Top attractions and things to do in Santa Teresa
Given that surfing put this town on the map, it follows that surfing is one of the best things to do in Santa Teresa. The community still very much revolves around the rollers that swell just offshore.
#1 Learn to surf at Playa Carmen
Extending for several kilometres before it becomes Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen is the best place to come in the area if you’re a beginner or intermediate surfer.
It has a long right and a shorter left breaking over sand. Satisfying enough, but more manageable than other spots in the area.
Playa Carmen is also the place to come for beach horse-riding and treks into the surrounding jungle. Speak to someone at Star Mountain Lodge to arrange either trip — you don’t have to be a guest.
#2 Join the experienced surfers at Playa Santa Teresa
More experienced surfers will want to head north to the steeper waves at Playa Santa Teresa. Expect dramatic beach breaks and point breaks that’ll exhilarate and thrill.
On high swells, Suck Rock peels into long, right-handed tubes. These are especially notable between March and July.
If you’re looking for more high-octane surfing experiences, it’s worth considering this when trying to decide when to visit Santa Teresa. Suck Rock is located at the northern end of Playa Santa Teresa.
#3 Explore Sunset Reef
Only pro surfers and masochists ride Sunset Reef, also known as Playa de los Suecos. This extremely dangerous shallow reef-break with a fast take-off lies at the far southern end of Mal País.
Rocky outcrops along the rest of Playa Mal País render it uninviting for both swimmers and surfers.
Having said that, Punta Barrigona works well on a high-tide swell. You’ll find this slow, long left-hander halfway between Sunset Reef and the intersection.
#4 Join yoga and pilates classes
If you’re looking to mix surf action with well-earned rejuvenation, you’ll be pleased to learn that a number of hotels and resorts offer on-site classes in yoga and pilates. Most of these are held in outdoor spaces with fabulous views.
For example, daily classes are held on the panoramic deck at Horizon Hotel. Casa Zen and Shaka Beach Retreat also offer yoga three and four times a week, respectively.
And in good news if you’re not based in one of these accommodation options, non-guests can book the same classes.
Find more Costa Rica activity ideas in our customisable Costa Rica itineraries.
Best areas to stay in Santa Teresa
The ongoing construction boom has brought a smorgasbord of boutique hotels and even budget options here are surprisingly modern.
The majority of the accommodation is set along the shores of Playa Carmen and Playa Santa Teresa. As it can be hot day and night, it’s well worth splashing out on a/c.
Note that camping is officially prohibited on the beach, and most places shut down during September and October. All the options listed offer free wi-fi.
Browse more places to stay in Santa Teresa.
Best restaurants and bars in Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa’s large population of foreign residents translates into a wide range of restaurants, and increasingly, cafés and coffee shops.
For example, The Bakery is an appealing stop-off at any time of the day. Think delicious pastries for breakfast, light meals and salads for lunch, and top pizza for dinner, served from 6pm.
If you're looking to enjoy local food, Zula is a buzzing local restaurant that serves up traditional Costa Rican dishes, along with Israeli favourites. like falafel, shakshuka, kebabs and creamy hummus.
Seafood fans will want to head up to Brisas del Mar in Hotel Buenos Aires. Fresh and creative, with spectacular views, fish restaurants don’t come much better than this.
Meanwhile, self-caterers can make use of several well-stocked supermarkets, including Super Ronny’s, 400m north of El Cruce.
Discover more of the best places to eat in Santa Teresa
- Chicken Joe’s: delicious rotisserie chicken from enhanced with home-made hot sauce.
- Nectar Hotel Florblanca: artistic fusion cuisine with Latin, Mediterranean and Asian influences.
- Pizzeria Playa Carmen: the best pizza in town is served in an open-front restaurant overlooking the beach.
- Pronto: fabulous, authentic Italian food from Bari-born chef Giuseppe Morisco.
Find out more about eating and drinking in Costa Rica.