Playa Santa Teresa
Beach · Nicoya Peninsula
Miles of pale sand, consistent surf and black-rock points — the beach that turned a dirt-road village into the Nicoya Peninsula's surf and yoga capital.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 2.5 h
- Best time
- sunset
- Kids
- 4 / 10
- View
- 8 / 10
- Crowds
- 7 / 10
- Swimming
- 4 / 10
- Effort
- 1 / 10
- Location
- 9.64381, -85.17158 — Google Maps
Tip
Sunset here is a nightly ritual — grab a coconut and join the crowd on the sand; at low tide the rocky points hide tide pools.
Be careful
Powerful surf and rip currents most of the year — it's not a casual swimming beach. Swim only on calm days and where you can stand.
Places nearby
- Soda TiquiciaSodas & Local FoodCasual local soda in Santa Teresa known for generous plates of Costa Rican comfort food, especially fish casado, fried red snapper and mixed ceviche, at fair prices.
- El Facon Grill & BarFood & CoffeeArgentine asado house: meat cooked slowly over the grill for a smoky flavour, milanesas, fresh fish and veggie dishes, in a family-friendly room with live music.
- Natura SurfLifeSurf, Boats & DivingSanta Teresa surf school with more than 20 years of experience, also renting ATVs and booking waterfall and Isla Tortuga tours.
- Iguana DiversSurf, Boats & DivingPADI 5 Star dive center in Santa Teresa since 2014 running daily dive trips, courses and wildlife boat tours.
- Eat StreetFood & CoffeeOpen-air food court-style spot with Mexican tacos, bowls, burgers and wood-fired pies, plus plenty of vegan choices.
- Soda Pura Vida (Santa Teresa)Sodas & Local FoodLocal soda on Santa Teresa's main road - the budget pick for typical Costa Rican food among the strip's pricier restaurants.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/503227829 · https://www.flytographer.com/blog/best-places-to-take-photos-santa-teresa/ · https://www.creescapes.com/where-to-go-in-costa-rica/puntarenas/malpais-santa-teresa/