A nearshore coral reef shelters the main swimming area from open-ocean swell.
Playa Manzanillo sits about 20 minutes north of Santa Teresa by gravel road, reached through the town of Cobano. A live coral reef roughly 50 meters offshore breaks up incoming swell, producing calmer water near the main beach and a livelier reef break further out. The beach is lined with palms and almond trees and sees far fewer visitors than Santa Teresa proper.
From Santa Teresa, take the coastal gravel road north through Cobano for about 20 minutes; a 4WD vehicle is recommended in the rainy season.
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.