ASVO’s Montezuma station connects coastal conservation with community work and sea-turtle protection. Learn about its current projects and how participation is arranged. Volunteering and educational visits require coordination; turtle sightings and hatchling releases are not guaranteed visitor events.
Explore Puntarenas & the Gulf Islands
Puntarenas and the Gulf Islands offer a maritime view of Costa Rica, where coastal communities, island landscapes and boat journeys connect across the Gulf of Nicoya. Discover how people and wildlife depend on these Pacific waters. Let curiosity lead to understanding, gratitude and care for the people and landscapes that welcome you.
Montezuma Turtle Conservation
Curú Wildlife Refuge
Toward Paquera, Curú is a longer day outing with forest trails, mangroves and coastal habitat. Ask the refuge which routes are currently open and appropriate for your group. Some trails may close, and wildlife sightings depend on conditions.
Isla Tortuga
A planned boat excursion into the Gulf of Nicoya can include Tortuga Island’s beach and nearby snorkeling areas. This is a longer outing, not a place within Santa Teresa town. Confirm the departure point, sea conditions, flotation equipment and participant requirements with the operator.
Caring for the Santa Teresa Coast
Nicoya Peninsula Waterkeeper works with local communities on water quality and coastal stewardship around Santa Teresa and neighboring beaches. Ask about current organized opportunities to learn or help. Use local advice and recent information when planning time near creeks, river mouths and the sea.
Mal País Tide Pools
At suitable low tides, rocky sections of Mal País reveal small pools where coastal life may be visible. Observe without handling animals or moving rocks. Stay on secure footing with an adult and keep watching waves and the incoming tide.
Cabuya Village & Shore
Near the Cabo Blanco entrance, Cabuya is a coastal community with fishing activity and a rocky shoreline. Include it as part of a planned outing through the Cóbano–Montezuma side of the peninsula. Check road conditions rather than relying on an unverified shortcut.
Isla Cabuya
Off Cabuya, an island cemetery becomes connected to the shore when the tide exposes a rocky crossing. It remains a place of remembrance. Confirm local access and tides, respect graves and ceremonies, and do not attempt a crossing when conditions are uncertain.
Montezuma Village
Across the southern peninsula from Santa Teresa, Montezuma combines a small coastal town with creative local life and access to nature outings. Leave time to explore its village streets and ask about current cultural events or artisan stalls.
Montezuma Waterfall
A wooded river setting near Montezuma leads to a well-known waterfall. Treat this as a separate outing from Santa Teresa and confirm the authorized approach with a local guide. Wet rocks, steep drops and changing river levels require care; do not jump from the falls.
Playa Grande – Montezuma
A beach-and-forest walk north of Montezuma leads toward a longer stretch of sand. Plan for the walk out and back, heat and tide conditions. This is Playa Grande near Montezuma, not the beach beside Tamarindo.
