The coastal paradise of Santa Teresa packs incredible value into its tour offerings. The standout excursions include snorkeling at pristine Isla Tortuga, where tropical fish dart through crystal-clear waters, and evening kayak tours showcasing magical bioluminescent displays. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate Curu Wildlife Refuge tours, offering reliable monkey and scarlet macaw sightings in their natural habitat. I’m especially fond of the small-group Tortuga Island tour for its intimate atmosphere and expert local guides who know exactly where to spot marine life. The nighttime bioluminescent kayak experience ranks as another favorite – there’s nothing quite like paddling through waters that light up with every stroke. Let’s explore the very best tours worth your time and money.
Good To Know
- The bioluminescent kayak tour, paquero bay bioluminescence swim and snorkel tour, and paquera bioluminescence kayak tour offer unique experiences to witness glowing phytoplankton.
- The Isla Tortuga snorkeling tour and Tortuga Island day tour provide opportunities to explore vibrant reefs and relax on white-sand beaches.
- The private nature adventure tour in Curu Wildlife Refuge offers a customizable experience to spot diverse wildlife led by certified naturalist guides.
- The paquera sunset and full moon kayak tour and kayak tour to Cabuya Islands provide scenic paddling experiences with stunning coastal landscapes.
- Tours cater to various interests and activity levels, with considerations for physical limitations, group dynamics, language, and safety briefings.
Isla Tortuga Snorkeling Tour
The Isla Tortuga Snorkeling Tour offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s coastal ecosystems. This full-day, small-group tour takes travelers on a boat ride to the volcanic Isla Tortuga, where they’ll snorkel in the clear waters surrounding a vibrant reef.
During the snorkeling excursion, guests can expect to encounter a variety of tropical fish, including angelfish, moray eels, needlefish, and spotted eagle rays.
The tour includes personalized attention, with a maximum of 14 travelers, and provides all necessary equipment, including snorkeling gear and life vests.
Plus, participants can enjoy refreshing snacks, such as local fruits and sandwiches, as well as soft drinks and bottled water throughout the experience.
The tour’s meeting point is at El Gecko Tours in Playa Organos, Paquera, with a start time of 9:00 AM.
Priced from $65.00 per person, the Isla Tortuga Snorkeling Tour is an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts seeking relaxation and adventure in Costa Rica.
Read our full review: Isla Tortuga Snorkeling Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Bioluminescent Kayak Tour
After exploring the vibrant underwater world of Isla Tortuga, visitors can embark on another captivating adventure in the Nicoya Peninsula – the Bioluminescent Kayak Tour.
This 1.5-hour excursion allows guests to witness the mesmerizing glow of bioluminescent algae as they paddle through the serene Paquera Bay. With a 98% recommendation rate and a 4.9 out of 5 rating based on 184 reviews, this tour is a must-do for nature enthusiasts.
Suitable for both first-time and experienced kayakers, the tour offers a maximum group size of 10 travelers, ensuring personalized attention from the knowledgeable guides.
Equipped with kayaks, paddles, and life jackets, you will glide across the water, creating bursts of sparkling light with each stroke. The tour also includes a sunset refreshment period and educational information about the bioluminescence.
Priced at $36 per person, with a minimum age of 10, this tour is an affordable and unforgettable experience in Costa Rica.
Read our full review: Bioluminescent Kayak Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Private Nature Adventure Tour in Curu Wildlife Refuge
For those seeking to enjoy the lush, untamed landscapes of Costa Rica, the Private Nature Adventure Tour in Curu Wildlife Refuge offers a captivating opportunity.
This highly-rated, private guided tour explores the renowned Nicoya Peninsula and the Curu National Wildlife Refuge, home to a diverse array of wildlife.
Led by local, certified naturalist guides, the tour provides the chance to spot howler monkeys, scarlet macaws, iguanas, and coati along secluded beaches and nature trails.
The experience can be customized to suit individual preferences, with a minimum of two people required. Complimentary hotel pickup, snacks, transportation, and all fees and taxes are included, ensuring a seamless and worry-free adventure.
Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, who share their expertise on the region’s unique ecosystems and flora and fauna.
With an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, this nature-based tour is an excellent choice for travelers seeking an immersive and educational experience in the heart of Costa Rica’s pristine wilderness.
Read our full review: Private Nature Adventure Tour in Curu Wildlife Refuge Review
Book now: Check availability
Paquero Bay Bioluminescence Evening Swim and Snorkel Tour – Santa Teresa
Paquera Bay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, offers a captivating year-round opportunity to witness the enchanting glow of bioluminescence.
The Paquero Bay Bioluminescence Evening Swim and Snorkel Tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to swim and snorkel amid the glowing plankton. The tour departs at sunset, lasting over an hour as participants explore Isla Cedros by boat.
With a maximum of six participants, the small-group experience ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guides. Included in the tour are bottled water, snacks, soft drinks, and seasonal fresh fruits to enjoy onboard.
Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are also provided. The tour is covered by insurance, offering added peace of mind. Reviewers have praised the magical nature of the bioluminescence and the expertise of the guides, though some noted language barriers.
The tour is priced from $40 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option available.
Read our full review: Paquero Bay Bioluminescence Evening Swim and Snorkel Tour – Santa Teresa Review
Book now: Check availability
Tortuga Island Small-Group Day Tour With Lunch – Santa Teresa
The Tortuga Island Small-Group Day Tour With Lunch from Santa Teresa offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of Isla Tortuga. With a maximum of 12 travelers, the personalized tour provides an intimate experience.
