Things to Do at Bohemia Experience
Top 10 Things to Do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Surf, waterfalls, wildlife, and unforgettable days on the Nicoya Peninsula
Some days in Santa Teresa begin with a surfboard and end with sandy feet at sunset. Others take you along forest trails, out to tropical islands, or onto the water after dark.
Whether you’re visiting for adventure, nature, or a little of both, these are our top 10 things to do in Santa Teresa and the surrounding area. You’ll find experiences close to Bohemia alongside day trips to Montezuma, Cabo Blanco, and beyond.
Make room for a few adventures—and leave yourself time to enjoy the beach.
Explore the experiences below, or ask the Bohemia team to help plan your stay.
Surf Lessons & Local Breaks
1. Surf Santa Teresa’s Waves
Catch your first wave or take your surfing further
Surfing is part of everyday life in Santa Teresa. Boards make their way down beach paths in the morning, surfers gather to watch the conditions, and conversations often turn to the waves.
If you’ve never surfed before, a lesson with a local instructor is a great place to start. You’ll learn the basics on land before heading into conditions selected for your ability. Experienced surfers can arrange coaching to work on technique and get familiar with local breaks.
With Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen, and Playa Hermosa nearby, there are several beaches to explore. Your instructor can recommend where to go based on your level, the swell, and the tides.
- Best for: Beginners, experienced surfers, and anyone curious about Santa Teresa’s surf culture.
- Location: Santa Teresa and nearby beaches.
- Plan ahead: Book a lesson early in your stay so you have time for another session.
Ask Bohemia about surf lessons.
Jungle Waterfall Day Trip
2. Explore Montezuma’s Waterfalls
Trade the beach for forest trails and freshwater scenery
A visit to Montezuma adds a different rhythm to your stay. This coastal town on the other side of the southern Nicoya Peninsula is known for its waterfalls and forest surroundings.
Explore the waterfall area, enjoy the scenery, and make time to wander through town afterward. You can build a day around the waterfalls or combine your visit with a guided canopy experience.
Routes vary in difficulty, and some sections can be steep or slippery. Choose an approach that suits your group, wear shoes with grip, and follow local guidance about access and water conditions.
- Best for: Nature lovers, active travelers, and guests looking for a day trip from Santa Teresa.
- Location: Montezuma.
- Plan ahead: Allow extra time to enjoy the town and coastline.
Ask Bohemia about a Montezuma waterfall excursion.
Countryside & Beach Rides
3. Go Horseback Riding Through Arío
Discover beaches, countryside, and a different side of Costa Rica
North of Santa Teresa, around Manzanillo and Arío, horseback riding takes you beyond the main beach road and into a landscape of ranchland, rivers, hills, and open coastline.
Guided rides offer a chance to experience the countryside with people who know the land and their horses. Depending on the route and season, your ride may include shaded trails, coastal views, and stretches of beach.
You don’t need to be an experienced rider to consider this adventure. Share your riding experience when booking so the operator can recommend a suitable horse and route.
- Best for: Couples, families, and travelers who enjoy exploring outdoors.
- Location: Arío and Manzanillo, north of Santa Teresa.
- Plan ahead: Routes and departure times depend on the operator and conditions.
Ask Bohemia about horseback riding tours.
Island Snorkeling Escape
4. Take a Snorkeling Trip to Isla Tortuga
Spend a day between the ocean and a tropical island
An Isla Tortuga boat trip is a chance to make the ocean your destination for the day.
Tours typically combine snorkeling stops with time on the island, where you can enjoy the beach and take a break beneath the trees. Underwater, the experience changes with visibility and sea conditions, with opportunities to observe tropical fish around rocky marine habitats.
Different operators offer different departure points, routes, and inclusions. Choose a trip that gives you the balance of boat time, snorkeling, and relaxation you’re looking for.
- Best for: Couples, friends, and families who enjoy boat excursions.
- Location: Isla Tortuga, with departures arranged from the surrounding region.
- Plan ahead: Set aside a full day and confirm transfers, meals, and equipment when booking.
Ask Bohemia about Isla Tortuga snorkeling tours.
