Santa Teresa sits at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula and requires some effort to reach. From San Jose, options include a small plane to Tambor followed by a shuttle, a shuttle bus with ferry crossing from Puntarenas, or a private car transfer. From Liberia, expect a drive of around five to six hours. Renting a 4x4 is helpful for exploring the area.
Yes, Santa Teresa is one of Costa Rica's top places to learn how to surf. Playa Hermosa, just north of town, has a sandy bottom and gentle beach breaks ideal for beginners. Playa Carmen offers more consistent waves for those progressing. Dozens of surf camps and schools offer group and private lessons, along with board rentals, making it welcoming for first-time surfers.
Yes, Santa Teresa is generally considered safe, including for solo and female travelers. The community is welcoming, and the overall vibe is relaxed. However, petty theft on the beach is not uncommon, so don't leave belongings unattended and avoid flashing valuables. Stick to well-lit areas at night, and use licensed taxis or reputable shuttles for longer journeys. Travel insurance is recommended.
Santa Teresa stretches along one main, mostly unpaved road that runs parallel to the beach. Within town, walking between cafes, shops, and the beach is easy, though roads can be dusty, muddy, or bumpy. Many visitors rent quads, scooters, or bicycles to get around more easily. The uneven roads can be challenging for strollers and wheelchair users, so plan accordingly.
Surfing is the main attraction, with beaches like Playa Carmen, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Santa Teresa offering waves for every level. Beyond surfing, enjoy yoga classes, sunset at the beach, horseback riding, ATV tours, and waterfall visits at Montezuma. Boat trips to Tortuga Island, zip-lining, and fresh seafood dining are also popular pura vida experiences.
Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colon, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted across the country, especially in Santa Teresa. Most restaurants, hotels, and shops take credit cards, though some smaller places prefer cash. Spanish is the official language, and in Santa Teresa's international surf community, English is widely spoken. A few Spanish phrases always go down well with locals.
The best time to visit Santa Teresa depends on your priorities. The dry season from mid-December to April brings sunny skies and calm waves, perfect for beach lovers and beginner surfers. The green season from May to November has more rain but bigger swells and lush jungle scenery, ideal for experienced surfers. Avoid late September and October, the wettest months.
Start with gallo pinto, a tasty rice and black bean dish often served for breakfast with eggs and plantains. Casado, a hearty plate of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a protein, is a classic lunch. In Santa Teresa, fresh seafood like ceviche, grilled mahi-mahi, and fish tacos is a highlight. Don't miss tropical fruits, coconut water, and Costa Rican coffee.
2+ million travelers like you. Moments they'll never forget.
Daytrip is a private car service platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.
Daytrip offers private door-to-door transfers with optional sightseeing stops, hourly driver hire, and curated day trips â all with local English-speaking drivers and operating across 130+ countries.
The cancellation policy may vary depending on your trip. The cancellation conditions available for your booking will always be shown before confirming your trip. Depending on eligibility, Daytrip offers different cancellation options:
Non-refundable: If your trip is canceled after confirmation, the amount paid will not be refunded.
Standard: If your trip is canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, the amount paid will be refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not eligible for a refund.
Flexible: If your trip is canceled at least 1 hour before the scheduled departure time, the amount paid will be refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 1 hour before departure are not eligible for a refund.
Trips booked less than 24 hours before departure may not be eligible for free cancellation unless stated otherwise during the booking process.
Yes! Book a private, door-to-door airport transfer with a local English-speaking driver. Enjoy fixed and transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and the option to pay in advance without the hassle of exchanging cash at a foreign airport.
You will receive the vehicle that best fits the number of travelers in your group, ranging from a sedan to a van for groups of up to 7. Depending where you travel, you can book anything from a sedan comparable to a Toyota Corolla to a Mercedes V-Class to a Classic Cuban Car. While the exact model may vary, we always ensure that the vehicle provided meets your needs in terms of safety, reliability, and comfort. You may be upgraded to a larger vehicle class free of charge depending on availability. Since our largest vehicle seats 7, for groups larger a combination of vehicles will be used. We will send you the exact vehicle details a few days before your trip.
Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.
2+ million travelers like you. Moments they'll never forget.
