Santa Teresa Surf Guide
More remote than Tamarindo, Santa Teresa is a relatively small but solid surf town at the end of the Nicoya Peninsula.
Quick Facts
Different waves for different skill levels
Solid beach breaks that can hollow out
Can be tricky to get to, but worth the trip
Relatively uncrowded for the quality of waves
Introduction to Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa has grown fairly rapidly for international surf travel in the last decade or so. As it’s quite deep, it still is rather remote and quiet compared to Tamarindo up to the north. A nice long stretch of beach with different surf breaks for different skill levels, Santa Teresa is super consistent. It’s one of our favorite surf towns in Costa Rica, especially for those who don’t want an overly expensive or touristy experience. We have a friend who moved there back in 2019 and are always stoked to visit him and his family. Definitely a spot worth checking out for beginner-intermediate surfers looking for a chill but nice surf town.
Santa Teresa Surf Season
The best surf is on offer in Santa Teresa in the rainy season, or the North American summer months (May-August). The Pacific storms will send in some S/SW swells and produce bigger waves. Although the winter is definitely better for intermediate surfers, there are still plenty of beginner waves on the inside. In the dry season, the waves will pack less punch. However, for beginners or beginner-intermediates, this may be ideal. It’s easier to paddle out, the waves won’t be quite as big, and you will not find as many intermediate+ surfers in the lineup to contend with!
Where to Surf in Santa Teresa
There are several different breaks here in Santa Teresa. Here we’ll cover the main break in town, Playa Santa Teresa. Located right along the coastal road, this beach is full of surf camps and surf hotels. The beach takes swells from the west and SW. At low tide you might find some hollow waves, while smaller days can give wonderful whitewater waves for beginners. Often the bigger outside break will re-break on the inside leaving room for everyone. You’ll find both lefts and rights as the swells hit the sandbars.
Crowds - Not overly
Surfer Level - Beginner-Intermediate
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - E, light
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Not much!
Surf Camps, Classes, and Lessons in Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa Surfing Villa - One of our favorite surf camps for families, Santa Teresa Surfing Villas is essentially a beautiful private luxury villa that is super adjustable to your needs. It’s great for families or groups of friends. They film sessions and offer video feedback, have a ton of boards on offer, and can offer other excursions. They offer 8 day camps, 10 day camps, and 14 day camps at their beautiful private jungle villa.
Zeneida’s Surf Garden - On our list of the Best Surf and Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica, Zeneida’s is a beautiful little surf hostel. As the name implies, they have beautiful gardens and grounds located directly on the beach. In addition to surfing, they offer yoga, skateboarding, meditation, healthy meals, and opportunities to engage with the local culture. It’s a fairly young crowd often and social, but not overly a party scene. If you want a laid-back and healthy holistic vibe, this is your place. You won’t want to leave. There are private rooms, shared dorms, and studios with kitchenettes. Zeneida’s offers 4 day camps, 5 day camps, 6 day camps, and a 5 day couples surf and yoga camp!
Dreamsea Santa Teresa - Dreamsea operates surf camps all over the world and are very popular for a reason. Their Santa Teresa location is no exception. There are private rooms with A/C, share drooms with fans, a yoga shala, tiki bar, restaurant, and a seriously huge selection of boards. The surf lessons are beginner or beginner-intermediate oriented, but we think intermediates will still have plenty of fun here. It’s up at the north end of town toward Playa Hermosa. They offer an awesome 8 Day Beginner to Advanced Camp.
Akih Pods Hostel - Just a few minutes from the beach, this hostel is made from individual pods. You can find regular surf lessons, yoga classes, and a chill vibe. It’s very social and a great way to meet people! Akih has 10 Day Surf Camps, 8 Day Camps, and 6 Day Camps.
Located just south of Santa Teresa, home to a couple different breaks. Super consistent, and waves can get well overhead. Mostly rights, definitely for advanced surfers.
