Activities

The Mal Pais Canopy Tour is based in the quiet village of Mal Pais, on a farm with more than 200 different tree species, at the entrance of the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve. The entire area is surrounded by rich tropical forest and diverse wildlife as well as many birds. Come and journey through the treetops, enjoying the tropical forest while the Pacific Ocean lies below you. The exciting canopy ride is nearly a mile long and has 11 platforms set high in the gigantic trees. Steel cables connect the platforms which are between 5 and 30 meters in height. You will not forget the experience of flying along our 300 meters long shot over a canyon between the second and the third platform, or the incredible 500 meters long ride through the jungle along a creek.

Fun-loving, professional nature guides will accompany you on the unforgettable journey through the biodiversity of the environment, and introduce you to the fascinating secrets of the forest. Following the strictest safety norms, you will enjoy thrilling views of the Pacific Ocean and of the forest from many different perspectives.
Duration: About 2 hours
Tour price: $50, transportation included

Experience a zip line adventure and explore nature from the tops of the trees. Montezuma Beach is world-famous for the beauty of its hills, beaches, rivers and local waterfalls. A journey over the mountains of Montezuma with 13 platforms, a suspension bridge 30 meters high, between trees and 9 cables of various sizes, with panoramic views
of the Pacific Ocean and ending at the majestic river Montezuma, right at the famous waterfalls where you can take a dip.
Duration: About 2 hours
Tour price: Adults $65, children $55
Includes transportation from Mal Pais

On an average day, enjoy up to ten different butterfly species. Our gardens are lush,tropical and peaceful. Go crazy with the macro lens, oil paint or water color, relax, ponder nature, enjoy!
Open Daily 8am to 4pm. Guided tours available. $6 entry fee.

Snorkeling and Swimming Explore beneath the tranquil waters of the Pacific Ocean, just a short drive to one the
most beautiful beaches in Mal Pais. A secret spot at the far end of the Mal Pais road, this special cove is just on the other side of a towering rocky knoll, known also as “Playa los Suecos” or “Swedish Beach.” The last leg of the road to get here is sometimes very rocky, but drive-able with 4WD. Just turn left at the small Fisherman’s village. At the end of this road you’ll find a parking area and a trail down to the beach on the right. A sandy cove is protected by a rock reef, where fish frolic in the surf. It’s a great area for snorkeling and swimming, and you can often find it deserted.
Located next to Cabo Blanco’s protected marine reserve, this is a great spot for seeing fish, eels, octopus, sting rays, sea turtles, lobster, giant hermit crabs and more. There’s many racks, crevices, caves, and boulder fields for fish to hide in. Plus a rock reef outside protects this beach from heavy surf, making the water more calm.

Guided tours are available, or rent snorkel gear and explore the are on your own.

Allow our horses to be your gentle guides through the mountains, jungle and beaches. Watch the sun melt into the ocean while galloping on the beach on this breathtaking 2 hour ride from Mal Pais to Santa Teresa. All levels welcome. Choose between the morning or the sunset.

Duration: about 2 hours
Tour price: $45

Fish the Nicoya Peninsula’s unspoiled waters with local fishermen! Depending on the  season, you can catch mahi mahi, yellow fin tuna, Spanish mackerel, barracuda, grouper, and much more, and have seen wildlife such as sea turtles and dolphins. Visit an underwater volcano, jump off the boat and and swim in the warm bubbly waters. Choose to toss back what you catch or bring it home – your guide can filet your fish immediately after the tour, or even serve it up sashimi-style if you prefer! Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, water, snacks and of course plenty of cold beer!
Tour duration: 3 hours
Tour price:
Up to 6 people – $180
Up to 8 people – $240
Keep all the fish you catch!

At Sea Kayak Adventures, we love two things: fishing and the environment. That’s why our number one goal is to protect the oceans and rivers where we work in the southern Nicoya Peninsula…while having fun, of course. Without a healthy ocean, we’re out of a job, so we do our best to have little to no impact while fishing or paddling. Most of the
fish we catch are released, or eaten within 5 miles of where it came out of the water. We love to show off our “yellow offices” out on the water, with the best view anyone could ask for. Our passion for fishing is contagious and all levels are welcome. We offer tours for all ages, abilities, and levels of enthusiasm.

