While a visit to Santa Teresa offers you the chance to kick back and relax in paradise, you’ll also find Costa Rica adventures galore.
Whether you are planning a short trip or an extended luxury stay, fit some of the many adventurous things to do in Costa Rica into your itinerary. You’ll make memories that will last a lifetime.
Your Costa Rica Adventures Start at Santa Teresa
Known as a top surfing destination, Santa Teresa has an easy-going vibe. Located on the Nicoya Peninsula, which boasts many of Costa Rica’s natural marvels, it’s the perfect place to call home between adventures. And staying at one of our graceful villas allows you to enjoy everything in the peak of luxury.
You’ll find the Casa Teresa team more than happy to help you organize as many Costa Rica adventures over land and sea as you’d like to experience. Several adventures can be combined when you organize various Costa Rica day trips to areas around the Nicoya Peninsula and beyond. Keep reading for top suggestions for what to do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Adventures for All Kinds of Travelers
Whether traveling solo, as a couple, in a friend group, or with your family, here are some must-try unique things to do in Costa Rica.
Beach hopping
Santa Teresa is home to the best Costa Rica beaches, featuring pristine white sand and crystal blue waters. Santa Teresa beach has waves barreling in as if ready for a photo op—or for you to hop on a surfboard and ride them. Nearby beaches include Playa Hermosa, Playa Carmen, Playa Santa Teresa, and Playa Suecos, all of which are world-class surfing spots.
Even if you aren’t into surfing, they’re still great for sunbathing, building sandcastles, or just enjoying a romantic stroll on the sand with a loved one. Or you can plan to hit the beach at sunset and have a bonfire.
Surfers of all abilities are welcome at Santa Teresa. Pro surf coaches can teach you the basics at different locations, but the beaches are long enough that more experienced surfers can hit the waves without disrupting lessons. Even kids can start learning to conquer the waves, making this a fun adventure for families.
Note that Playa Grande is the go-to spot for beginner surfers November through April, and you’ll find many surf rentals and lessons available. Please ask our concierge about the best conditions and seasons to visit if you’re an experienced surfer and want local tips for nearby beaches based on the season and your goals.
Snorkeling
Costa Rica offers some of the best snorkeling this side of the Pacific, and this is one adventure even novice swimmers or kids can get in on. The lush biodiversity of Costa Rica’s waters means you can swim with sea tortoises off Tortuga Island or marvel at the rainbow-colored sea life in the various tide pools at Mar Azul, Playa Hermosa, Malpais, Montezuma Beach, and more.
Costa Rica Adventures for Foodies
Love exploring a place with your taste buds? Then feast your senses on what Costa Rica has to offer the gourmet traveler.
Costa Rica food culture is heavily influenced by its Spanish colonial history as well as the tropical climate. Dishes are often colorful, thanks to the wide use of fruits and vegetables and other fresh ingredients. Santa Teresa also offers world-class dining through its many restaurants if you want to take a meal out on the town, featuring both local and international cuisines.
There are also many destination dining experiences catering to eco-conscious travelers and offer a chance to explore local produce and the farm-to-table experience.
For the height of luxury, enjoy custom meals prepared by private chefs when choosing to add private culinary experiences to your stay.
Costa Rica Adventures for Thrill Seekers
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, sign yourself up for some of these adventurous things to do in Costa Rica:
Zip lining, skydiving, and other sky-high adventures
One of the more unique things to do in Costa Rica is to speed above a canopy of green on a thrilling zip line tour in Santa Teresa and Mal Pais. Catch gorgeous views of the jungle from high above in a ride that’s sure to get your blood pumping. Skydiving and gyrocopter tours are also popular amongst travelers seeking to amp it up a notch!
Learn About Sky-High Adventures in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Adventures for Nature Lovers
The Nicoya Peninsula, where Santa Teresa is located, boasts some of Costa Rica’s most gorgeous natural and biodiverse sites on land and underwater. So eco-travelers will have adventures to their hearts’ content when visiting.
