OUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN SANTA TERESA
We love to lounge by the pool, read a good book or go for a walk along the beach just as much as the next person, but sometimes it’s nice to switch things up - try something new or rediscover an old favorite hobby. These are the activities we recommend most often to our guests — the ones we’ve done ourselves, send friends to, and keep hearing good things about.
If you’d like help arranging any of these before your stay, just send us a message — we’re happy to help!
Surfing
It is impossible to talk about Santa Teresa and not mention surfing. There are waves here year round and I don’t think I have ever experienced a flat day during the 10 plus years I’ve lived here. In general waves are smaller Dec-April and get bigger May-Nov but there are many breaks and all surfers can have a good time surfing in Santa Teresa. For a more in depth guide to surfing Santa Teresa - check out our guide Surfing in Santa Teresa.
There are lots of surf shops in town that offer surfboard rentals starting from about 15 USD per day. We recommend Denga or Nalu because they have a wide selection of boards. If you are a beginner and just want to give it a try we recommend going to Playa Hermosa and rent a board at Jackalope for an hour or two.
If you are looking for surf lessons we work with an amazing instructor named Mauricio. He will come pick you up at Mint, bring boards and take you to the best break for your ability and the conditions that day. The lesson lasts 2 hours and is a great way to learn the basics about water safety and surfing, or develop your skills and learn more about the local spots and conditions if you are more advanced. Mauricio charges 75 usd for a 1 on 1 private lesson or 65 usd per person for a 2 people private class.
Our tip: If you haven’t surfed before, book a lesson to learn the basics - it is worth it and you will improve a lot faster than if you try to learn on your own (learn from our mistake :))
Renting an ATV
In general I’d say having a vehicle in Santa Teresa is a game changer! The town is so spread out that without a vehicle you’ll just not be able to see it all. The ATV is a very fun way to explore the town and nearby beaches. The drive through the jungle over to Montezuma is an adventure in itself and while over there you can visit a waterfall, explore quiet beaches or get lunch at out favorite restaurant Playa de los Artistas.
Our preferred partner companies can deliver an atv to Mint, show you how to drive it and then pick it up after your rental is done. They charge 80 usd per day for the first 5 days and then 70 usd per following day.
Our tip: Riding through town on an atv is part of the true Santa Teresa experience
Getting a massage
After surfing, hiking or a day on the beach getting a massage is a great way to end your day. We work with Gabi that offers massages (relaxing, deep tissue or myofascial release) for 100 usd for 1 hour or 140 usd for 90 minutes. She can also bring a colleague for a couples massage.
If you prefer to go out to a spa we have heard good things about Numu Wellness Center and Spa Natural
Our tip: Book your massage in the early evening to have it set up on your rooftop terrace. Calming sounds of cicadas included.
Horseback riding
A different way to enjoy the sunset or a beautiful way to start your day. A tour with Horizonte is always a highlight of our guests’ visit to Santa Teresa. The tours start over in Manzanillo, which is about 30-minute drive from Mint. The beach over there is vast and usually empty so it is the perfect place for your horse experience. Michelle and her team of experienced guides offer a bunch of different tours but the most popular one with our guests is the sunset beach tour. It takes 1,5-2 hours and they charge 95 usd per person for a private tour.
Our tip: Book in advance! These tours are very popular and they fill up. Contact us to reserve your spot
Fishing
Fishing in Costa Rica is something else. Our guests have caught tunas, red snappers, sail fish and more. There are great options for all levels of fishers but the most popular tour with our guests is a private tour taking off either early morning or in the afternoon from the small harbor in Malpais. You go out together with an experienced captain and troll until something bites, then you pull it up and hope for the best! A tour like this costs 300 usd and lasts about 3 hours.
Our tip: You can bring your catch to a local restaurant and they’ll prepare it for you. It doesn’t get fresher than that
Ziplining
I’d say ziplining is a Costa Rican specialty so of course Santa Teresa also offers this very fun and exciting experience! We recommend Canopy Malpais that has many years of experience and always delivers fun memories. They charge 65 USD plus tax per person and the tour takes about 1 hour.
Our tip: They offer the tour several times a day so check their webpage for the updated schedule