Sunset Bait Fishing
2-3 hours $60/person 3pm 
Maybe you don’t know whether or not you like fishing. Maybe you’ve never tried it, but you’ve been curious. Let us be your first. Fish and chill. A relaxing afternoon on the water. Bait fishing, cooler, and sunset. Feel free to bring your own refreshments!

Ocean Kayak Fishing
3-4 hours $90/person 6am
We make daily checks of the ocean, tide charts, and swell reports. We talk to the old fishermen in the village, and then we plan our next trip out. Fishing by the conditions: trolling for snapper and barracuda, popping for jacks and roosterfish, whatever is biting that day.
Half-Day Fishing
6-7 hours $130/person 5am (or earlier)
Early to bed. Early to rise. Fish all day. Make up lies . For the passionate fisherman: wake up early and watch the sunrise while trying out different techniques and gear. We’ll start paddling in the dark, stop for breakfast on the ocean after about a half an hour, then continue on to at least one of five reefs where we like to stalk big snapper, grouper, tuna, and amberjack. Not for the faint of heart!

A great tour for nature lovers! With its unique geographical location and climate, Cabo Blanco ranks among the most beautiful nature reserves in Costa Rica. During this hike, you will witness how a land once dedicated to cattle and agriculture has regenerated into a thriving forest. The naturalist guide will help you sharpen your senses when you
meet with nature. You will hear, see, smell, taste and feel countless species of flora and fauna.

Choose from our short hike or our more strenuous long hike. For those who are willing to take the challenge, get ready for some rewarding views! Either option will surely provide a unique experience. Tours are available Wednesday through Sunday. The National Park is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Highly recommended to leave at 7am in order to have more chances to see wildlife. (Park opens at 8am)
Length of tour: approximately 2 hours for the short hike and 5.5 hours for the long hike.

Launch an all-day adventure from Montezuma to the lovely Tortuga Island. Snorkel amongst a volcanic reef, swim within crystal clear waters, and lounge upon a gorgeous white-sand beach. The boat departs from Montezuma – a tranquil town about 45 minutes away from Mal Pais – and heads along a breathtaking coastline until reaching Tortuga Island 50 minutes later. In route, search for dolphins, humpback whales and manta rays that maybe plying the waters nearby. Upon arrival at Tortuga Island, your guide will anchor the boat near the shore and provide you with snorkeling equipment. The water here is clear and warm, and has some seriously good snorkeling around the volcanic rock reef, spot King Angelfish, Porcupine fish, Needlefish, Spotted Eagle Rays and more.
After snorkeling, you’ll be ferried to Tortuga’s white-sand beach. A lunch of BBQ fish or chicken, grilled potatoes, vegetables, bread, and large helpings of fresh tropical fruit will be served. Afterwards, you can enjoy a number of activities on the island. Take part in a game of volleyball, or rent a kayak to explore the other parts of Tortuga. Hike to the top of the island and enjoy fantastic views of the Gulf of Nicoya, or simply kick back and soak up the sun on Tortuga’s gorgeous beach. Before departing, you’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel at a different spot near the island. Once the day is wrapped up, your guides will take everyone on the boat back to Montezuma.
Tour duration: 8 hours
Tour price: Adults $75, kids $55 (includes transportation to Montezuma and back)

Enjoy all that the Tortuga Island Snorkeling adventure has to offer (previous page), plus the option to scuba dive. As soon as you arrive to the island, the diving boat will come to pick you up for immersions in two different spots. The visibly is between 7 and 15 meters, and you have the chance to see nice volcanic formations, big schools of fish,
rays, morays and white tip sharks. We provide all the scuba equipment and of course a dive master or an instructor as a guide. We just need to know your wet suit size.
Tour duration: 8 hours
Tour price 1 tank: Adults $130, kids $120
Tour price 2 tanks: Adults $155, kids $145

Directions from Mal Pais:

Drive south from Havana Lodge until you reach Mary’s restaurant (about 5 minutes). Take a left at Mary’s and follow the jungle road until you reach the charming town of Cabuya. Make a left at Cabuya and follow the coastal road for about 15-20 minutes until you reach a narrow bridge. The parking lot for the waterfalls is on the left before you cross the bridge. Park here ($2) and follow the path upriver (about 20 minutes) to a huge and dramatic waterfall. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes or sandals for the hike.