If you enjoy trekking through nature, then one adventurous thing to do in Costa Rica is plan out some hiking tours. The Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is a must-visit for birdwatchers, while the Curu Wildlife Preserve boasts all sorts of flora and fauna, including monkeys, macaws, and white-tailed deer. Both Ceru and Cabo Blanco are approximately one hour from Santa Teresa beach.
The trek to the Montezuma Waterfalls might be a challenge (or you can make it easier by renting an ATV), but the view of the falls and the pools beneath them will take your breath away.
Scuba diving
Any destination that’s great for snorkeling will be even better for scuba diving, as it means you’ll get up close and personal with the marine life and discover even more gorgeous underwater sites below the waves.
Private sailing and boat tours
If you just want to sail the crystal blue waters and explore what they and surrounding islands and coastal areas have to offer, talk to our concierge about reserving a private sailing or boat tour for your group. One remote but must-see spot to visit is the uninhabited Isla Tortuga, known for its vibrant marine life and gorgeous beaches.
Whether you’re interested in sportfishing, kayak fishing, or any other kind of boat tour in Santa Teresa, you’ll find many tour operators willing to take you out for the day.
Adventurous Things to Do in Costa Rica for Families
Vacationing with the kids? Apart from hitting the beach, learning to surf and snorkel, and going on some of the easier day tours, here are some Costa Rica adventures sure to be popular for the ultimate family vacation.
Horseback riding
Going horseback riding down the beach on Playa Carmen is one unique thing to do in Costa Rica. It will make you feel like your life is something out of a movie! And if you’re traveling with kids, they’ll love interacting with the horses.
Whale and dolphin watching
One unique thing to do in Costa Rica is take a boat out to go whale and dolphin watching. It’s one thing to see these majestic creatures in aquariums and another thing entirely seeing them in the wild. Over 20 species of whales and dolphins inhabit or visit Costa Rica’s waters. While sightings are never guaranteed, the ideal time fo this activity is between December and April.
Romantic Costa Rica Adventures
There’s a good reason Costa Rica is a popular destination for couples. Whether you’re planning your itinerary for a seven-day Costa Rica adventure honeymoon or a quick couple’s vacation, let the scenic beauty and eco-adventurous challenges of Santa Teresa enrich your relationship.
All of the activities listed above would work well for romantic getaways in Costa Rica. For example, you can take a trek together, drink champagne during a sunset cruise, or huddle over a private beach bonfire.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Visiting Santa Teresa for the first time? We’ve answered some of the commonly asked questions about our town below:
What is Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, known for?
As we’ve discussed, Santa Teresa is famous around the world for its gorgeous beaches and for being a great destination for surfers. But visitors will find that’s just the start of the many fun and adventurous things to do in this Costa Rica town.
Are Santa Teresa’s beaches good for beginner surfers?
Yes! Even if you don’t know one end of a surfboard from the other, pro coaches are happy to teach you the art and sport of surfing. Though the best time for newbies is between December and April.
What are the best months to visit Santa Teresa?
There’s something for every visitor all year round. Most will prefer the dry months of November through April, the traditional dry months when the weather is gorgeous and the seas mild. But surfers who like a challenge will probably prefer the months of May to October, and the mercurial weather has its own charm, especially in July and early August.
Are there family-friendly activities in Santa Teresa?
Absolutely. Families with kids of all ages will have fun at the beaches, exploring the coastal waters and marine life, trekking through natural preserves, and so much more.
How do I get to Santa Teresa, Costa Rica?
When you stay at Casa Teresa, we’re more than happy to help you arrange for hassle-free travel right to our doorstep. We can arrange for a charter flight to Costa Rica, although you can also take commercial flights if you prefer. Upon arriving in the city of Tambor, we will meet you and escort you to the villa by car.
Ready for your Costa Rica adventure? Contact us now to check availability and get help with your itinerary.