Costa Rica
Nicoya Peninsula
All levels
Beach break
Surfing Santa Teresa: Complete Guide
Santa Teresa is Costa Rica's most popular surf town — a long Pacific beach break that delivers consistent waves year-round and hosts a thriving expat surf-camp community. The vibe is barefoot, sun-drenched, and unmistakably Pura Vida.
Wave type
Beach break
Skill level
All levels
Best season
December – April (dry), May – November (bigger)
Swell
S – SW
Wind
Offshore E
Water temp
26–29°C
Crowd
Moderate
Why surf Santa Teresa?
Year-round consistency, jungle-meets-ocean setting, dozens of surf camps and yoga retreats.
Beginner-friendly?
Playa Hermosa to the south offers softer learner waves.
Hazards & local knowledge
Strong rips between sandbars, sun exposure.
Nearby towns
Mal País • Montezuma • Nosara
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