Summary
Santa Teresa is a small and beautiful surf town located on the south western end of the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. Santa Teresa is known for having raw and natural beaches as well as some very consistent beach breaks.
This popular surf town has been for the last few years one of the surfers’ favorite place to stop on a surf trip to Costa Rica for its unique vibe and relaxed atmosphere. It is where the real Pura Vida can be experienced.
Whether you are a beginner looking to make your first steps on a wave or an expert seeking barrels, Santa Teresa has some great surf for everyone.
When to go
The best time to surf Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is from April to October for bigger and more consistent waves. However, beginners will have an easier time learning to surf in Santa Teresa from November to March with smaller, yet still pretty consistent conditions
January-February March-April May-June July-August September-October November-December
Suitable for: All surfers All surfers Intermediate
AdvancedIntermediate
AdvancedIntermediate
AdvancedAll surfers
Air temperature 27°C
81°F28°C
82°F29°C
84°F29°C
84°F28°C
82°F27°C
81°F
Water temperature 27°C
81°F27°C
81°F29°C
84°F29°C
84°F28°C
82°F27°C
81°F
Crowd Fairly crowded Fairly crowded Very crowded Very crowded Fairly crowded Fairly Crowded
Swell consistency 40% 75% 95% 90% 85% 55%
Swell height 4ft 4ft 5ft 5ft 5ft 4ft
Surf Camps in Santa Teresa
5-Day All Inclusive Surf Camp and Yoga Holiday in Santa Teresa
US$394, including:
- 2 surf lessons
- Daily yoga classes
- Time for self-practice in the yoga studio
- Lodge with swimming pool
- 4 nights accommodation
- Daily planned activities
- Time to relax
7-day Surf Camp and Yoga Holiday in Santa Teresa
US$1,630 including:
- Daily yoga classes
- 4 fun and playful surf lessons
- Transportation to and from the beach
- Video analysis from every surf lesson
- Daily breakfast, fruits, and water
- 6 nights accommodation
Best Surf Hotels in Santa Teresa
Best Value : Believe Surf and Yoga Lodge and Nautilus Surf Villas
High-end : Fuego Lodge
Getting there
The best way to get to Santa Teresa is by local public transportation. If budget is not an issue, you can hire a taxi or private driver. Otherwise, buses run down to Santa Teresa. You can also catch the ferry from Puntarenas.
Safety/things to know
-For visa information, visit the local tourism website.
-Rainy season is from May to October.
Surf spots in Santa Teresa
Playa Santa Teresa
This is Santa Teresa’s main beach break. It works almost every day and is better with an easterly wind around low tide. You will find great gentle waves which are perfect for surfers of any skill level.
Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Low
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : W
Optimal wind direction : NE
Playa Hermosa
The next beach north from Playa Santa Teresa is Playa Hermosa, another greatly exposed and consistent beach break which will tend to be a bit less crowded than Santa Teresa.
Wave direction : Right and left
Bottom : Sand
Best tide : Low
Skill level : Any
Optimal swell direction : NW
Optimal wind direction : NE