A long, flat, sandy break with a double wave makes it the area's main beginner surf beach.
Blue Flag beach
Playa Hermosa runs along the north end of Santa Teresa, a wide stretch of white sand with no underwater rocks, which makes it a common choice for beginner surf lessons. The beach continues in an unbroken line into Playa Santa Teresa to the south, so it is easy to walk between the two. Strong currents can develop at the northern end, particularly at higher tide.
Drive the coastal road north from the Playa Carmen intersection (El Cruce) for about 3 km; several surf schools and small hotels line the beach road.
Santa Teresa
Ario Tours runs horseback rides out of Hacienda Ario, a working cattle ranch just north of Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula. Bilingual guides and local sabaneros lead riders along a private beach, river valleys, and grassland with routes suited to each group's experience level. Daily tours depart at 8:00 am and 2:30 pm, with a separate cattle round up experience for more advanced riders.
Santa Teresa
Costa Rica Outdoors & Waves runs stand up paddleboard and kayak tours out of Mal Pais and Santa Teresa, including a signature paddle into Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve waters. Trips run daily, tide dependent, with a 2 hour ocean and mangrove kayak tour and beginner through intermediate SUP instruction covering touring, racing, and wave riding. The operation is run locally by owner Juan Jorge Araya.
Santa Teresa
Horizon Hotel & Yoga Center runs daily drop in yoga classes on an ocean view deck perched over the beach in Santa Teresa. Professional instructors teach vinyasa and fusion flow at all levels, with single class, multi class pass, and private session options, plus prenatal classes on request. The studio has operated since 2005 as part of the Horizon hotel property.