Mal País Tide Pools (Mar Azul)

Tip

Go within an hour of low tide and wear water shoes — the rock is sharp.

Be careful

Waves can surge over the shelf without warning — keep an eye on the sea and get out as the tide turns.

Getting there

Usable only around low tide (the pools are underwater most of the day); reached by a short, bumpy unmarked dirt road (Calle Mar Azul) — high clearance helps.

Places nearby

• The Roastery CoffeeFood & CoffeeCoffee bar near the Playa Carmen crossroads, one of the cafés travellers single out in Santa Teresa; vegan options.
• The BakeryFood & CoffeeOne of Santa Teresa's most reviewed spots: a bakery-café serving pastries, big breakfasts, sandwiches, burgers and Mediterranean-style plates from early morning until late.
• Ollie's AdventuresTours & AdventureSanta Teresa adventure shop specializing in horseback rides, with ATV and motorbike rentals, surf lessons and day trips.
• Restaurante La ChozaFood & CoffeeFarm-to-table Costa Rican restaurant serving traditional casados, ceviches and slow-cooked beef.
• Horizon Yoga Hotel - tea house, massage and yogaYoga & Wellness · from $90Hillside yoga hotel above Santa Teresa whose vegetarian tea house and massage rancho are open to non-guests.
• Drift Restaurant & BarFood & CoffeeFusion kitchen and cocktail bar in the heart of Santa Teresa with Asian, Indian and Mediterranean influences, local fish and plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes; the in-house bakery has the town's biggest choice of vegan and gluten-free cakes and pastries.