Top Things to do in Mal Pais
Top 5 Things to do Good for Adrenaline Seekers in Mal Pais, Province of Puntarenas
Near the southernmost tip of Peninsula de Nicoya, Mal Pais offers rocky coves, white sand beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, surfing, and relaxation near a remote fishing village and Cabo Blanco National Park. The prime attraction is surfing at beaches like Playa Mar Azul, Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Manzanillo, and Playa Carmen. Plus there is fishing, boating, snorkeling, diving, hiking, horseback riding, biking, and 4-wheel drive touring. A 4-wheel drive vehicle comes in handy for navigating unpaved roads in this still mostly wild area, particularly during the rainy season. Though locals zip around on quad bikes and motorcycles transporting their surfboards. Allow the better part of a day driving from San Jose Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to Mal Pais. Budget extra time to board the car ferry from Puntarenas across the Golfo de Nicoya to Paquera on the Peninsula de Nicoya. Or take the short flight from San Jose to Tambor Airport (TMU), and be within an hour of Mal Pais. Some Mal Pais beaches have little sand, and judging point break direction and swell size requires surfing acumen. A Mal Pais surf camp may be perfect for family members wanting to learn to read the surf better. Santa Teresa’s beaches have more white sand, and point breaks like Suck Rock are almost legendary among surfers flocking here when the seas around Playa Carmen get too rough. Playa Carmen has enough variety to accommodate all levels of surfers, but the swells can get too rough and too frequent to get out during the rainy season. A bit to the north, with waters calmed by a rock jetty, Playa Manzanillo is known for its annual sand castle competition.
Restaurants in Mal Pais
1. Adrenalina Kite & Surf Camp
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 48 reviews
Surf school surf shop beginner intermediate surf lesson boards rental boards shorts/ rashguards/ accesories and more
2. Freedom Riding SUP
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 119 reviews
Freedom Riding SUP Adventures was formed by Andy Seidensticker and his Costa Rican wife Edith. We started doing SUP lessons and tours in 2010 in the fishing village of Mal Pais, teaching clients the importat basic fundamentals of SUP, and paddling clients into the Cabo Blanco Reserve. The business has grown quickly in the last couple years, and has now expanded into SUP rentals, clinics for all levels even SUP surfing and SUP racing , SUP adventure tours around the Nicoya Peninsula. We are passionate and true lovers of the sport of SUP and take teaching the sport very seriously. Edith competes on the Costa Rican National SUP Race Circuit, and has clinched the National Womens Champion three years in a row, in both long distance and short distance. Edith has also won two Central American Race titles , and competed in two World Championships. Contact Freedom Riding if you would like to schedule a class, tour or rental for your next vacation.
3. Canopy del Pacifico Mal Pais
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 302 reviews
The Mal Pais Canopy Tour is based in the quiet village of Malpais, on a farm with more than 200 different tree species, at the entrance of the Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve. The whole 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. The exciting canopy ride is nearly a mile long and has 11 platforms set high in the gigantic trees. Steel cables connect the platforms which are between 5 and 30 meters in height. You will not forget the experience of flying along our 300 meters long shot over a canyon between the second and the third platform, or the incredible 500 meters long ride through the jungle along a creek. This Canopy Tour in Costa Rica have professional nature guides that will accompany you on the unforgettable journey through the biodiversity of the environment. They will introduce you to the fascinating secrets of the forest.Following the strictest safety norms, you will enjoy thrilling views of the Pacific Ocean and of the forest from many different perspectives.
4. Jobbie's Long Boards
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 76 reviews
At Jobbies Long Boards, Stress is a dirty word that has no place in our vocabulary. From the second you arrive It's is time to relax and indulge. All of our staff are dedicated to making your Costa Rican experience one to never forget or as we like to call it around the shop, "SuperNumberOneGoodTimes." At Jobbies Long Boards we specialize in building truly remarkable guest experiences for our Clients. From our first rate accommodations and meals to our daily Yoga and Surf Lessons you will feel your self falling in love with the local flavour from the second you arrive. The Deep Sea fishing trips with the villagers next door, Off road trips to breathtaking waterfalls, Beachfront Massage, Canopy tours, and Sunset Bonfires on the Beach, is what separates us from the others, and will leave you forever in love with this paradise we call home. We know, Because it's exactly what happened to us. You work hard for your money, and we know any one can give you a surf lesson, Its our mission to bring you an experience that you will never forget. Jobbies Long Boards, Serving STOKED since 2000!
5. Costa Rican Tropical Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 126 reviews
Our tours are a great way to explore the Nicoya Peninsula's pristine beaches, coves and tropical beauty. We have an English speaking team that is very knowledgeable of the area and our guides take safety very seriously (all guides carry first aid kits). Our flexible tour format allows us to accommodate both small and big groups and there are great options for families traveling with kids.
