Learn to Surf in Santa Teresa: Everything you need to know to progress!

As well as being a dream destination, Santa Teresa is a superb surfing spot in Costa Rica! Ideal for a tropical holiday. The fine sandy beaches and naturally growing palm trees give a getaway atmosphere to those who turn to this little surfing paradise.

One of the great things about this place is that it doesn’t attract many tourists (it’s a bit of a secret spot), making it a real hidden gem that ensures you don’t get irritated by the crowds. However, it’s not as unknown as it used to be, it still won’t get as many people as more well-known beaches such as Huntington Beach.

This is a secluded spot, as the Nicoya Peninsula is 6.5 miles from Santa Teresa. The beaches are separated into several sections, allowing surfers to explore the area during their holiday. The great thing about these split beaches is that surfers of different abilities can find the section that suits them.

So, whether you’re a beginner or used to catching waves like a pro, there will be waves ideal for you here. For us, Santa Teresa is one of the best places to go in Central America as a beginner surfer. That’s because it’s fairly easy to paddle, catch waves and, above all, have fun.

The best places to surf in Santa Teresa

Playa Santa Teresa

This is Santa Teresa’s main beach, ideally located next to the town of the same name. The coastal motorway is right next to it, making this beach super-easy to get to by car. Assuming you want to stay in Santa Teresa, there are some lovely hotels and quiet resorts where surfers can relax.

Because it’s so easy to get to, this beach is famous among surfers, so you can expect a real buzz during your session. What’s more, you’ll probably enjoy the local atmosphere both in the water and on land (or sand…). That’s because there are plenty of chill restaurants serving delicious food nearby.

The waves roll in nicely, which means it’s perfect for those looking for full, evolving rides. What’s more, the Pacific currents coming from the west and south-west are quite strong, meaning you have plenty of peaks to choose from.

Waves can reach heights of 1.5 to 2.5 metres, which means you can look forward to some nice tubes that you can tuck in without too much trouble. These tubes are often seen in Playa Santa Teresa.

However, if you’re new to surfing and can’t imagine how you’d get out of a tube, we’ve got the solution! Depending on the weather and the spots, waves as small as 1 metre can become a real playground for beginners.

If you’re brand new to surfing, you can take advantage of the teaching provided by qualified professionals at surf schools. This means you’ll have someone to look after you while you practise basic surfing techniques. And your instructor will guide you so that you progress as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Playa Hermosa

To the north, Playa Hermosa merges into the Santa Teresa coastline, giving you plenty to enjoy. Unfortunately, the water is generally more choppy, which means the waves aren’t as clean as those near Santa Teresa.

One advantage of going here is that you won’t have to wait for hours to catch a wave, as there are far fewer surfers visiting this beach. What’s more, the swells come from a westerly direction, giving great waves for beginner and intermediate surfers.

There’s the tip of Playa Hermosa on the right-hand side, which is a wave-forming reef. This means it’s a place where expert surfers can go if they want to push themselves when the tide is high.

At the Playa Hermosa point, you have to pick your moment to get the fattest waves coming out of the reef. We strongly recommend that you take care when visiting this surf spot, as the hidden rocks can hurt you if you’re not careful.

Playa Carmen / Mal Pais

At the tip of Nicoya, Mal Pais is a tiny fishing village with incredible waves. The spot is great because it’s in a south-westerly position, which means the waves are constant.

Playa Carmen is in this region, an area suitable only for surfers who can throw down in challenging waves. There is also a reef, which means that the waves dig in. We wouldn’t recommend going to Mal Pais if you’re a beginner, as it’s a dangerous spot.

It’s a spot for tubes and professional manoeuvres!

Mal Pais / Punta Barigona

To get great waves at Punta Baragona, you’ll have to wait for a big storm in the Pacific Ocean. Once there’s enough power in the swell, waves can reach 2.5 metres in height if not more. Unfortunately, waves aren’t worth surfing if the swell is smaller than that because they don’t dig in.

When the swell gets in, the waves form tubes that allow you to get great views inside them over the reefs. As this area requires big waves to walk on, we don’t recommend going there if you’re a beginner. You need to be an expert or a professional to tackle these conditions.

Be aware that the reefs can catch you off guard, so make sure you research the area thoroughly before you get in the water. You need strong currents to surf there.

What’s the best season to surf in Costa Rica?

Green season (May to August)

You may be wondering why the Green Season is called this in Santa Teresa. It gets its name from the surrounding jungle, which blooms with beautiful green foliage and colourful flowers during this period. So if you go surfing in Costa Rica at this time of year, you’re sure to see some stunning natural scenery.

Storms are common during these months, so great waves are formed in the southwest and northwest regions. This weather is ideal for surfing, as the quality of the waves is constant!

To enjoy the best barrels (waves that tube), we recommend that you come in the middle of the season, as this is when you’ll see spots that blow all the time! Well-developed waves form around June-July, perfect for expert surfers.

Dry season (October to April)

There are fewer storms from the Pacific during the dry season than during the green season, which means you won’t be able to catch as many hollow waves. The weather is often warmer than during the other season, so you’ll be able to enjoy more beach volleyball and cocktails. The waves are super constant, only slightly less so than during the green season, so you can still have fun.

We recommend heading to Santa Teresa during this period if you’re a beginner. The waves are not as powerful as during the other season. This means it’s perfect for those who are just getting by on their surfboards and want to progress!

You can get away with wearing shorts and lycra at this time of year, as the water is often quite warm. However, we’d advise you to go to a surf school to learn and build a solid foundation if you’re brand new to surfing.

find out more about the seasons in costa rica

Surf shops in Santa Teresa

As this is a region steeped in this culture, surfshops cater for Santa Teresa surfers. They are often very easy to find, as they are located just off the road that runs through Santa Teresa.

Kina Surf Shop

At the Kina Surf Shop, you’ll find more than just top-of-the-range surfboards. The staff can give you invaluable advice on the local area, so you can make the most of your time in the ocean. What’s more, you can book lessons with a qualified instructor to perfect your skills.

If you haven’t bought your own surfboard, you can hire one from these convenient shops and even stock up on the tools and accessories you need to make your holiday a success.

Denga Surf Shop

It may be small, but it’s mighty! Denga Surf Shop offers so many great surfboards. It stocks big brands like Billabong, RipCurl, O’Neill and Quiksilver, which can help make your surfing holiday even better than it was meant to be.

What’s more, this shop offers surf lessons with certified instructors, which last an hour and a half. Each lesson includes all the equipment you need for a great session! This surf shop is renowned for its quality equipment among Santa Teresa surfers, so you can be sure you’re in safe hands.

Santa Teresa is a great place to holiday as it’s packed with surf spots, chill vibes and beautiful scenery. So whether you’ve never surfed before or feel more at home in the water than on land, there’s a wave for you!

Accommodation in Santa Teresa is easy, even if you’re on a budget. The low-cost options aren’t without their luxuries either!