Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa, Puntarenas (Nicoya Peninsula), Costa Rica
Sports: Surfing
Best time to go: April–November
Santa Teresa is a long beach on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, between Mal País and Playa Hermosa. The beach faces south-west and picks up almost every swell, which makes it one of the most consistent surf areas in the country.
Southern Hemisphere swells from about April to November bring the most size, while the dry season from December to April usually has smaller, cleaner waves with offshore north-east and east winds, especially in the mornings. Afternoons often turn onshore. The waves break over sand with some rocky patches, and several peaks along the beach spread the crowd. Playa Carmen at the southern end is gentler on small days and is used for lessons, but on bigger swells the whole beach becomes powerful. Rip currents are strong and there is little or no lifeguard cover, so swim and surf with care. The line-up is busy in high season. The water is warm all year, so boardshorts or a bikini are enough; reef booties help around the rocks.
Spots near Santa Teresa
- Lake Arenal – Tilarán (101 km)
- Bahía Salinas (165 km)
- Popoyo (228 km)