Activities for Families (and Individuals) in Santa Teresa: A Guide
Nestled on the picturesque Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa offers a unique blend of surf culture, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly fun. This laid-back coastal town has become a popular destination for digital nomads, surfers, and luxury lovers alike, providing a diverse range of activities suitable for families.
For those eager to catch the waves, surf lessons are available for kids and beginners. Toro, a highly-rated instructor, offers private and group lessons tailored to families, helping children and adults build confidence in the water [1][4]. The town's palm-lined beach is perfect for spending a day building sandcastles and playing in the waves [1].
Exploring tide pools at El Peñon is a free, engaging nature activity where children can discover crabs and other sea creatures, providing a unique educational experience right by the ocean [1]. The ropeswing at Rocamar keeps children entertained for hours, combining playful activity with the relaxed surfer vibe of Santa Teresa [1].
Beach visits to Playa Cuevas offer picturesque surroundings ideal for family games, swimming, and relaxation [1]. For families with older kids or teenagers, ATV rentals provide an element of adventure and discovery, allowing them to explore beaches and trails around Santa Teresa [4].
Nature adventure tours near Curu Wildlife Refuge offer a safe, guided environment for families to spot local animals and enjoy the lush surroundings [4]. Staying at hotels like Blue Surf Sanctuary provides a family-friendly communal pool shaded in the afternoons, perfect for kids to swim and socialize while parents relax nearby [1].
Santa Teresa's culinary scene caters to all tastes, with a variety of places to eat, from beachfront spots to rustic roadside joints. The Bakery is a trendy spot for pastries, brunch dishes, and coffee, while Cafe Social offers casual breakfast and lunch with excellent smoothie bowls and healthy dishes [2].
For a more grown-up vibe in the evenings, Banana Beach Bar can get "clubby," offering a change of pace for parents [1]. Uma Beach Club serves upscale Mediterranean food with a stunning view, while Kooks offers BBQ-style food with a sports bar feel [1].
Adventure-seekers can try zip-lining, skydiving, or kayaking and SUP for peaceful explorations along the coast and mangrove forests [3]. For those seeking extreme adventure, bioluminescence tours can be taken to see the glow of bioluminescent plankton near Mal Pais [3].
Santa Teresa can be reached by car and ferry from San Jose or by a longer drive from Liberia airport. Boat trips are available for whale watching, dolphin spotting, and fishing, with Tortuga Island being a popular destination [5]. Montezuma waterfall, located near Santa Teresa, offers hikes to spectacular waterfalls and swimming holes [3].
Gaucha serves artisanal ice cream, coffee, and Argentine pastries, making it a must-visit for dessert lovers [2]. House of Somos captures the hip vibe of Santa Teresa, popular with digital nomads [2].
Whether you're a family looking for adventure, a couple seeking romance, or a digital nomad in search of inspiration, Santa Teresa offers a little something for everyone, making it an excellent destination for a memorable getaway.
[1] https://www.santateresacostarica.com/ [2] https://www.thebakerycostarica.com/ [3] https://www.costaricaadventures.com/ [4] https://bluesurfsanctuary.com/ [5] https://www.tortugaislandcr.com/
Participants with a preference for surfing can attend lessons provided by Toro, who offers personalized instruction for families, enhancing their water confidence. A day spent at the beach in Santa Teresa is perfect for constructing sandcastles and engaging in water games with children.
For families with older kids or teenagers, ATV rentals offer an exciting opportunity to immerse themselves in the adventure surrounding Santa Teresa. These all-terrain vehicles provide a chance to explore various beaches and trails around the town.