Family Travel Guide to Santa Teresa & the Nicoya Peninsula — Beaches, Surf, Yoga & Easy Jungle Days
Sun-splashed beach paths, beginner-friendly surf, mellow yoga decks, and tide pools for shell-hunters — Santa Teresa sits on the southern tip of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, one of the world’s Blue Zones. It’s a calm, confidence-boosting base for families with short drives, walkable beach access, and day trips to waterfalls and nature reserves.
Quick Links
Why Families Love Santa Teresa
Everything runs on beach time. Mornings bring soft waves perfect for surf lessons; afternoons are for tide pools, smoothies, and hammock naps; sunset is a town-wide event. Roads are simple, most essentials sit on one main strip, and nature is never far — monkeys in the trees, iguanas on warm rocks, and stars big enough to count.
Stay Here
For the smoothest with-kids rhythm, choose walkable beach access and on-site dining.
Pro tip: If you’re splitting time between surfing and day trips, pick the stretch between Playa Carmen and Playa Santa Teresa for easy access in both directions.
Things to Do
Beginner Surf Lessons
Gentle beach breaks make first-timers grin. Book a family session via Viator surf schools. Morning is best for calmer conditions.
Playa Hermosa Tide Pools
At mid-to-low tide, shallow pools appear — perfect for little explorers. Get the exact spot with this map pin.
Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve
Costa Rica’s first protected area — quiet trails, wildlife, and ocean views near Cabuya. Check the reserve details and hours on Visit Costa Rica.
Montezuma Waterfalls
A favorite day trip: short walk to cascades and swim spots. Navigate with the map pin or go with a guided combo via Viator.
Tortuga Island Snorkel
Boat day with bright fish and calm beach time. Departures run from Montezuma and Tambor. Compare options on Viator.
Yoga Under the Palms
Many studios welcome drop-ins; sunrise and sunset classes are magical. Find options near you with this map search.
Where to Eat
- The Bakery — smoothies, sandwiches, and easy breakfasts.
- Habaneros — beachfront tacos at sunset.
- Koji’s — sushi night with fresh Pacific catch.
- Soda Tiquicia — local plates; casual and kid-friendly.
- Katana — lively Asian-inspired dinner spot.
Family Tips
- Roads can be dusty; pack sunglasses and a light scarf for ATV rides.
- Surf mornings, nap/pool middays, beach sunsets — the happy-kid rhythm.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes for rocky entries.
- Cash helps at sodas and beachside stands; ATMs are limited.
- Keep travel insurance active for rentals and tours via SafetyWing.
Sample 4-Day Family Flow
- Day 1: Arrival → beach walk → early dinner on the sand.
- Day 2: Surf lessons → smoothies → tide pools at Playa Hermosa → sunset.
- Day 3: Cabo Blanco hike → lunch in Cabuya → hammock time.
- Day 4: Montezuma Waterfalls morning → optional Tortuga Island snorkel.
Feature Your Stay or Tour
Want your property or experience featured in a future “Stay Here, Do That” family guide? Email stayheredothat@gmail.com with your link and location.
Plan Your Trip
✈️ Search worldwide flight deals
🏨 Compare Santa Teresa & Nicoya stays
🌍 Protect your trip with SafetyWing
Some links may be affiliate links that help support Stay Here, Do That — thank you for traveling kindly.
