A Beginner’s Guide to Surfing Santa Teresa in Costa Rica

Santa Teresa is the kind of place you come for a few days and somehow end up staying for weeks. Dusty jungle roads, long beach walks at sunset, barefoot everything, and in the middle of it all, a stretch of coastline with waves rolling in pretty much every day.

It’s why so many people end up learning to surf here.

On paper, it ticks all the boxes. Warm water, consistent waves, plenty of surf schools. But like most places in Costa Rica, there’s a bit more to it once you arrive.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before you get in the water, from when to go, to where to stay, to how to get started.

Is Santa Teresa Good for Beginners?

Santa Teresa is – hands-down – one of the best places in Costa Rica to learn to surf, but it’s not beginner-friendly in the way people often expect.

It isn’t a calm, sheltered bay with tiny, rolling waves all day long.

It’s a beach break that’s wide-open to the pacific, which means the conditions are always shifting. Some days are perfect, soft, waist-high waves that peel cleanly and give you time to pop up and actually ride. Other days, the swell rolls in, the waves get faster, punchier, and suddenly it feels like you’re in a fist fight with the ocean.

That’s where most beginners get caught out.

You paddle out thinking it’s going to be easy, and realise pretty quickly that the ocean here has an attitude.

But that’s also why it’s such a good place to learn. You’re in the water every day, figuring it out, and getting better fast.

The Best Time of Year to Learn to Surf in Costa Rica

If you’re learning to surf in Santa Teresa, the best time to go is December to April.

The waves are usually smaller, a bit cleaner, and overall just easier to deal with when you’re figuring things out. Mornings are especially good, it tends to be more forgiving when you’re trying to get your first proper rides.

It’s also dry season, so you’re getting consistent sunshine and good conditions day after day, which makes it a lot easier to stay motivated and keep showing up.

Where to Stay

Santa Teresa is pretty spread out. The best way to think about it is that everything runs along one main road that follows the beach.

The best move is to stay as close to that main road (and the beach) as possible. That way you can walk everywhere, without needing to think about transport.

If you stay further up in the hills, you’ll get amazing views, but take it from me, it’s a HIKE. Steep roads, longer distances, and you’ll almost definitely need to rent an ATV or motorbike, which can easily run up to $60–$80 a day.

Surf Camps in Santa Teresa

If you want the easiest way to learn, surf camps are it. Everything’s taken care of, your accommodation, boards, lessons, and usually a bit of structure around your day. You just show up and surf.

It’s a good option if you don’t want to think too much about logistics, especially in the beginning. You’ll be in the water every day, getting feedback, and progressing a lot faster than if you were figuring it out on your own.

They’re also pretty social. Everyone’s there for the same reason, so it’s easy to meet people and stay motivated.

If you’re serious about learning, it’s a really solid way to do it.

If I had to pick one, I’d go with Zeneidas Surf Camp, I’ve stayed there before, it’s right on the beach, and the whole setup just makes it really easy to get into a rhythm.

Pura Vida Surf Camp is also a great option, and definitely worth looking at depending on your budget and what kind of experience you’re after.

Hostels in Santa Teresa

If you want something a bit more flexible (and cheaper), hostels are always a good option.

They’re usually pretty laid-back and social, and most people staying there are either learning or surfing every day. It’s easy to meet people, find surf buddies, and figure things out together.

You won’t get the same structure as a surf camp, but you can still book lessons, rent boards, and take things at your own pace.

If you’re happy being a bit more independent, it’s a fun way to do it.

If I was staying in a hostel in Santa Teresa, I’d pick SOMOS, it has a great vibe, it’s in a good location, and it’s easy to meet people there.

I’ve also heard really good things about Lost Boyz and Aikh Pod Hostel, so they’re both solid options too.

Surf Resorts & Boutique Hotels in Santa Teresa

If you want something a bit more comfortable (and more private), there are plenty of boutique hotels and small resorts in Santa Teresa.

It’s one of those places where you can go from hostel to high-end pretty quickly.

If you’re looking for something stylish but still relaxed, Lucero is a great option. It’s a beautiful design, good location, and feels very “Santa Teresa” without being over the top.

If you’re happy to spend a bit more, Nantipa is probably one of the best stays in the area. Right on the beach, more of a luxury feel, and perfect if you want to mix surfing with switching off.

Surf Lessons in Santa Teresa

If it’s your first time surfing and you’re not going the surf camp route, do yourself a favour and get a lesson.

You’ll save yourself a lot of time (and a lot of frustration).

A good instructor will walk you through the basics on the beach, then get you in the water and help you catch your first wave properly. This way, you’re not just flailing around hoping for the best.

Most lessons are around 1.5–2 hours, and you’ll usually stand up within the first session. More importantly, you’ll start to understand what you’re actually trying to do.

After that, you can practice on your own, but having that initial guidance makes everything feel a lot less hard.

I’ve heard great things about Richard at Playa Hermosa, especially if you want a more personalised experience.

The Salt Water Surfing Co. and Santa Teresa Extreme Center also come highly recommended and are both solid options to get started.

Top Tips for Learning to Surf in Santa Teresa

A few things to keep in mind before you go:

Santa Teresa isn’t the easiest place to get to, and prices can creep up fast, so book your flights early. I usually check Skyscanner to compare routes and find the best option without overpaying.

If you’re thinking about doing a surf camp, browse BookSurfCamps, this is the easiest place to start. You can compare what’s included, read reviews, and get a feel for what you’re actually booking.

Not the most exciting part of the trip, get travel insurance sorted before you go. I use SafetyWing, it’s simple, flexible, and built for this kind of travel.

If you’re not going down the surf camp route, Hostelworld is the easiest way to find something affordable and social. Most places are full of people surfing every day, so it’s easy to find surf buddies.

If you want to get things lined up before you arrive, you can book surf lessons through Viator. It just means you land, settle in, and you’re straight into the water without having to figure it all out locally.

And, if you want a deeper dive into Santa Teresa, including surf spots, where to eat, how to get there, and everything else, you can check out our full guide here.