From the Store
Mal Pais
Crowds - Nope
Surfer Level - Advanced
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 70%
Be Aware: Rock reef
Nearby Surf Spots
Not to be confused with the famous Playa Hermosa in Puntarenas, this is the name of the beach just to the north. Mushier waves, emptier lineups, great for beginners
Crowds - Nope
Surfer Level - Beginner
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Lots of beginners
Playa Hermosa
About a half hour from Sta Teresa, a great spot for beginners. Super chill town, sheltered beaches, and lovely beginner waves.
Crowds - Nope
Surfer Level - Beginner
Ideal Swell - W/SW
Ideal Wind - N/NE
Break Type - Beach
Consistency - 80%
Be Aware: Lots of beginners
Montezuma
Other Things to Do in Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is a really chill town, but there is one thing we strongly recommend:
Isla Tortuga - You can take a day trip over to Isla Tortuga for some truly incredible beaches, snorkeling, and exploring. If you like nature and beautiful scenery, this is a must do. We recommend not booking something online that’s marked up and giving money to a big corporation, and instead going with a local guide.
Where to Stay in Santa Teresa
If you don’t want to stay at one of the many surf camps in Jacó, don’t worry! We have you covered. There are seriously a ton of hotels in town. The town can get rather rowdy with parties at night. This may be what you’re looking for, or not, so keep that in mind.
Casa de la Luna
Beautiful ocean view villa
Located just up above the surf, Casa de la Luna is great for families or groups. They have plenty of space, an infinity pool, and you can shoot down to the surf in 5 minutes.
Florblanca Hotel
Luxury boutique eco-resort
Recently renovated, the Florblanca Hotel is absolutely beautiful. If you want something peaceful or romantic, this is your spot. They have many room options all with A/C and Wifi, a beautiful outdoor pool, free bikes to use, a full spa.
Casa Cecilia
Beachfront boutique hotel
It’s hard to beat the location of Casa Cecilia. Located right on the beach, you can hop in the water in seconds. There are delicious breakfasts, beautiful grounds, and you’re slightly out of the main town while still close enough to get into it easily.
Bungalow Armonia
Relaxing bungalow close to surf
Located in Blue Surf Sanctuary, Armonia is a private bungalow with a king-sized bed, a pool, lounge chairs, and all you need for a private retreat. Great for couples!
Getting to Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa isn’t exactly the easiest place to get to. But in our opinion it’s worth it especially for beginner and beginner-intermediate surfers. You have a few options.
Local Flights - From SJO (the major airport in San Jose), you can fly to Liberia to get yourself quite a bit closer. You can also fly to Cobano or Tambor to get even closer. These last two airports are about a half hour taxi away.
Car or Transfer Service - It will cost more, but you can rent a car or get a private transfer from San Jose. It will take about 6 hours and you’ll have to take the ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya.
Public Transportation - For the budget friendly option, you might consider the bus. You can take a bus from San Jose to Santa Teresa for about $20 USD, and it takes around 8 hours. You’ll also have to get to the bus terminal, usually via taxi from SJO airport.
Restaurants in Santa Teresa
The Bakery- A popular breakfast spot, The Bakery offers delicious Costa Rican coffee, fresh fruit juice and smoothie bowls, and plenty of breakfast dishes. We were there with a friend who doesn’t eat gluten and they had no problem eating here.
Olam Pure Food - For the vegetarians and vegans. Next to a yoga retreat, Olam has tons of healthy meat-free dishes from pancakes and bowls to delicious superfood smoothies.
Soda Tiquicia - Looking for a budget friendly local meal? Soda Tiquicia is your spot. The menu often changes, so consider going back to see what else is on offer!
Koji’s - Our favorite Asian place in town. Koji’s offers their upscale Japanese food in a jungly setting that is hard to beat. Best for dinner in our opinion.
Drift Bar - If you’re looking for good cocktails (or mocktails), check out Drift Bar. They have plenty of options for all food preferences, and a nice chill atmosphere in the evenings.
Be sure to check out our Resources page for tips on traveling, spending money, support, and more.
Affiliate Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. If you’re not familiar, here’s what it means: When you click a link and book something, we get a small percentage. This doesn’t raise the rate you pay; the vendor pays us! This is how we stay afloat :)
