We at Blue Surf Sanctuary are honored to be a part of planning your adventures.The Play section has been created to guide our guests in the variety of activities and magical places you can discover in the area. This includes waterfalls, private beaches, ATV tours, nature, national reserves, rainforest hikes, and many more. In this section you will be able to find information that can help you get an idea of the variety of options you have.
 
Besides all the information in this section we also have a dedicated staff to give you more detailed information and help you book any activity you would like to do. We have a dedicated customer service person who is at your disposal.  email at play@bluesurfsanctuary.com.

Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving

One thing we can count on in the mercurial Pacific is excitement. We dive into it every day and look forward to the adventures and surprises it may bring. Even from one dive to the next the conditions can vary greatly, so we always brief our divers on the potential of challenging conditions, which invariably make for a fun and memorable experience. Sharks, morays, lobsters, sting rays, crabs, and schools of colorful fish are all creatures we see on a daily basis, and in addition, we have two distinct seasons for very special visitors: the oceanic manta ray (January-April) and the humpback whales (August-September).

Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a fantastic way to experience what Mal Pais and Santa Teresa have to offer. You are able to cover several miles in just a few hours. The guides are all local to the area and know where the hidden gems are. Tours go up through the mountains of the jungle where you’ll have the chance to spot howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, agoutis, and many more animals native to the area. You will see breathtaking ocean views from the high up in the hills which make for a pleasant and memorable experience. We also have tours that take you through the beaches of the surrounding area and these are great for enjoying the spectacular sunsets.

Fishing

Fishing

The Pacific Ocean in the Mal Pais area provides excellent fishing, with tuna, wahoo, roosterfish, mackerel, mahi mahi and snapper being caught regularly. In the small fishermen's port of Mal Pais, we depart twice daily for private tours. An experienced guide will bring you to the best fishing spots, where a good catch is almost always guaranteed! Back in the fishing port, the guide will clean your catch and you can take it home to prepare a memorable dinner, or ask in any restaurant to prepare the fish for you. *This tour has the option of snorkeling too.

Butterfly Garden

Butterfly Garden

Our 1-hour tour leads you through our outside gardens and into 2 greenhouses. Each represents a distinct habitat for Costa Rica’s butterflies; an open field/garden and the jungle. In each greenhouse, you’ll learn about the different species that call that habitat home and why, as well as other fun and interesting facts about these tropical butterflies. The tour finishes with a trip into our laboratories where you’ll get an up-close view of the different life stages of a butterfly and learn about the process of butterfly production.

Snorkel

Snorkel (Isla Tortuga)

Cruising along the coast for a breathtaking 50-minute ride is how you’ll begin your voyage to Tortuga Island. Spotting groups of playful dolphins, rays, and catching a glimpse of surfacing Humpback Whales or Pilot Whales are just a few examples of the marine life frequently spotted as we make our way to the island. 

Upon arriving at the tropical paradise of Tortuga Island we anchor the boat within viewing distance of the white sand beach for our snorkeling session. The crystal waters of Tortuga are surrounded by volcanic rock reefs which is home of the best snorkeling site on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Cemetery Island

Cemetery Island

Of the attractions of Cabuya, the small Cemetery Island (Isla de Cabuya) stands out, about a hundred meters from the coast. In pre-Columbian times the Indians used the island as a burial place, and to this day, funerals are held here. During low tide, it is possible to walk to the island on the rocks to enjoy the tranquility with views of the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. The reef at the extreme tip of Cabuya Island is one of the best places in the area to dive. Also without diving equipment, multicolored fish can be seen in the rocky pools.

Curu

Curu

Curú was established in 1933 by Federico Schutt de la Croix. The area was transformed into a sustainable development project with multiple uses that included selective timber harvest and agricultural activities including rice, beans, corn, plantains, and later mangos and teak plantations. In 1981, it received status from the Costa Rican government to protect its forests and mangroves. In 1983 Curú became Costa Rica’s first private National Wildlife Refuge. The Schutt Valle family, who manages Curú Wildlife Refuge and farm, has converted the area into an eco-tourism location and research center for students and scientists from Costa Rica and around the world.

Montezuma Waterfalls

Montezuma Waterfalls

Crossing the river is the last hurdle. The sound of the gushing waterfall is already audible and partially visible. However, these final steps are required to confront the 25 meters high protagonist. 3 waterfalls – upper, middle and lower waterfall, make up the trio of the Montezuma waterfalls. The most tricky part is reaching them as there is not one easy choice to make. Although there are some tough decisions to make, the trio is a must-visit place in Montezuma along the southern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica.

Rio Lajas Falls

Rio Lajas Falls

This waterfall is legendary in the area, and few people have actually made the epic journey to see it. It’s a two-hour hike each way, so plan to spend the day hiking up to it… bring plenty of food and water. 

To get there, we will drive to the Cabuya Bridge. You’ll see it’s a fairly large river with a rocky bottom. You’ll probably see egrets or other water birds in the river. We will start hiking up and following the main river and after around two hours total, we’ll get to the falls, with its spectacular views and plenty of water.

Manzanillo Tide Pools

Manzanillo Tide Pools

Approximately 10 km north of downtown Santa Teresa, past Playa Hermosa, is Playa Manzanillo. Recently it began to populate with people in search of solitude. It is possible to surf in Manzanillo if you are interested in a wilder surfing experience, otherwise, we propose to take you to spend an authentic and original beach day. White sands, turquoise sea, solitude, and small bays with trees are ideal for pitching a tent and enjoying food and drinks.

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