10 Things to do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Nestled on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is a laid-back surf town where golden beaches meet lush tropical jungle. Once a quiet fishing village, it has become one of Costa Rica’s most loved coastal destinations — a place to surf world-class waves, practise beachfront yoga, spot wildlife in nearby reserves, and watch some of the finest sunsets in the country. Whether you come for adventure, wellness, or pure relaxation, here are the ten best things to do in Santa Teresa.

Where is Santa Teresa, Costa Rica?

Santa Teresa sits on the southwestern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, in Costa Rica’s Puntarenas province. It blends into the neighbouring beach communities of Playa Carmen and Mal País, with the town of Montezuma and the Cabo Blanco reserve close by. The region is known for warm Pacific water, reliable surf, and an easy-going, barefoot atmosphere.

10 Best Things to Do in Santa Teresa

1. Surf the Waves

Santa Teresa is a world-renowned surfing destination with consistent beach breaks that work almost year-round. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a complete beginner, you’ll find waves to match your level, and several surf schools in town offer lessons and board rentals. Early morning and late afternoon are the classic sessions.

2. Explore Curú Wildlife Refuge

A short trip north, the Curú Wildlife Refuge is a private protected area rich in biodiversity. Its trails wind through forest and mangrove estuary, where you can spot howler monkeys, coatis, deer, and a huge variety of tropical birds, while its calm beaches make an ideal launch point for boat trips to Tortuga Island.

3. Hike Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve

At the very tip of the Nicoya Peninsula lies Cabo Blanco, Costa Rica’s oldest protected nature reserve. Hike its shaded rainforest trail down to a wild, undeveloped beach, keeping an eye out for howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, agoutis, and seabirds along the way. It’s a rewarding half-day trip from Santa Teresa.

4. Take a Beachfront Yoga Class

Santa Teresa is one of Costa Rica’s great wellness hubs, with an abundance of yoga studios, retreats, and open-air shalas. Joining a beachfront session at sunrise or sunset — with the sound of the waves as your soundtrack — is one of the most restorative things you can do here.

5. Go Horseback Riding on the Beach

Few experiences capture the spirit of the Nicoya coast like riding along the sand at low tide. Local stables offer guided beach and jungle rides suitable for all abilities, and a sunset ride along the shoreline is especially memorable.

6. Try a Local Food Experience

For its size, Santa Teresa has an outsized food scene, from traditional Costa Rican sodas serving fresh casados to beachfront restaurants specialising in just-caught seafood and international cuisine. Sampling the local flavours — and a fresh fruit smoothie or two — is part of the experience.

7. Visit the Montezuma Waterfalls

A short drive across the peninsula brings you to the town of Montezuma and its famous three-tiered waterfall. A jungle trail leads up to a series of cascades and natural pools where you can cool off with a swim. It’s an easy and popular day trip from Santa Teresa.

8. Snorkel or Dive at Tortuga Island

Boat tours run to Isla Tortuga, an island fringed by clear turquoise water off the peninsula’s eastern coast. Its calm bays are ideal for snorkelling and diving among tropical fish and reef, and most trips include time to relax on the white-sand beach.

9. Catch a Breathtaking Sunset

Because it faces west, Santa Teresa is famous for its sunsets. As the day winds down, the whole town drifts to the beach — surfers, families, and travellers alike — to watch the sky turn shades of orange and pink over the Pacific. Bring a drink and settle in.

10. Experience a Bioluminescence Tour

On darker nights around the new moon, guided kayak and boat tours in the nearby estuaries reveal one of nature’s most magical sights: bioluminescent plankton that glow electric blue with every movement in the water. It’s an unforgettable way to end a day on the Nicoya Peninsula.

How to Get to Santa Teresa

Most visitors reach Santa Teresa from San José by taking the road to Puntarenas, crossing to the Nicoya Peninsula on the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry, and then continuing by a scenic drive to the coast. The quicker alternative is a short domestic flight to nearby Tambor airport, followed by a ground transfer. A 4×4 is useful for the final stretch of unpaved coastal road.

Best Time to Visit Santa Teresa

The dry season, roughly December to April, brings the most reliable sunshine and is the busiest, most popular time to visit. The green season from May to November sees afternoon showers but rewards you with lush landscapes, fewer crowds, lower prices, and excellent surf. For a fuller breakdown, see our guides to the best time to visit Costa Rica and Costa Rica’s green season.

Frequently Asked Questions