Costa Rica's Trendiest Surf Town

Santa Teresa: Where the World Comes to Surf

Experience Santa Teresa, the vibrant surf mecca on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. World-class waves, a buzzing international community, unforgettable sunsets, and the perfect blend of bohemian luxury and surf culture.

World-Class Surf
Vibrant Nightlife
Trendy Dining
Nomad Hub
300+
Days of Surf/Year
50+
Nationalities
85°F
Avg Water Temp
50+
Mbps Internet

Santa Teresa & Mal País Rentals

Apartments and houses available for 30+ day stays

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The Complete Santa Teresa Guide

Where to Live in Santa Teresa

Santa Teresa Center

$1,000 - $2,500/mo

The bustling main strip along the beach road. Best restaurants, shops, and immediate beach access. The heart of the action but can be noisy.

Vibe:Vibrant, social, bustling
Best for:Social nomads, surfers, nightlife lovers

Playa Carmen

$900 - $2,000/mo

The beach at the crossroads. Quieter than center but still walkable to everything. Great surf break right out front.

Vibe:Central, surf-focused, convenient
Best for:Surfers, families, convenience seekers

Mal País

$700 - $1,500/mo

The neighboring village to the south. More local, less touristy, cheaper. 5-min drive to Santa Teresa center.

Vibe:Local, laid-back, authentic
Best for:Budget-conscious, long-term residents, peace seekers

North Santa Teresa/Mar Azul

$800 - $1,800/mo

The quieter northern end. More residential, fewer tourists, jungle feel. 10-min drive or ATV to center.

Vibe:Quiet, residential, nature
Best for:Families, remote workers seeking quiet, nature lovers

Surf Breaks

Playa Carmen

All levels

The main break, consistent beach break that works at most tides. Can get crowded.

Best tide: Mid to high

Santa Teresa (main beach)

Intermediate+

Powerful beach break with fast waves. Best for experienced surfers.

Best tide: Low to mid

Mal País

Beginner-friendly

Gentler waves, less crowded. Good for learning and longboarding.

Best tide: All tides

Suck Rock

Advanced

Heavy reef break for experienced surfers only. Hollow and powerful.

Best tide: Mid tide only

Cost of Living in Santa Teresa (2026)

1BR Apartment (Center)$900 - $1,600
2BR House (Mal País)$1,000 - $2,000
Utilities (Elec/Water)$100 - $180
High-Speed Internet$60 - $90
Groceries (per month)$350 - $550
Meal at Local Soda$6 - $10
Dinner at Nice Restaurant$20 - $40
Surfboard Rental (day)$15 - $25
ATV Rental (monthly)$250 - $350
Coworking (monthly)$150 - $200
Yoga Class$12 - $18

* Prices in USD. Green season (May-Nov) rents are typically 30-40% lower than high season.

Coworking Spaces

Selina Cowork

Part of the Selina hostel chain. Good internet, social atmosphere, day passes available. Popular with younger nomads.

Good
$10/day or $150/month
Pool, restaurant, events, social scene

School of the World

Coworking combined with surf and Spanish school. Community vibe, events, and workshops.

Good
$120/month
Classes included, community events

Casa Origen

Boutique coworking in a beautiful garden setting. Quiet, focused work environment.

Excellent
$15/day
Garden setting, AC, coffee

Local Favorites

Restaurants

  • Koji's
    Japanese · Best sushi, hard to get a table
  • Rocamar
    Seafood · Beachfront, sunset dining
  • Al Chile Viola
    Italian · Amazing pizza, expat favorite
  • The Bakery
    Cafe · Fresh bread, breakfast spot
  • Zula
    Israeli · Healthy bowls, great coffee
  • Brisas del Mar
    Local Tico · Authentic casados, cheap

Nightlife

  • Banana Beach
    Beach bar · Sunset drinks, live music
  • La Lora Amarilla
    Disco · Main nightclub, late nights
  • Cocolores
    Bar · Drinks in the trees
  • Kika
    Beach club · Sunday parties, famous spot

Surf

  • Casa de Surf
    Surf shop · Board rentals, repairs
  • School of the World
    Surf school · Lessons and Spanish classes
  • Del Soul
    Surf shop · Local favorite, good boards

Essentials

  • Super Ronny's
    Grocery · Main supermarket
  • Green World
    Organic store · Organic produce, supplements
  • The Butcher
    Meat shop · Quality cuts, imported items
  • Farmacia Santa Teresa
    Pharmacy · Full-service pharmacy

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Santa Teresa?
Fly into San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) airports. From SJO, it's a 4-5 hour drive or shuttle. From Liberia, it's 2.5-3 hours. You can also fly SANSA or Green Airways to Tambor (TMU), then take a 45-min taxi. The final 40km from the highway are on rough dirt roads - 4WD recommended in rainy season.
Is Santa Teresa safe?
Generally yes, but petty theft is common. Never leave valuables unattended on the beach (even for a quick surf), lock your ATV/vehicle, and don't walk alone on empty beaches at night. Violent crime is rare. Use common sense and you'll be fine.
What's the internet like for remote work?
Surprisingly good and improving rapidly. Most rentals and cafes have 20-50mbps fiber. Coworking spaces have backup power and the best connections. However, power outages can happen. Always have a backup plan for important meetings.
Should I rent an ATV or a car?
ATVs are the most popular choice - they're fun, affordable ($250-350/month), and handle the rough roads well. Cars are better for grocery runs and rainy season. Many people rent both: an ATV for daily use and a car occasionally for big trips.
When is the best time to visit?
High season (Dec-April) has perfect weather but is crowded and expensive. Shoulder season (May-June, Nov) offers good weather with fewer crowds and lower prices. Green season (July-Oct) has daily afternoon rains but the best surf and lowest prices. Many nomads prefer green season.

Ready to Surf Santa Teresa?

Join the international community of surfers, nomads, and adventurers in Costa Rica's most vibrant beach town. Find your perfect long-term rental today.