Photo: Christopher Crouzet · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Santa Teresa
The Nicoya intermediate progression destination. Powerful beach break peaks with consistent shape — punchier than Nosara, less crowded than Tamarindo.
Surf outlook
We don't have a forecast outlook for Santa Teresa yet. The seasonal guidance below is based on long-run averages, not on this week.
Live conditions
We don't have a current forecast for Santa Teresa. The seasonal guidance below is based on long-run averages, not on today.
Surf Snapshot
Estimated seasonal guidance — not a live forecast.
When to surf Santa Teresa, month by month
Estimated from our authored seasonality — not a live forecast.
Peak season: May, Jun, July, Aug, Sept, Oct (All-time).
| Month | Surf consistency | Wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | Moderate | Boardshorts |
| Feb | Moderate | Boardshorts |
| Mar | Moderate | Boardshorts |
| Apr | High | Boardshorts |
| Maypeak | All-time | Boardshorts |
| Junpeak | All-time | Boardshorts |
| Julypeak | All-time | Boardshorts |
| Augpeak | All-time | Boardshorts |
| Septpeak | All-time | Boardshorts |
| Octpeak | All-time | Boardshorts |
| Nov | High | Boardshorts |
| Dec | Moderate | Boardshorts |
Does this wave fit your level?
Rated for Levels 4-6 · Best at Level 5.
Take the 2-minute quiz to see if Santa Teresa fits you today.
Find my Level →Beginner notes
Level 4+ wave most days. The rip is real — check with locals which peak is currently working. Avoid the rocks at the south end on big days.
Hazards
- strong rip
- rocks at certain peaks
Camps near Santa Teresa
Nearby spots
The closest graded spots to Santa Teresa, straight-line distance.
- Nosara (Playa Guiones)~66 km · Levels 3-6
- Playa Avellanas~96 km · Levels 2-6
- Tamarindo~103 km · Levels 1-5
- Playa Grande~106 km · Levels 4-6
Best months to surf here
In-season months for Costa Rica, from our editors’ season calendar.