There is a beautiful and refreshing pool to swim in surrounded by jungle. There is also a second set of falls (which some visitors consider to be even prettier) found up above the first fall. This is a great combination of jungle canopy overhanging natural jacuzzis. Monkey families and colorful birds are often seen while their music accompanies you along the way. After the waterfalls, cross the bridge and check out the funky town of Montezuma for a cold beer, unique souvenirs and a chilled out beach. *The jungle road to Montezuma may be impassable after heavy rains. If you are unsure, ask about alternate routes before heading out.

Our qualified surf instructors offer a program to meet everyone’s needs. Whether you have never surfed before and always dreamed of learning, or if you just want to improve your existing skills, they have the coaching that will enable you to reach your goals. Lessons take place in the morning and afternoon, depending on the tide and swell conditions. Our instructors will take you to the best possible spot on the beach for you to learn how to surf, and make sure that you do not get into any dangerous situations. Safety first! We will suggest the best beach or beaches at the moment for your lesson, depending on where we go you’ll need extra transportation.

Departure times: Depends on the tides Transportation: You can take a taxi to get to the best beaches at the moment, and we will can help arrange the best way to get there.

Price: $45-$55 for a 1.5-2 hour lesson. Surf boards and equipment included.

If you already know how to surf and just need a board, you can rent one from us.
$10 for 24 hours
15% weekly discount
25% monthly discount

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding is one of the fastest-growing popular water sports in the world. Called “SUP,” the sport is a great all-body workout, is relatively easy to learn, and is lots of fun. One of the benefits of SUP is that since you are standing up on the water, you get great views of both the marine life below and the tropical scenery all around. Tours take you from Mal Pais paddling down the coast toward the famous Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. Tours usually last between 60 to 90 minutes on the water, and are better suited for the smooth water of early morning or calm afternoons around sunset. For SUP Wave riders out there who have a good handle on riding waves back home, come and let us show you around the area, we will take you to just the right breaks on any given day. With our 17 years surfing experience on the Nicoya Peninsula, we can guide you better than any one else in the area.

Tour price: $60-$90 per person

Take home the ultimate souvenir of your surf trip in Costa Rica! Professional surf photographers are available for high-quality shoots in the water or from the beach. Group rates available.

Santa Teresa is a yoga lover’s paradise, with inspiring instructors from all over the world and amazing studios on the beach or in the mountains. Yoga classes are generally held every day at 9am and 4pm or 5pm at different studios throughout town.

Prices per class average $12-$15, with discount packages available. Call ahead or check online to confirm prices and class times.

Some of the best places to practice yoga in the Mal Pais and Santa Teresa are Indigo, Horizon, Hotel Tropico Latino, Casa Zen, Nautilus and Pranamar.

Discover the true meaning of relaxation and book a massage right here at the hotel. Avariety of massage styles are available to accommodate all body types and all levels of tension. Choose from 30, 60 or 90 minutes. Feel the stress slip away as one of our experienced massage therapists provides the ultimate relaxation experience just for you.
Price: $50-$80

Rent a car, motorcycle or ATV and have a thrilling adventure as you independently explore all that the area has to offer. Take the jungle road to the funky neighboring village of Montezuma, crossing rivers and climbing mountains surrounded by lush forest. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the waterfalls and a cold beer at a beachside bar… or check out the secluded, picture-perfect tropical beaches of Hermosa and Manzanillo to the north. There’s unlimited opportunities for adventure!

Local guides are also available for ATV tours to the Montezuma waterfalls, Cabo Blanco National Park and Montezuma town.

Rental rates:
Cars: Jimini, Bigo, Rav 4 available for $40-$120 for 24hours
Honda ATV: $45-$100 for 24 hours
Mule (2, 4 or 5 seat ATV): $80-$120 for 24 hours
Honda Wave Scooter: $20-$35 for 24 hours
Honda CB1: $30-$40 for 24 hours

One of the most popular and budget-friendly ways to get around town!Rent a bicycle just for the day or the entirety of your time in Mal Pais.
Rental rate: $10 for 24 hours
Weekly discount: 15%
Monthly discount: 25%