Santa Teresa—a lesser known Costa Rican surf spot for beginners

You know those places that seem to appear in every “surf + yoga + smoothie bowl” Instagram reel? That’s Santa Teresa. Except in real life, it’s a lot…dustier.

Waves
Santa Teresa is basically one long stretch of beach with multiple peaks. Playa Carmen is your go-to if you’re starting out—mellow and forgiving at mid to high tide. Playa Santa Teresa itself has faster, punchier waves for when you’re ready to level up. For extra chill vibes, head north to Playa Hermosa: softer peaks at high tide, more kick at low. Water’s like soup year-round, so no wetsuit required—just a rash guard if you don’t want to burn.

Water quality
Generally clean, though rainy season (May–Nov) can mean more runoff and murk after heavy storms. Dry season? Crystal clear and perfect for those “just-caught-a-wave” GoPro shots.

Wardrobe
Bikinis, boardies, or rash guards 365 days a year—water hovers around 27°C (80°F). Just pack all the sunscreen.

☀️ Best time to surf
December to April is the sweet spot for beginners—smaller, cleaner waves and glassy mornings. Rainy season (May–Nov) brings bigger, more consistent swells for intermediates and beyond.

⚠️ Hazards
Strong rips at lower tides, especially on bigger swell days. Watch out for hidden rocks at some peaks and the occasional runaway ATV zooming along the sand.

Surfboard rental
Everywhere. The main road is lined with surf shops—Nalu, Del Soul, Pura Vida Surfers—offering everything from soft-tops and longboards to shortboards and fish. Most will swap boards mid-rental if you want to try something new.

What else to do in Santa Teresa
Yoga studios on every corner, beachside cocktails at sunset, waterfall hikes in nearby Montezuma, or ATV missions up dusty jungle trails to find hidden beaches. The most important things–fish tacos just about anywhere.

Solo traveling
Totally doable. The surf/yoga/backpacker crowd is friendly, and surf camps or hostels make it easy to meet people. Just note—Santa Teresa is spread out along a dirt road, so either rent an ATV or embrace long sandy walks in flip-flops.

Author: The Wipeout Weekly team