There’s a reason travelers around the world fall in love with Santa Teresa. This laid-back surf town on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula blends golden beaches, lush jungle, incredible sunsets, and a free-spirited vibe that feels both wild and welcoming. Getting here is also easier than ever. Instead of spending hours on winding roads, a quick 40-minute flight to Cobano Airport with Costa Rica Green Airways brings you just minutes from town. Santa Teresa may be remote, but it’s surprisingly accessible.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another taste of Pura Vida, here are ten experiences you shouldn’t miss.
1. Catch a Wave at Playa Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa has earned a global reputation for world-class surf, and for good reason. The waves at Playa Santa Teresaroll in clean and consistent throughout the year, attracting everyone from first-time surfers to seasoned pros. If you’re new to surfing, you can book a private or group lesson with local schools like Iguana Divers, known for their personalized coaching, or Zuma Tours, which offers multi-day surf experiences. Experienced surfers will find breaks scattered along the main beach, while nearby Playa Hermosa offers gentler waves perfect for practice. Santa Teresa is one of those rare places where surfboards are practically part of the landscape — it’s not just a sport here, it’s a way of life.
2. Watch the Sunset from the Beach
In Santa Teresa, sunset is a communal ritual. Locals, expats, and travelers gather barefoot on the sand with a cold drink or a fresh coconut in hand to watch the sun sink into the Pacific. Many visitors choose beachfront spots like Banana Beach Bar or El Carmen to enjoy the show with music and food. Others prefer a quiet stretch of sand away from the crowd, where the colors of the sky reflect on the wet shoreline. It’s more than just a view — it’s a daily reminder of why people fall in love with this place.
3. Day Trip to Montezuma’s Bohemian Soul
Just a short ride from Santa Teresa, Montezuma offers a totally different vibe — artsy, bohemian, and charmingly offbeat. Visitors often head here to explore the famous Catarata de Montezuma, a multi-level waterfall hidden in the forest. You can easily arrange a tour or private transfer with Zuma Tours or grab a local taxi from Cobano. Montezuma is also home to craft markets, beachfront cafés, and live music in the evenings, making it a lovely half- or full-day excursion. Because Santa Teresa and Montezuma are so close, combining them in one trip is a smart way to see both sides of the Nicoya Peninsula.
4. Hike Through Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
For travelers seeking a deeper connection with nature, Reserva Natural Cabo Blanco is a highlight. As Costa Rica’s first protected reserve, Cabo Blanco preserves some of the last remaining tropical dry forest in the region. The main trail winds through dense jungle alive with howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, coatis, and countless bird species, ending at a spectacular wild beach. You can book a guided experience with Zuma Tours or explore on your own for a quiet, meditative hike. Because it’s so close to Santa Teresa, many travelers visit Cabo Blanco in the morning and return to town in time for sunset surf. Learn more about Cabo Blanco.
5. Horseback Riding Along the Shoreline
Few experiences capture the spirit of Santa Teresa like galloping (or slowly trotting) along the beach at golden hour. Several local stables — including Zuma Tours — offer sunset horseback rides, giving you a front-row seat to pastel skies and rolling waves. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, guides ensure a comfortable pace, making this a romantic or family-friendly activity. The soft light and wide-open beaches make it a favorite among photographers too.
6. Taste the Flavors of Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa’s culinary scene has evolved into one of the most exciting in Costa Rica. Small, locally owned restaurants mix Tico flavors with global influences, creating a vibrant food culture that reflects the town’s international community. For sushi with a view, Satori Fusion Sushi is a must. If you want great breakfast and homemade pastries, The Bakery is a local institution. For dinner, Katana Asian Cuisine blends Japanese, Thai, and Latin American flavors in an elegant yet laid-back setting. Don’t forget to try fresh ceviche and tropical juices at roadside sodas, or sip a cold Imperial beer at a beachfront bar during sunset. Here, good food and ocean air are inseparable.
7. Practice Yoga in the Jungle
Santa Teresa has quietly become one of Central America’s most sought-after yoga destinations. Jungle-shaded studios and open-air shalas are tucked throughout town, offering everything from vinyasa flows to restorative and sound healing. One of the most renowned places to practice is Florblanca, a luxury resort with daily classes in a stunning ocean-view setting. Many other studios offer drop-in sessions, so it’s easy to fit yoga into any itinerary — whether it’s a quick flow before surfing or a week-long retreat.
8. Escape to Playa Hermosa
Just 10 minutes north of Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa lives up to its name: “beautiful beach.” Its gentle waves and long sandy stretch make it an ideal spot for families, beginner surfers, or anyone craving a peaceful day away from the bustle of town. You can grab a rental board, join a beginner lesson, or simply walk along the shoreline with almost no one around. It’s also a favorite spot for morning swims and sunset picnics.
9. Tide Pool Adventures in Malpaís
South of Santa Teresa, Malpaís reveals a different kind of coastal beauty. During low tide, natural tide pools form in the volcanic rock, creating crystal-clear mini lagoons where you can float, snorkel, or simply cool off. Local guides or concierge teams often share tide schedules, and Zuma Tours can help arrange transport if you prefer not to navigate the roads yourself. Tide pooling here feels like stepping into your own natural spa.
10. Support Local Conservation
Beyond beaches and surfboards, Santa Teresa has a growing community dedicated to protecting its natural beauty. Organizations like Somos Congos work to safeguard local wildlife, while Waterkeepers Nicoya Peninsula focuses on keeping rivers and coastlines clean. You can also support youth programs through Fútbol Mi País, which uses sports to empower local kids. Volunteering for a morning, attending an event, or simply spreading the word can make your visit more meaningful and help keep Santa Teresa as special as it is today.
Getting to Santa Teresa the Easy Way
Reaching Santa Teresa by road can take five to seven hours, often involving ferry crossings and winding coastal routes. But if you fly to Cobano, you’ll land just a short taxi or shuttle ride away. Flights from Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José cut travel time to just 40 minutes, making it the fastest and most comfortable way to start your beach getaway. For those arriving internationally through Liberia, charter connections are also available.
FAQ — Santa Teresa Travel Tips
When is the best time to visit Santa Teresa?
Dry season (December to April) means sunny skies and consistent surf. Green season (May to November) brings fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and quieter beaches.
Can I learn to surf here?
Absolutely. Iguana Divers and Zuma Tours offer excellent lessons for beginners, and Playa Hermosa is perfect for practicing.
Is it family-friendly?
Yes. With calm beaches, tide pools, and family-oriented tours, Santa Teresa is wonderful for all ages.
What airport should I fly into?
Cobano Airport is the closest, just minutes away. Costa Rica Green Airways operates direct flights from San José.
Do I need a car?
Not necessarily. You can walk, rent an ATV, or use taxis and shuttles. Many accommodations offer transport to nearby attractions.
Contact & Booking Information
Ready to make your trip to Santa Teresa unforgettable?
Website: www.costaricagreenair.com
WhatsApp: +506 8583-1741
Email: customercare@costaricagreenair.com
Instagram: @costaricagreenairways
Santa Teresa isn’t just a beach town — it’s a feeling. It’s waking up to the sound of the surf, watching scarlet sunsets with sandy feet, and meeting people from all over the world who came for a vacation and often never left. Flying with Costa Rica Green Airways gets you there quickly, comfortably, and ready to dive straight into the magic. Whether you’re coming for the waves, the yoga, or the slow, golden afternoons, Santa Teresa is a place that lingers long after you leave.