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Top Things to Do in Santa Teresa

We compared all 34 experiences in Santa Teresa so you can choose in minutes: real prices, verified reviews and our editorial picks.

★4.8 34 experiences from US$ 18 ✓Free cancellation on most experiences

Must-do experiences

Nicoya Peninsula: Bioluminescent Kayak Tour & Night Paddle
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Most booked
Nicoya Peninsula: Bioluminescent Kayak Tour & Night PaddleFeel the magic of Nicoya’s glowing waters on a bioluminescent kayak tour, with local guide, snacks, and all gear included. Includes pickup near Paquera ferry.
222 reviews
4.91★
Duration
1h
Every day
18:00
Live guide EN · ESFree cancellationfromUS$ 36per person
Surf Lessons in Santa Teresa: Learn to Ride Waves
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★Top rated
Surf Lessons in Santa Teresa: Learn to Ride WavesFirst-time surfers in Santa Teresa learn wave reading and pop-ups in 90 minutes with a local instructor, board and rashguard included.
167 reviews
4.95★
Duration
1h 30m
start times · Every day
3
Live guide EN · ESFree cancellationfromUS$ 60per person
Isla Tortuga Snorkeling: Arco Iris & Morteros
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Best value
Isla Tortuga Snorkeling: Arco Iris & MorterosSnorkel Isla Tortuga's volcanic reefs at Arco Iris and Morteros with equipment, fruits and drinks included. Small group departures from Paquera at 9am or noon.
137 reviews
4.50★
Duration
5h
start times · Every day
2
Free cancellationfromUS$ 80per person

Recommended (7)

Santa Teresa Bioluminescence Tour: Kayak Punta Cuchillos Night
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Travelers' pick
Santa Teresa Bioluminescence Tour: Kayak Punta Cuchillos Night
124 reviews
4.86★
Duration
1h 15m
fromUS$ 40per person
Isla Tortuga Boat Tour: Snorkeling, Beach & Monkeys
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Travelers' pick
Isla Tortuga Boat Tour: Snorkeling, Beach & Monkeys
69 reviews
4.93★
Duration
6h
fromUS$ 98per person
Santa Teresa Inshore Fishing Trip: Tuna & Mahi Mahi
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Travelers' pick
Santa Teresa Inshore Fishing Trip: Tuna & Mahi Mahi
53 reviews
4.79★
Duration
3h 30m
fromUS$ 360per group
Private Surf Lessons Santa Teresa Beach: All Levels Welcome
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Private Surf Lessons Santa Teresa Beach: All Levels Welcome
52 reviews
4.85★
Duration
1h 30m
fromUS$ 100per person
Curu Wildlife Refuge tour: White-Faced Monkeys & Wildlife
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Curu Wildlife Refuge tour: White-Faced Monkeys & Wildlife
49 reviews
4.92★
Duration
4h–5h
fromUS$ 150per person
Ziplining at Rincón de la Vieja: 9 lines and 8 activities
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Ziplining at Rincón de la Vieja: 9 lines and 8 activities
48 reviews
4.98★
Duration
10h
fromUS$ 215per person
Kayaking at sunset in Gulf of Nicoya: Bioluminescence
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Travelers' pick
Kayaking at sunset in Gulf of Nicoya: Bioluminescence
46 reviews
4.59★
Duration
1h 45m
fromUS$ 35per person

Lowest price (6)

