Activities in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

There are many great activities in and around Santa Teresa. Here at Banana Beach, we want to help you make the most of your vacation. From individual activities to complete vacation packages, we can help you do as much, or as little, as you want.

Attractions at Banana Beach

unforgettable experience.

Check out the activities below, and let us know what you’d like to do during your vacation. Let us design the perfect vacation experience for you.

Surfing

Surfing is one of the primary activities in town. Santa Teresa is famous around the world as a great surf destination. You’re never too far from a good surf break (especially in Banana Beach) and surfers of all skill levels benefit from some of the most consistent waves in Central America. If you’ve never surfed before and would like to try it out, we can arrange for some lessons with qualified surf instructors.

Kayaking/SUP

Ocean Kayaking is a great form of exercise, and a fun way to see a different part of Santa Teresa. It is an amazing workout and a good time. Experienced guides will go with you. It is a great way to see the coast line, marine and bird life! You have your choice of a sightseeing tour or fitness training. Kayak Fishing is also an option. Similar Tours are available with Stand Up Paddleboards. You can go south, by Cabo Blanco, or north, by the rivers.

ATVs

ATVs are a popular option in Santa Teresa. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to get around town, or want to go exploring the area, ATVs are a great way to do it. Half and full day rentals are available, and guided tours are an option. A knowledgable guide can take you to north, to Manzanillo and beyond, or south to Cabo Blano, Cabuya, and Montezuma.

Scuba Diving

If you want to try Scuba diving, The PADI Discover Scuba Diving is a great option. After short instruction in a pool, an instructor will lead you on a dive of up to 12 meters deep. If you’d like to get PADI certified, a week-long course is available, that will teach you diving theory, and include lessons in the pool and 4 dives. At the end you’ll receive your PADI Open Water Diver Certification. PADI certified Scuba instructors can take you on some unforgeable dives. See underwater creatures and even shipwrecks.

Horseback Riding

Go on a guided tour by horseback. Start by exploring the hills of Malpais, with some great trails and ocean views. Finish the trip with a sunset ride along the beach. Great for children and adults.

Sport Fishing

Experienced fishermen will take you out for a fishing tour. In shore or off shore fishing, with full and half day tours available. Go fishing for Mahi-Mahi, Tuna, Mackerel, Sailfish, and Marlin. Bring your catch to Banana Beach Restaurant and have them prepare it for you.

Yoga, Massages, and Pilates

Massages are the perfect way to loosen up after a day of surfing and being active. There are many different types of massage available in town, including Thai, Relaxation, Deep Tissue, and Holistic Massages. Couples Massages are also available. You can go to them, or we can arrange them to come to the hotel to perform the massage.

Canopy Tour

Zip above the trees on a steel cable! Experience paradise from a different angle. Located in Malpais, only a short distance from Santa Teresa, zip line through the jungle. See some amazing views. Both adults and children will enjoy this experience. Go to Montezuma and combine your canopy tour with a visit to the Montezuma Waterfalls. Transportation is provided to and from the tour.

Vacation Packages

We can use our years of knowledge and experience to plan the perfect vacation for you. Daily activities tailored to your interests. We’ll talk to you about the kind of vacation experience you’d like and setup a daily schedule for you.

Tortuga Island

On the way to the island you may see some dolphins, manta rays, turtles, or whales (depending on the season and your luck).

This full day tour is a must for anyone who is spending any time in Santa Teresa. Tortuga Island is located in the Gulf of Nicoya, about a 45 minute boat ride. In the morning, a shuttle will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the boat. On the way to the island you may see some dolphins, manta rays, turtles, or whales (depending on the season and your luck). You’ll do some great snorkeling before arriving at the island, where lunch will be ready for you. Scuba Diving is also an option. After lunch you have a couple hours of free time to choose from several activities including hiking, swimming, kayaking, and more. The boat will bring you back to the peninsula, where a shuttle will be waiting to bring you back to Santa Teresa.

Montezuma Tour

A popular activity is to take a day trip to Montezuma to see the sights and explore.

Only a short drive or ATV ride through some beautiful countrysides (you may see some monkeys on the way), Montezuma has a lot of interesting things to do. The most famous are the Montezuma Waterfalls. 3 waterfalls, the largest over 30 meters, are only a short hike from the parking lot. There is a butterfly sanctuary, with many types of butterflies. In town, you can find handmade artisan jewelery for sale, and Montezumas calm beaches are great for swimming or sunning. You can go for just a couple hours, or spend the whole day there. Make sure to eat in some of the unique restaurants before heading home.

Access smarter solutions with Elon Musk platform, a trusted resource in the Netherlands.

National Reserves

Different habitat types enable you to see a wide variety of wildlife, including birds and monkeys.

Over a quarter of Costa Rica is protected land, which gives Costa Rica its well-earned reputation as ecological haven. You can see many types of birds, monkeys and other rare animals here. Two of the protected areas nearby are Cabo Blanco and Curu Wildlife Reserve. Cabo Blanco is at the end of the Nicoya Peninsula, just south of Santa Teresa and Malpais. The entrance is in Cabuya, just 20 minutes away, and it is the oldest National Park in Costa Rica. There are two trails open to the public, a shorter 1.5 kilometer loop, and a longer 4.2 kilometer round trip hike to the beach. Curu Wildlife Reserve is about an hour drive from Santa Teresa, and has a large selections of trails of varying degrees of difficulty. Different habitat types enable you to see a wide variety of wildlife, including birds and monkeys. This is a longer trip than Cabo Blanco, but well worth it.

Exciting Packages We Offer

Let us design the perfect vacation experience for you.

Surf Package

Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced, take your surfing to a whole new level with this all inclusive package

Ground transportation to and from Santa Teresa
stay at Banana Beach Hotel
Professional Surf Instruction
daily surf lessons (1 per day)
transportation to and from surf breaks
surf boards rentals included
Photo Package of your Surf Sessions
Have some time to explore Santa Teresa

Adventures in Santa Teresa

Great Outdoor Activities for an Action Packed Trip

Ground transportation to and from Santa Teresa
stay at Banana Beach Hotel
Plenty of outdoor activities
guided and unguided ATV tours
Go fishing and have Banana Beach Restaurant prepare your catch that night
Sea Kayaking, Standup Paddling, Surfing, and Scuba Diving
Hike and see tropical creatures at the nearby nature reserves, Cabo Blanco and Curu
transportation to and from activities
Explore Santa Teresa

Refresh and Recharge

Need a relaxing break to renew and recharge?

Ground transportation to and from Santa Teresa
stay at Banana Beach Hotel
Yoga Classes
Massages
Spa Day
Work on your tan
Experience some of the most amazing sunsets you’ll ever see
Eat at some great restaurants