Coastal Forest Hiking
5. Hike Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
Walk through coastal forest on the southern Nicoya Peninsula
For a day surrounded by trees, birdsong, and forest trails, visit Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve near Cabuya.
This protected area offers a rewarding change of scenery from Santa Teresa’s beaches. Take your time along the trails, look for movement in the branches, and enjoy the details you might otherwise miss: roots crossing the path, birds overhead, and the sounds of the forest.
Choose a hike that suits your fitness and the day’s conditions. A guided visit can help you notice and understand more of the reserve’s wildlife and ecology.
- Best for: Hikers, birdwatchers, and travelers interested in Costa Rica’s natural landscapes.
- Location: Cabo Blanco, near Cabuya.
- Plan ahead: Confirm current opening days and trail access. Bring water, sun protection, and walking shoes.
Ask Bohemia about visiting Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve.
Nighttime Ocean Glow
6. Experience Bioluminescence After Dark
Discover the water’s natural glow
Some of the region’s most memorable experiences happen after sunset.
On a bioluminescence excursion, movement in the water can reveal flashes and trails of natural light produced by living organisms. It’s a very different way to experience the coast: in darkness, with attention drawn to the water around you.
Tours operate in nearby bays and may use boats, kayaks, or other guided formats, depending on the provider. This is an excursion beyond Santa Teresa’s main beach, so transport is part of the planning.
Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon, and its visibility varies. Ask about recent conditions and the best available option for your dates.
- Best for: Couples, curious travelers, and anyone looking for an unusual evening experience.
- Location: Nearby bays, depending on the tour.
- Plan ahead: Confirm the departure point, transport, and expected return time.
Ask Bohemia about bioluminescence tours.
Canopy Adventure
7. Zipline Above the Forest
See the Nicoya Peninsula from a new perspective
A canopy tour brings a burst of adventure to your Santa Teresa holiday.
Guided zipline experiences around Mal País and Montezuma take you between platforms above the forest floor. Depending on the location, the route may include coastal views, suspension bridges, or a waterfall visit.
There are different circuits in the area, so it’s worth choosing the experience that best suits your group. The Montezuma waterfall canopy tour and the Mal País canopy experience offer different settings and features.
- Best for: Adventure seekers, friends, and families with eligible children.
- Location: Mal País or Montezuma, depending on the operator.
- Plan ahead: Check age, weight, and participation requirements before booking. Wear closed-toe shoes.
Ask Bohemia about local zipline tours.
Scuba Diving in Mal País
8. Discover Santa Teresa’s Underwater World
Go scuba diving off the Mal País coast
There’s another side of the Nicoya Peninsula beneath the surface.
Scuba diving trips departing from Mal País explore Pacific dive sites with rocky formations and varied marine life. Depending on the site, season, and conditions, divers may encounter schools of fish, rays, eels, turtles, or reef sharks.
Certified divers can join guided outings, while beginners can ask about an introductory experience that includes instruction and supervised dives. Your previous experience and comfort in the water will help the dive center recommend the right option.
Every outing is different, and wildlife sightings are part of the possibility rather than a promise.
- Best for: Certified divers and beginners interested in trying scuba diving.
- Location: Dive sites reached by boat from Mal País.
- Plan ahead: Share your certification level and travel schedule with the dive center before booking.
Ask Bohemia about scuba diving experiences.
Sport Fishing Adventure
9. Go Fishing With a Local Mal País Captain
Spend a morning or a full day on the Pacific
Fishing offers a connection to Mal País’s coastal roots and a chance to experience the ocean with a local captain.
Choose an inshore outing or a longer offshore trip, depending on your interests and how much time you want to spend on the water. Local operators offer experiences for first-time anglers as well as more experienced guests.
The species encountered vary by season, location, and ocean conditions. Talk to your captain about the style of fishing you prefer, the trip length, and how catches are handled.
- Best for: Fishing enthusiasts, friends, families, and private groups.
- Location: Departures from Mal País.
- Plan ahead: Confirm the charter length, boat capacity, equipment, and inclusions.
Ask Bohemia about fishing charters.