Kayaking Paquera bioluminescence: Glowing plankton at night
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Kayaking Paquera bioluminescence: Glowing plankton at nightKayak through Paquera Bay at sunset into the night, paddling among glowing bioluminescent plankton with a guide who provides all equipment.
10 reviews
4.20★
Duration
2h
Every day
17:30
Live guide EN · ESFree cancellationfromUS$ 35per person
Santa Teresa: 1.5-Hour Horseback Riding & Hidden Beach
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Santa Teresa: 1.5-Hour Horseback Riding & Hidden BeachHorseback riding tour in Santa Teresa with beach access and hidden cove. Small groups (max 4), new equipment, 8am & 3pm departures. Insurance included.
16 reviews
5.00★
Duration
1h 30m
start times · Every day
2
Live guide EN · DE · RU · UK +3Free cancellationfromUS$ 68per person
Private Surf Lesson in Playa Hermosa Santa Teresa
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Travelers' pick
Private Surf Lesson in Playa Hermosa Santa TeresaLearn to surf at Playa Hermosa de Santa Teresa with a professional instructor in English or Spanish, including board and 90 minutes of guided practice in the water.
10 reviews
5.00★
Duration
1h 30m
start times · Every day
3
Live guide EN · ESFree cancellationfromUS$ 75per person
Tortuga Island Snorkeling & Beach Day from Santa Teresa
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Travelers' pick
Tortuga Island Snorkeling & Beach Day from Santa TeresaFull-day snorkeling tour from Santa Teresa to Tortuga Island with 45-minute boat ride, BBQ lunch, and all gear included. Dolphins often spotted en route.
21 reviews
4.48★
Duration
8h 30m
Every day
07:45
Live guide EN · ESPickup optionalFree cancellationfromUS$ 137per person
La Leona Waterfall Hike in Tamarindo: Swim in Rio Blanco
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La Leona Waterfall Hike in Tamarindo: Swim in Rio BlancoHike to La Leona waterfall in Tamarindo with a guide, swim in Rio Blanco's cool water, and enjoy typical Costa Rican lunch with hotel pickup.
14 reviews
4.64★
Duration
5h–7h
start times · Every day
7
Live guide EN · ESHotel pickupFree cancellationfromUS$ 160per person
Horseback Riding in Santa Teresa: Bareback on Cabuya Beach
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Horseback Riding in Santa Teresa: Bareback on Cabuya BeachFour-hour bareback ride along Cabuya Beach or through a 200-acre sanctuary with a guide who speaks English and Spanish. Helmet included, ages 6 and up welcome.
21 reviews
4.81★
Duration
4h
start times · Every day
2
Live guide EN · ESFree cancellationfromUS$ 175per person

More options (18)

