterity. He was courteous, genuinely passionate about the…”

Check availability →Read our full review