Santa Teresa
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.
Today's Conditions
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Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
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Strike Score Breakdown
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 250°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 1.9m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (70°)
- Offshore range
- 30° - 110°
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Santa Teresa?
Santa Teresa works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Santa Teresa?
Offshore wind at Santa Teresa blows from the ENE (70°). Anything in the 30° to 110° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Santa Teresa?
Santa Teresa wants SSW swell (180° to 250°) between 0.6m and 2.5m, with a period of 16s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Santa Teresa?
The main season at Santa Teresa is Apr-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. Year-round waves. Bigger swells April-October.
How do I get to Santa Teresa?
Fly into SJO, then allow about 300 minutes by road. Nicoya Peninsula. Tambor airport closer. Beach town vibes.
What kind of wave is Santa Teresa?
Santa Teresa is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 4/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Year-round waves. Bigger swells April-October.
Getting There
👨👩👧👦Family Travel
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