The 7 Best Santa Teresa Tours

1.Eddy’s Bioluminescence Reserve in Punta Cuchillos

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

At 6:15 pm, Eddy leads a private kayak or canoe trip from Punta Cuchillos in Paquera. Over about 1 hour and 15 minutes, you’ll learn how bioluminescence works, search the bay for glowing patches, and may swim in the sparkling water. A dark, moonless night gives you the best view.

“Eddie was very personable and did everything he could to make our tour great! We were a tad early point so we drove up the road to a soda that overlooked the area before the tour and watched the sunset. The bioluminescence algae was cool and we enjoyed the swim at the end.”

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 Alvaro or Juan at Playa Hermosa for a 90-minute private group lesson built around safety, board skills, and constant coaching. You’ll learn how to stand, enter the water, and read your session while using a surfboard supplied by Salt Water Surfing Co. The lesson suits first-timers and surfers working to correct bad habits.

“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

Set out from Bahía Rica near Paquera at 9 a.m. for a six-hour trip to Isla Tortuga. Captain Juan or Chato may guide you past monkey habitat, calm snorkeling spots, and Gulf of Nicoya wildlife before a beach lunch prepared by Isabella or Diana. The boat holds no more than 12 people, with gear, drinks, and food included.

“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 inshore fishing trip along the Nicoya Peninsula. Your captain supplies rods, tackle, water, soft drinks, beer, and fruit. Depending on season and conditions, you may target yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, roosterfish, snapper, wahoo, and more, with Cabo Blanco and possible dolphins, turtles, manta rays, or whales along the way.

“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 instructor from Santa Teresa Extreme Center for a private 90-minute surf lesson in Santa Teresa or Hermosa Beach. Beginners learn to stand and control the board, while stronger surfers work on green waves, bottom turns, cutbacks, and roundhouses. A surfboard is included.

“This surfing class was really fun. Sammy was a great instructor! He teached us a lot and was really patient. We had a lot of fun!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Sunset Bioluminescence Tour by Boat

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

From Playa Relleno near Santa Teresa, El Gecko Tours takes you out at 5:30 pm toward Isla Cedros. After sunset, you can swim and snorkel in glowing water for up to an hour. The boat carries water, fruit, snacks, and soft drinks. Guides such as Slater, Jairo, and Flor have received warm praise, though English support may vary.

“This was the most magical experience ever! We went out with the boat short before sunset und while we waited on the water for the dark our guide explained the area on Nicoya Peninsula and the phenomenon of the Bioluminsecence and has some fresh fruit. The guide was a real Tico with his heart deeply connected to the land and the ocean. And the when it was dark enogh we could see it!!!! We went into the water and it felt like swimming in an interactive sky full of glitzering neonblue stars. So magical!”

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

Visit Curu National Wildlife Refuge with a private local guide such as Douglas, Jose, or Ernesto. Over four to five hours, you may spot capuchin, howler, and spider monkeys, scarlet macaws, deer, crocodiles, iguanas, and tropical birds. Hotel pickup from Santa Teresa or Montezuma is available, and the outing can be adjusted for your group.

“Our guide answered all our questions, he was very knowledgeable about Costa Rican wildlife. Ee really enjoyed our tour! Really thanks to Jose!”

Check availability →Read our full review