Tours and Trips

As with most places in Costa Rica, the tour options in Malpaís are extensive. When deciding on what to do on any given day, visitors should consider a few things. First, are you inclined towards adventurous or relaxed activities? Second, would you rather be in the water or on land? And third, do you have a limit on time or budget? After thinking this over, scroll down and parse out your options.

Your days in Malpaís can be spent riding a surfboard, zip line or horse; you can stretch into relaxing postures during a yoga session or troll fishing lines on the Pacific Ocean. The options are yours to explore.

Surfing

Surfing is the hands-down the most popular activity in the area. The consistent swells bring in waves that are sized perfectly for both beginning and advanced surfers. Board rentals and lessons can easily be arranged.

Yoga

Yoga is a wonderful way to both relax and exercise your muscles. It’s led in a variety of places – including, quite notably, the Horizons Yoga Hotel – and has classes that are offered for all skill levels. Both private and groups sessions are available.

Canopy Tour

The Canopy del Pacifico will have you flying over and across the treetops of Malpaís. As your expert guides lead you from tree to tree on cable ziplines, look out over the forest and search for wildlife. This is a 2-hour tour.

Horseback Riding

While Horseback Riding along the beach at Malpaís, travelers can peer past the waves and enjoy the colorful nightly sunset. This tour is relaxed, scenic and memorable—a photo of you on horseback, trudging along through the surf and spray, is a great gift to bring home for friends and family. This is a 2-hour tour.

Motorcycle & Quad Rentals

Motorcycle and Quad Rentals allow travelers to explore the mountainous region beyond Malpaís, including Cabuya and Montezuma. Trucking along the forested trails, search for birds, monkeys and even secluded swimming spots. If you’re more of a beach bum, head to Playa Hermosa or Manzanillo and rip along the ocean’s watery spray.

Boat & Snorkeling

Boat and Snorkeling Tours navigate around the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula to some of the area’s calmest, clearest and most spectacular waters. As you snorkel or boat across the ocean, be on the lookout for sea turtles, dolphins, manta rays and whales. One such tour leaves from Montezuma and heads to Tortuga Island.

Sport Fishing

Sport Fishing Tours offer visitors the chance to hook some of the mightiest pescados (fish) in the Pacific Ocean, including Marlin, Sailfish, Roosterfish, Giant Tuna, and Yellowfin Tuna. Those that do catch a fish will likely be able to take it back to land and, after some well-earned boasting, cook it for dinner.

Scuba Diving

Scuba Diving is easily the best way to experience the underworld world around Malpaís. Schools of fish, pairs of turtles, or even a solitary manta ray may be seen cruising through the oceanic depths. Scuba tours may take you near the maritime sanctuary of Cabo Blanco or into the stunning waters around Tortuga Island. There are courses for both beginners and advanced divers.