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Beach
both
Level 4/10

Santa Teresa

Puntarenas, Costa Rica
🌀Strong rips👥Crowded

Santa Teresa is Costa Rica's open secret that's no longer much of a secret—a once-remote beach town that has blossomed into a world-class surf destination with the yoga studios and organic cafés to match. The consistent beach break peaks stretch for miles along the dusty main road, offering waves for all abilities with reliable year-round surf. The sunset sessions, with silhouettes of surfers against orange skies, have become iconic imagery. Development is transforming the area, but the waves remain as consistent as ever, drawing a continuous stream of surf travelers seeking pura vida perfection.

Spot Details

Swell Requirements

Optimal direction
SSW (210°)
Direction range
180° - 250°
Size range
0.6m - 2.5m
Ideal period
16s+

Wind Requirements

Optimal direction
ENE (70°)
Offshore range
30° - 110°
Best window
morning

Tide Requirements

Optimal tide
mid
Optimal range
0.3m - 1.5m

Water temp

28°C

Wetsuit

Boardshorts / Rashguard

Difficulty

4/10

Crowd level

6/10

Access: Nicoya Peninsula. Tambor airport closer. Beach town vibes.

Getting There

Airport
SJO
Drive time
300 min

Best Season

Peak: Apr-Oct

Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Year-round waves. Bigger swells April-October.

Data Quality

verified

Verified by Costa Rica surf community