Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa Beach, Costa Rica 2024

On the Nicoya Peninsula, next to the Cabo Blanco Natural Reserve, lies this paradise of white sands and constant waves that meets the jungle: Santa Teresa Beach.

Introduction to Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, offers a wealth of experiences beyond its stunning beaches and constant waves. Enjoy unique adventures with boat tours through the Pacific Ocean and hikes through rainforests, surrounded by fascinating wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, and other exotic creatures.

Take advantage of thrilling activities like fishing, surfing, yoga, and stand-up paddleboarding, among many others. You will also find women's retreats, meditation circles, cute coffee shops, and friendly servers in the restaurants.

There are several beachfront bars and, of course, lots of surf spots. The typical dinner time is right after sunset (around 6 PM), and restaurants close their kitchens around 9 PM. The beach will always remain the main attraction of Santa Teresa, for its waves, its fabulous tide pools, and its breathtaking Pacific sunsets.

Different Ways to Get to Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa Beach is located in the southwest of Costa Rica, on the Nicoya Peninsula, and is part of the Puntarenas Province. To reach Santa Teresa from Costa Rica's international airports, the options are rental cars, shared shuttles, and domestic flights.

The distance between the capital city of San José and Santa Teresa Beach is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles). Traveling by ground transportation takes about six hours, while a domestic flight from San José takes 35 minutes. Since November 15, 2023, commercial flights from San José to Santa Teresa have been landing at the new Cobano airport, at a price of $131. This airport is located just 25 minutes away from Santa Teresa Beach. The airlines offering flights to Cobano are Sansa Airlines and Green Airlines.

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For more details on where to sleep, where to eat, how to get around, and what to do in Santa Teresa, visit our dedicated sections.

The Trendy Town of Santa Teresa

The town stretches along a 4.2 km road that serves as its backbone. There is no traditional downtown area in Santa Teresa, just one road parallel to the beach. The bustling core extends from the intersection known as "El Cruce" at Playa Carmen to the former popular nightclub "La Lora." We have created an interactive Google Map of Santa Teresa Beach, where you can find everything that’s happening.

Accommodation

This Costa Rican destination offers a plethora of choices when it comes to places to stay, from affordable cute hotels to fancy villas with breathtaking ocean views. Visitors can choose to stay in the hustle and bustle of the main street or up high on the mountain for a serene and peaceful retreat.

Getting Around Santa Teresa

To get around Santa Teresa Beach, a four-wheel drive, sport utility vehicle (SUV), all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or side-by-side (Rhino) may be the ideal choice. If you plan to stay in a hotel or Airbnb located in the mountains of Santa Teresa, the best way to navigate any terrain is a powerful 4WD. For a day of surfing, the ATV is the recommended option as it allows easy access to different spots, and you can even attach a surf rack to it. During the rainy season in Santa Teresa Beach, a roof is advisable, and both the Rhino and SUV are excellent choices.

Remember always to keep the speed at 25 km/h. For more information, refer to the article on different ways to get around Santa Teresa.

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Beach and Surf

Located along the Pacific West Coast of Costa Rica, Playa Santa Teresa has become world-famous for its breathtaking coastline and constant surf break. The beach itself is long and spacious, providing plenty of room for walking, running, sunbathing, swimming, and playing in the sand.

Santa Teresa stretches from south to north: Playa Carmen, Playa Banana Beach, Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Villa Paraíso, and Suckrock.

Swimming in Santa Teresa

In general, swimming in the Santa Teresa area is not for everyone. Depending on skill levels, some tides will be better than others. Be aware that the currents can be strong and unpredictable. Thanks to the daily efforts of the Santa Teresa lifeguards, swimming in front of them makes everything smoother and easier. If you’re not a confident swimmer, another option is to stick to the natural pools in the Mal País area, which are also perfect for families with kids.

Wildlife and Nature

In the immediate area, there are two national reserves perfect for animal lovers and hiking enthusiasts alike: Curu National Reserve and Cabo Blanco National Park.

Friendly Reminder

In Santa Teresa, the town has grown significantly in the last five years, but unfortunately, the infrastructure has not kept up with the pace. As a result, every decision we make has a significant impact on the environment. To help preserve our environment, it is essential to avoid buying unnecessary items, reduce the use of plastics, reuse towels for longer periods, opt for eco-friendly products, and consume more fruits and vegetables to minimize waste.

Santa Teresa offers an excellent opportunity to be more conscious of the environment, and the rewards from Mother Earth are immense.

Why Santa Teresa Beach is So Special

With consistent waves, warm water, breathtaking sunsets, and tasty eats, it’s no wonder why Santa Teresa is so famous.