What to do and see in Mal Pais, Province of Puntarenas: The Best Boat Tours & Water Sports

February 1, 2022 Merry Kessler

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

Excellent
90%
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8%
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5.0 based on 48 reviews

Adrenalina Kite & Surf Camp

Surf school surf shop beginner intermediate surf lesson boards rental boards shorts/ rashguards/ accesories and more

2. Freedom Riding SUP

Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 119 reviews

Freedom Riding SUP

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. Sea Kayak Adventures

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5.0 based on 17 reviews

Sea Kayak Adventures

Catch your own dinner from kayak with Pablo, Martin, and Alex! We offer fishing and paddling tours for guests of all ages, levels of experience and enthusiasm.

4. Jobbie's Long Boards

Excellent
96%
Good
4%
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5.0 based on 76 reviews

Jobbie's Long Boards

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. Jason Tours

Excellent
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5.0 based on 41 reviews

Jason Tours

Mal Pais and Santa Teresa boat adventures. Experience with us Sport Fishing (inshore and offshore), Boat Tours (snorkeling, whale watching, custom trips). Our experienced captains, anglers and boats are authorized by Costa Rica government. Get ready to departure! We do accept Credit Card and Paypal payments.

6. Peninsula Fishing

Excellent
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5.0 based on 13 reviews

Peninsula Fishing

Here at Peninsula Fishing we are passionate about one thing, FISHING! Getting on the action fast to chase down aggressive game fish here in Costa Rica. We use sustainable fishing techniques, and practice catch and release when possible. With a wide variety of fishing options, no matter what sort of experience you are after, we can make it happen. Come and fish with us and have a great time!

7. Junior Alberto Castrillo Mena

Junior Alberto Castrillo Mena

Better known as Junior, I work as a local guide in Mal País. I like adventure, nature and being able to share with other people the beauties of my country.

8. Endless Summer Surf Camp

Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

9. Adventure Tours Mal Pais

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5.0 based on 14 reviews

Adventure Tours Mal Pais

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