Departing from Paquera, the 29-reviewed tour boasts a 100% traveler recommendation. Guests will relax on the island’s white-sand beach, go snorkeling, and play volleyball. Along the way, they may spot spider monkeys on a neighboring island.
Priced at $95 per person, the tour includes lunch, beverages, and snorkeling gear. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, it’s a flexible option. The meeting point at Bahia Rica Fishing & Kayak Lodge is easily accessible, just a 1.5 km drive from the Paquera ferry landing.
Positive guest feedback highlights the staff’s professionalism, the delicious meals, and the vibrant marine life encountered during snorkeling. For nature enthusiasts, this Tortuga Island tour is a must-do experience in Santa Teresa.
Read our full review: Tortuga Island Small-Group Day Tour With Lunch – Santa Teresa Review
Book now: Check availability
1 1/2 Hours Tour Horseback Riding and Visiting the Beach
Adventurous travelers seeking an immersive Costa Rican experience can embark on the 2 Hours Tour Horseback Riding and Visiting the Beach in Santa Teresa. This 1.5-hour tour is recommended by 100% of past participants based on 12 reviews, making it a top choice for nature enthusiasts.
Priced at $50 per person with a lowest price guarantee, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Guests will meet at the designated location and receive a GPS pin for easy access to the horses and tour guide. The experience includes scenic routes through nature leading to the beach, as well as opportunities to feed the horses and learn riding techniques.
Kids as young as 6 can participate, with options for guided supervision or independent riding. Throughout the tour, guests will receive a complimentary bottle of water and can look forward to an enjoyable, laidback adventure amidst Costa Rica’s stunning natural beauty.
Read our full review: 1 1/2 Hours Tour Horseback Riding and Visiting the Beach Review
Book now: Check availability
Double Kayak Bioluminescence Tour in Costa Rica
Where can travelers in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, enjoy the natural wonder of bioluminescence? The Double Kayak Bioluminescence Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness this captivating phenomenon.
With a 4.4-star average rating from 19 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this tour is a popular choice for visitors.
The tour takes place in the evening, starting at 5:30 PM, and provides all necessary equipment, including double kayaks, paddles, life jackets, and waterproof bags.
Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour takes participants on a serene journey to observe the glowing bioluminescence in the water. Customers have praised the magical feeling of the experience and the friendly, accommodating nature of the guides.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers, though not recommended for those with back problems.
With a maximum of 15 participants per tour, this intimate experience is perfect for families, especially children, who can sit on laps during the kayaking.
Travelers can now reserve their spot and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.
Read our full review: Double Kayak Bioluminescence Tour in Costa Rica Review
Book now: Check availability
Paquera Sunset and Full Moon Kayak Tour
For travelers seeking a more serene and romantic kayaking experience in Santa Teresa, the Paquera Sunset and Full Moon Kayak Tour offers a stunning exploration of the tranquil waters.
This 2-hour evening tour departs at 5 PM, providing the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunset and paddle by moonlight or amid the bioluminescent glow in the water.
With a maximum group size of 10, the tour ensures personalized attention from the friendly guide. Along the way, guests can spot wildlife and take in the natural beauty of the coastline.
The tour includes all necessary equipment, as well as snacks, drinks, and a safety briefing.
Though not recommended for those with certain physical limitations, this tour is ideal for active nature enthusiasts looking to enjoy Costa Rica’s stunning coastal environment.
With an overall rating of 4.3/5 from 3 reviews, the Paquera Sunset and Full Moon Kayak Tour is a must-try experience in Santa Teresa.
Read our full review: Paquera Sunset and Full Moon Kayak Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Kayak Tour Island Cabuya
What makes the Kayak Tour Island Cabuya a must-try experience in Santa Teresa? For starters, it’s a chance to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of the region from a unique vantage point – a kayak.
The tour departs from the Funny Wave Surf Camp in Cabuya, taking adventurers on a journey to the nearby island. Along the way, participants can expect to witness stunning coastal landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the tranquility of the Pacific Ocean.
The tour is priced at an affordable $48 per person and is a private affair, allowing your group to enjoy the experience without the distraction of others.
The meeting point is conveniently located, just 200 meters after the Super David in Montezuma. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s suitable for most travelers, though those with certain medical conditions may want to reconsider.
Read our full review: Kayak Tour Island Cabuya Review
Book now: Check availability
Paquera Bioluminescence Tour by Kayak
The Paquera Bioluminescence Tour by Kayak offers visitors a captivating opportunity to witness the natural wonder of glowing phytoplankton in the waters of Costa Rica’s Santa Teresa region.
Priced from $35 per person, the tour can accommodate up to 10 travelers and provides all the necessary equipment, including kayaks, life jackets, and paddles. Participants will also enjoy bottled water, snacks, and fresh fruits during the excursion.
The tour begins at the El Gecko Tours – Bioluminescence meeting point, located near the ferry dock parking lot. After a brief safety briefing, kayakers will set out on the water, where they’ll be immersed in the mesmerizing blue-green glow of the bioluminescent plankton.
According to reviews, the best viewing conditions occur during a new moon or on dark, cloudy nights. While the guide primarily speaks Spanish, the overall kayaking experience is reported to be enjoyable, even with limited moonlight.
Read our full review: Paquera Bioluminescence Tour by Kayak Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Santa Teresa offers a diverse array of tours that cater to various interests, from snorkeling and bioluminescent kayaking to nature adventures and island excursions. Whether you’re seeking a serene sunset paddle or an immersive wildlife experience, this coastal destination provides ample opportunities to explore the stunning natural beauty that Costa Rica is renowned for.