Playa Mar Azul

Natural volcanic-rock tide pools nearby, some deep enough to soak in at low tide.

Playa Mar Azul is a rocky point break beach south of Mal Pais village, known locally for the natural tide pools carved into the volcanic rock nearby, some deep enough to sit in like a small pool. There are no railings, cafes, or lifeguards, and the pools are only exposed at low tide. The point break here draws experienced surfers over the reef and rock bottom.

SwimmingRough water, take care
SurfAdvanced surf

Good for

Facilities

Getting there

From Mal Pais village, follow the signed turnoff for Mar Azul and continue to the end of the road, where a grassy area serves as parking near the tide pools.

On the map

Tide times · All beaches in Santa Teresa

Nearby in Mal País

ATV & UTV $$

ATValerios

Mal País

Local family-run ATV, UTV, motorcycle, and bicycle rental business serving Santa Teresa and Mal Pais, with more than 17 years of experience. Staff give driving instruction, route maps, and hotel drop-off and pickup of vehicles.

Sportfishing $$$

Costa Rican Tropical Tours

Mal País

Costa Rican Tropical Tours runs inshore and offshore sport fishing charters out of Mal País, targeting roosterfish, mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo, sailfish, and marlin. The same crew also runs a late afternoon sunset boat cruise along the Mal País and Santa Teresa coastline that passes Cabuya Island. Trips are booked directly through WhatsApp.

Sportfishing $$$

Jason Tours

Mal País

Jason Tours is a Mal País based sport fishing and boat tour operator offering inshore and offshore fishing trips along with snorkeling, whale watching, and custom boat excursions. The company is authorized by the Costa Rican government and accepts credit card and PayPal payments. It holds a 5.0 rating from 76 TripAdvisor reviews and ranks among the top boat tour operators in Mal País.

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