Private Nature Tour in Cabo Blanco: First Protected Area
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Private Nature Tour in Cabo Blanco: First Protected AreaPrivate guided hike through Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve, Costa Rica's first protected area, spotting wildlife while enjoying a jungle picnic.
9 reviews
5.00★
Duration
2h–3h
Wed–SunLive guide EN · ESPickup optionalFree cancellationfromUS$ 140per person
Kayaking Paquera: Bioluminescence by Night
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Kayaking Paquera: Bioluminescence by NightKayak through Paquera Bay at sunset and into the night to watch bioluminescent plankton glow in the water. Includes kayak, life jacket, guide and fresh fruit.
8 reviews
4.63★
Duration
2h
Every day
17:30
Live guide ENFree cancellationfromUS$ 35per person
Ziplining in Mal País with ATV and Montezuma Falls
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Ziplining in Mal País with ATV and Montezuma FallsZipline through Mal País canopy with spectacular views, then ride ATVs through jungle trails to Montezuma Waterfall. Includes guide, equipment and hotel pickup.
6 reviews
4.00★
Duration
4h–8h
SunLive guide EN · ESPickup optionalFree cancellationfromUS$ 287per person
Santa Teresa to Liberia Airport Private Shuttle: Depart at your desired time
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Santa Teresa to Liberia Airport Private Shuttle: Depart at your desired timePrivate minibus from Santa Teresa beach to Liberia Airport, departing at your chosen time for a 5–6 hour ride through Costa Rica's interior.
6 reviews
4.00★
Duration
5h–6h
Every dayHotel pickupFree cancellationfromUS$ 341per group
Tortuga Island Sunset & Bioluminescence Tour Santa Teresa
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Travelers' pick
Tortuga Island Sunset & Bioluminescence Tour Santa TeresaEvening boat tour from Santa Teresa to Tortuga Island with sunset viewing, snorkeling, fish tacos and bioluminescence. Includes hotel pickup.
4 reviews
4.75★
Duration
7h
Every day
12:45
Live guide EN · ESPickup optionalFree cancellationfromUS$ 137per person
Snorkeling at Curu Wildlife Refuge: Turtle Islands & Beach
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Snorkeling at Curu Wildlife Refuge: Turtle Islands & BeachSnorkel the Turtle Islands from Curu Wildlife Refuge with a live guide, boat transport, and tropical fruit included.
4 reviews
5.00★
Duration
3h
start times · Every day
2
Live guide EN · ESFree cancellationfromUS$ 70per person
Group Surf Lessons in Playa Hermosa Santa Teresa
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Travelers' pick
Group Surf Lessons in Playa Hermosa Santa TeresaLearn to surf at Playa Hermosa de Santa Teresa in 90 minutes with a certified bilingual instructor, surfboard included, in a small group setting.
3 reviews
5.00★
Duration
1h 30m
start times · Every day
3
Live guide EN · ESFree cancellationfromUS$ 70per person
Private Transfer Liberia Airport to Occidental Papagayo
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Private Transfer Liberia Airport to Occidental PapagayoPrivate transfer from Liberia airport to Occidental Papagayo in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water. Available one-way or round-trip.
2 reviews
5.00★
Duration
1h–2h
Every dayLive guide EN · ESHotel pickupFree cancellationfromUS$ 18per person
Private Transfer Liberia Airport to Santa Teresa: 3+ Hours
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Private Transfer Liberia Airport to Santa Teresa: 3+ HoursPrivate transfer from Liberia Airport to Santa Teresa in an air-conditioned vehicle with bilingual driver. The shuttle tracks your flight and waits regardless of delays.
1 review
5.00★
Duration
3h 40m
Every dayLive guide EN · ESHotel pickupFree cancellationfromUS$ 90per person
Santa Teresa to San Jose Private Transfer: 5-Hour Service
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Santa Teresa to San Jose Private Transfer: 5-Hour ServiceFive-hour private transfer from Santa Teresa to San Jose with bilingual driver, air-conditioned vehicle, and flexible stops for restrooms, lunch or shopping along the way.
Duration
5h
start times · Every day
8
Hotel pickupFree cancellationfromUS$ 450per group
Liberia Airport to Santa Teresa Private Shuttle with Water
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Liberia Airport to Santa Teresa Private Shuttle with WaterPrivate transfer from Liberia Airport to Santa Teresa, Montezuma or Mal Pais with air-conditioned minibus, bottled water included.
Duration
3h–4h
Every dayLive guide EN · ESHotel pickupFree cancellationfromUS$ 465per group
Private Transfer San Jose to Santa Teresa: Bilingual Driver
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Private Transfer San Jose to Santa Teresa: Bilingual DriverPrivate transfer from San Jose to Santa Teresa with bilingual driver in air-conditioned vehicle. Five hours with a midway stop, flexible routing.
Duration
5h
start times · Every day
9
Hotel pickupFree cancellationfromUS$ 450per group
Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio shuttle: Budget transport
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Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio shuttle: Budget transportShared shuttle from Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio takes around five hours with one ten-minute stop, includes wifi and air conditioning.
Duration
5h
Every day
07:00
Live guide ENHotel pickupFree cancellationfromUS$ 140per person
Private Transfer Juan Santamaria Airport to Pérez Zeledón
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Private Transfer Juan Santamaria Airport to Pérez ZeledónPrivate transfer from Juan Santamaria Airport to Hacienda AltaGracia in Pérez Zeledón, 4 to 5 hours in an air-conditioned vehicle with a driver who knows.
Duration
4m–5m
Every dayHotel pickupFree cancellationfromUS$ 80per person
Private Transfer San Jose Airport to Playa Santa Teresa
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Private Transfer San Jose Airport to Playa Santa TeresaPrivate transfer from San Jose Airport to Santa Teresa in an air-conditioned minibus with bottled water. Driver meets you in arrivals with personalized service.
Duration
4h–5h
Every dayLive guide EN · ESHotel pickupFree cancellationfromUS$ 205per person
Private Transfer: Liberia Airport to Santa Teresa
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Private Transfer: Liberia Airport to Santa TeresaPrivate transfer from Liberia Airport to Santa Teresa in an air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water included, getting you to your destination comfortably.
Duration
3h 40m
Every dayLive guide EN · ESHotel pickupFree cancellationfromUS$ 82per person
Santa Teresa to Arenal Private Transfer with Bilingual Driver
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Santa Teresa to Arenal Private Transfer with Bilingual DriverPrivate shuttle from Santa Teresa to Arenal with bilingual driver, wildlife spotting stops, bottled water and WiFi. Travel comfortably between Costa Rica's coasts.
Duration
6h
start times · Every day
16
Hotel pickupFree cancellationfromUS$ 350per group
Private Transfer San Jose Airport to Santa Teresa Beach
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Private Transfer San Jose Airport to Santa Teresa BeachFlying into San Jose and heading to Santa Teresa? A private transfer meets you at the airport with a sign, drives you in an air-conditioned minibus.
Duration
4h–5h
Every dayLive guide EN · ESHotel pickupFree cancellationfromUS$ 550per group

Santa Teresa at a glance ✓ 2026-11-04

  • Most booked: Nicoya Peninsula: Bioluminescent Kayak Tour & Night Paddle, US$ 36 (1h, 4.91★ · 222).
  • Top rated: Surf Lessons in Santa Teresa: Learn to Ride Waves, US$ 60 (1h 30m, 4.95★ · 167).
  • Best value: Isla Tortuga Snorkeling: Arco Iris & Morteros, US$ 80 (5h, 4.50★ · 137).

Of the 34 experiences: 33 with free cancellation, 28 with instant confirmation, 20 with hotel pickup and 9 bookable last-minute.

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