Santa Teresa
Southern Nicoya · Puntarenas Province · Surf • Sunsets • Beach Scene
A long dusty road behind a long perfect beach: excellent surf, superb sunsets, an international crowd and some of the best restaurants on any Costa Rican coast.
Reviewed by Pura Vida Compass Editorial TeamLast reviewed How we research
Pura Vida Index
Editorial scores from the Pura Vida Compass team — subjective, consistent across destinations, and not an official rating. How ratings work.
Why go
- World-class beach break
- Kilometres of walkable sand and reliable sunsets
- A food scene far beyond the town's size
Best for
- Surfers
- Solo travelers
- Young couples
- Digital nomads
Maybe skip it if
- You have a short trip — getting here takes most of a day.
- You want calm swimming water.
- Dust and rough roads bother you.
Top things to do
Surf Playa Santa Teresa
Consistent all year; lessons widely available.
Montezuma waterfalls
An hour away over the hill.
Cabo Blanco Reserve
Costa Rica's first protected area, 40 minutes south.
Sunset at Playa Carmen
The nightly ritual.
Also bookable here: Beginner Surf Lesson.
Wildlife you might see
Commonly associated with this area. Nothing here is a guarantee — wild animals don't take bookings.
Where to stay
- BudgetSurf hostels along the main road.
- MidrangeBungalow hotels with pools.
- BoutiqueDesign hotels toward Playa Hermosa.
- EcoJungle cabins in the hills.
- LuxuryCliffside villas and boutique resorts.
These are category descriptions, not verified property reviews.
Where to eat
- Excellent Italian, Israeli and Japanese food
- Beachfront sunset bars
- Fresh fish at Playa Carmen sodas
Getting there
| From | Mode | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| San José / SJO | Car + Puntarenas ferry | ~5.5 h |
| San José | Domestic flight to Tambor + transfer | ~2 h |
Do you need a car?
Recommended; a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle in green season. Quad and scooter rentals are common locally.
How long should you stay?
We suggest 3–5 nights. Fewer than that and travel time starts eating the visit; longer works if you're using it as a base rather than a stop.
Suggested daily budget per person
≈ $65
per person per day
≈ $155
per person per day
≈ $340
per person per day
These are Pura Vida Compass planning estimates, not live quotes, and not guarantees about weather, availability or wildlife sightings.
Best time to visit
December–April dry; surf good all year.
Crowd levels
Busy December–March; quiet in the rainy months.
Rain considerations
The main road turns rough after heavy rain.
What to pack
- Dust buff
- Rash guard
- Cash
- Headlamp
Sustainability & responsible wildlife tips
- Don't ride quads on the beach.
- Support the local beach clean-ups.
Nearby destinations
Pura Vida Compass editorial team compiled this page from official park and operator information plus our own editorial scoring, and last reviewed it in August 2026. Costs and travel times are planning estimates, not live quotes.
Something out of date? Send us a correction — or read our editorial policy.