Mal Pais Canopy Tour
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.!
Duration: About 2 hours!
Please contact your concierge for more information and to book the activity.
Canopy Montezuma
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
Please contact your concierge for more information and to book the activity.
Montezuma Butterfly Garden
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.
Please contact your concierge for more information and to book the activity.
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.
Please contact your concierge for more information and to book the activity.
Horseback Riding
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
Please contact your concierge for more information and to book the activity.
Mal Pais Fishing and Boat Tours
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: Keep all the fish you catch!
Please contact your concierge for more information and to book the activity.
Sea Kayak Adventures
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
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!
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
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! !
Please contact your concierge for more information and to book the activity.
Cabo Blanco National Park Hike
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.
Please contact your concierge for more information and to book the activity.
Montezuma Waterfalls
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.
Please contact your concierge for more information and to book the activity.
Tortuga Island Snorkeling
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 may be 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. !
Please contact your concierge for more information and to book the activity.
Tortuga Island Scuba Diving
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. !
Please contact your concierge for more information and to book the activity.
Yoga
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.!
Please contact your concierge for more information and to book the activity.
Massage
Discover the true meaning of relaxation and book a massage right here at the hotel. A variety 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.!
Please contact your concierge for more information and to book the activity.
Surf Lessons !
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.
Please contact your concierge for more information and to book the activity.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
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. !
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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.!
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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.!
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Please contact your concierge for more information and to book the activity.
Surfboard Rentals
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 !
Please contact your concierge for more information and to book the activity.
Surf Photos and Video!
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 are available.
