Mal País fishing harbor (Playa Muelle)
Landmark · Nicoya Peninsula · hidden gem
Past the last surf hotels, Mal País ends at a small fishing harbor on a little cove: boats heading out for snapper, wahoo and roosterfish, and the departure point for fishing, snorkel and SUP trips into the Cabo Blanco marine area. A quiet, local place to watch the sunset away from the Santa Teresa crowds.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 40 min
- Best time
- late afternoon and sunset
- Kids
- 3 / 10
- View
- 7 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 4 / 10
- Effort
- 1 / 10
- Location
- 9.60626, -85.14387 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Entry
- Free
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Road
- Gravel — a regular car is fine
- Kids
- Good for kids
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Come at sunset, when the boats return. Fishing and snorkel trips can be arranged through hotels in Mal País or Santa Teresa.
Be careful
Rocky shore - wear sandals. Don't leave valuables in the car at the end of the road.
Getting there
Drive south from Playa Carmen through Mal País almost to the end of the road; the harbor cove is just before Playa Cuevas.
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.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/307164133 · https://nicoyapeninsula.com/malpais/ · https://ticotimes.net/?p=160178 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/307164133