Coastal Walks & Tide Pools
10. Explore Mal País’s Coastline and Tide Pools
Make time for a slower coastal adventure
Some days call for a simple plan: head toward Mal País, explore the shoreline, and stop wherever the scenery invites you to linger.
Along this stretch of coast, rocky formations and natural pools offer a different setting from Santa Teresa’s long sandy beaches. At suitable low tides, you can take a closer look at the shoreline and the marine life in the pools.
Keep your visit flexible and follow local advice. Ocean swell can reach exposed rocks and pools, so access depends on more than the tide alone.
- Best for: Coastal walks, photography, and an easy change of scenery.
- Location: Mal País.
- Plan ahead: Check tides and sea conditions, and ask which areas are suitable that day.
Ask Bohemia for local coastline recommendations.
Beyond the Top 10
More Adventures to Try Near Santa Teresa
A few more ideas for your stay
Still making plans? These experiences are worth adding to your shortlist.
Ocean Adventure
Glide Above the Water on an eFoil
Try an electric hydrofoil board with an instructor and experience the sensation of rising above the water. Lessons around Mal País offer an introduction for new riders as well as sessions for those with experience.
Sky Adventure
See the Coast From Above With a Tandem Skydive
For an adrenaline-filled addition to your trip, ask about tandem skydiving in the Santa Teresa area. Confirm local operating dates, departure arrangements, weather requirements, and eligibility before planning your day.
Paddle Adventure
Explore by Stand-Up Paddleboard
A guided SUP outing offers another way to spend time on the water. Ask about available locations and routes suited to your experience and the day’s conditions.
Nature Excursion
Take a Guided Wildlife Walk in Curú
Visit Curú Wildlife Refuge for a nature-focused excursion along forest trails. A naturalist guide can help you spot wildlife and learn more about the habitats of the Nicoya Peninsula.
Tips for Your Stay
Planning Your Santa Teresa Adventures
A little planning leaves more room to enjoy your stay
Mix nearby activities with a few longer excursions. A surf lesson or coastal walk can fit around a relaxed day, while Isla Tortuga and other regional trips deserve more time.
When choosing an experience, consider transport, your group’s interests, and how active you want the day to be. Weather, ocean conditions, and seasonal access can affect arrangements, so keep some flexibility in your schedule.
The Bohemia team can help you explore the options and check the details for your dates.
Your Questions Answered
Frequently Asked Questions
About Things to Do in Santa Teresa
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What are the best things to do in Santa Teresa besides surfing?
There’s plenty to enjoy beyond surfing, including horseback riding, scuba diving, fishing, ziplining, and coastal walks. Nearby day trips include Montezuma’s waterfalls, Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, Isla Tortuga, and bioluminescence excursions.
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Can beginners take surf lessons in Santa Teresa?
Yes. Local surf schools offer beginner lessons and select locations according to ability and ocean conditions. Tell your instructor about your swimming confidence and any previous surfing experience.
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Can I visit Montezuma from Santa Teresa?
Yes, Montezuma can be visited as a day trip from Santa Teresa. Plan time for transport, your waterfall visit, and exploring town. Travel times vary with the route, weather, and road conditions.
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Which activities are suitable for families?
Depending on children’s ages and the operator’s requirements, options can include surf lessons, horseback riding, boat trips, guided nature walks, and ziplining. Check the specific requirements when choosing an activity.
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Do I need a rental car to enjoy these experiences?
Not necessarily. Some excursions offer transfers, and transport can be arranged for others. Confirm whether pickup from Bohemia is included or needs to be booked separately.
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Should I book tours before arriving?
Booking ahead is helpful if you have limited dates, are traveling with a group, or have a particular experience in mind. Weather-dependent activities benefit from some flexibility.
Ready to Explore Santa Teresa?
Make Your Santa Teresa Stay Your Own
A few adventures. Plenty of time to enjoy Bohemia.
Catch a wave, follow a forest trail, spend a day at sea, or try something completely new. We’re here to help you choose the experiences that fit your stay.
Already staying with us? Get in touch with your dates, group size, and the activities you’re interested in.
Still planning your visit? Discover Bohemia and start imagining your days in Santa Teresa.
