Things to do in Santa Cruz

Top Things to Do in Santa Cruz

Things to Do in Santa Cruz


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Santa Cruz.

Top Attractions in Santa Cruz

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
National Parks


What travellers are saying

  • Nicole S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We had an incredible experience on our zip lining tour at Black Stallion. The course was beautiful and so much fun, and the guides made it fun, lively and safe! The crew at Black Stallion were so welcoming and chill. We loved just hanging out on the gorgeous property before and after. My husband and I plus our two teenagers had a blast. Can’t wait to go again when we’re back in Tamarindo.
    Written 25 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kiera K
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went on a tour with Gredy Bran Gomez in November. (email is brango82@gmail.com ) Gredy was so amazing! We wanted to take a tour even though it wasn't the Arribada, and it was unlikely that we would see turtles.

    Gredy took a chance with us and gave us a lovely tour. He speaks great english, is knowledgeable, nice and thoughtful. I would highly recommend touring with Gredy and if I return, he will certainly be the person I contact.
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BooksbyrobynHowzell
    Philadelphia, PA348 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I rode the bus from Flamingo to Santa Cruz for a day trip. The round trip fare was about 10,000 colones ... Needless to say I was over charged. However, it was worth the trip.
    Parque Bernabela Ramos design is spectacular. There's a lot of locals hanging around in the park, and they were friendly.
    Written 3 June 2014
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Stefano B
    Cartago, Costa Rica890 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A small breathtaking and secluded beach... The ocean and the vegetation mix together to deliver a beautiful site.
    There are no restaurants or houses nearby but you can find a small supermarket about 1 mile north in Marbella town center.
    Written 28 July 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Travelingmom3
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent horseback riding stables and tour. It’s well worth it, especially if you are staying at the JW Marriott - it’s 5 minutes from the hotel. All three of my daughters loved it. The guides are very knowledgeable about the area and point out all sorts of wildlife. Highly recommend!!
    Written 9 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LjWrwc
    Redwood City, CA73 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very interesting pottery-making demonstration - the way it’s been done for 800 years. My husband got to try his hand at the wheel. We learned a lot. The demonstration is free, but of course you’ll want to buy something, both because the pottery is beautiful (with hand-painted local flora, butterflies, monkeys, sloths, etc.) and to support the tribe. We bought a serving plate and our son got a mug. Our guide - who hadn’t been there before (we found it and went because it was too rainy in Tamarindo) - bought a big vase as an anniversary present for his wife!
    Written 3 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Explore288008
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    My wife and I went this morning and loved it. The guide and all the staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and very helpful. They did a good job of explaining the different levels of difficulty and individually explaining how to approach each line. Great variety! We will be back!
    Written 1 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Christine R
    12 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was one of the best yours we have been on in Costa Rica-Wilmer was knowledgeable, informative, attentive to our needs and a great all around your guide. I highly recommend his services!
    Written 22 March 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • LeilaMHawaii
    Honolulu, HI2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Do yourself and a favor and BOOK Alejandro from Seafari Costa Rica if you are visiting Tamarindo. Absolutley the BEST instructor I have ever had with anything. Have tried surfing many times throughout the years with no success.. but Alejandro’s gift of patience, understanding, breaking things down, and really teaching you building blocks step by step until you get it... made it happen for me! I was SURFING...... Yes!
    Very professional, quick at responding, curb side service (picked us up at our casa), and also played tour guide along the way. Helped with recommendations, and Has many talents. Helped us set up diving and was our guide on that as well. Very honest and would trust him with any member of my family. Works with all ages, body types, and personalities... nothing he cant handle.
    Feel like we gained a life long friend and look forward crossing paths with him sometime again. Pura Vida!
    Written 27 January 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jenna F
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our guides were Dey, Juan, Yelsin and Jefferson and they were great!! We even got to see monkeys on the 2nd zip. We definitely recommend!
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Santa Cruz