Playa Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa | Top 150 Bikini Destinations
SANTA TERESA, PUNTARENAS / COSTA RICA
A day on the Nicoya Peninsula
Playa Santa Teresa.
Start on the town road, take a public path to the main surf beach, and leave time for a forest walk or a meal in town.
Plan your beach day ↘TOP 150 BIKINI DESTINATIONS / NICOYA PENINSULA
From the road
to the surf.
Santa Teresa follows the Pacific coast near the southern end of the Nicoya Peninsula. The town’s main road runs behind the beach and connects the paths down to the sand. The surf and rock shelves shape how you spend the day.
Plan the first hour around beach conditions. Keep a meal or forest visit in reserve when the sea is rough, and ask where your ride can pick you up after dark.
ON THE WORLD MAP
On the Pacific edge of the Nicoya Peninsula.
Playa Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
01 / GETTING THERE
Start in Santa Teresa.
The ferry approach to the peninsula
For an overland trip, check Puntarenas–Paquera departures and plan the onward ride from Paquera.
Photo: kitmasterbloke · CC BY 4.0Get around From the main road
Ask about the nearest public path to the sand and where the road shoulder narrows. Use a known pickup point for the return.
On the beach
Confirm ferry schedules and check local road conditions before leaving. Keep the ferry and ground transfer on the same itinerary. Beach status ↗
02 / BEACH ESSENTIALS
Know before you go.
The main beach has sand, exposed rock, and Pacific surf. Public approaches connect it to Santa Teresa’s main road. Ask locally about access, waves, and flags before going to the waterline.
01 / HOW TO GET THERE
Use a public path from the main road
Ask your lodging which route is public and practical from where you are staying. The path and final stretch of sand may be uneven.
Costa Rica Tourism’s Puntarenas beach information ↗02 / BEACH ACCESS
An uneven last stretch
Watch your footing near the rocks, especially as the tide rises. Ask about the most level approach if you need help planning access.
03 / THE SAND
Pacific waves and rock shelves
Follow the lifeguards’ flags and advice. Rip currents can form in the surf. Stay on dry sand if flags, swell, or local guidance make conditions unsuitable.
04 / FOOD & WATER
Food, water, and rentals
Bring water and walk back to town for food or a surf rental. Ask where the lesson meets and check any separate equipment or seating charges.
05 / CHAIRS & UMBRELLAS
Shade along the edge
Tree shade depends on where you sit and the time of day. Take a hat, sunscreen, and a light cover-up for the walk along the road.
06 / RESTROOMS & SHOWERS
Restrooms and lifeguards
Ask which public or customer restrooms are available and where the lifeguards are on duty. Check the flags before you enter the water.
03 / THE BEACH
A day at Playa Santa Teresa.
The Pacific shore near town
Look for a public approach and watch how the swell breaks before walking close to the water.
Photo: Marcel L. · Unsplash License01 / EARLY
Start on the dry sand
Walk from town and watch a set of waves. Keep clear of exposed rocks, and note where the nearest public exit leads to the road.
02 / AT THE WATER
Let the conditions set the pace
Look for flags and ask the lifeguards or a local instructor. Book a lesson if conditions suit your level, and choose the meeting point with the instructor.
03 / MIDDAY
Walk back for lunch
Find a café on the main road and refill your water bottle. Leave time for shade in the afternoon, especially after a long morning outside.
04 / LATE DAY
Watch the Pacific light fade
Stay on dry sand while watching sunset. Use a familiar route back to the road, and confirm a well-lit pickup spot if your stay is uphill.
The shore changes through the day as the tide covers or uncovers rocks. Check flags and surf before every visit.
04 / NEARBY BEACHES
Four more beaches nearby.
Distances are approximate straight-line distances. Allow extra time for inland roads and for travel around the southern peninsula.
Playa Carmen
A sandy stretch near the main road junction, with shops and restaurants inland.
- Best for
- A separate shore walk and a stop for supplies
- Facilities
- Check the signed public access and parking before leaving the main road.
- Good to know
- Confirm surf and flag conditions before entering the water.
Playa Mal País
A quieter, rocky shore below the fishing village, with pockets of sand.
- Best for
- Low-tide shore views from dry ground
- Facilities
- Confirm the route and ask about services before leaving Santa Teresa.
- Good to know
- Leave tide-pool wildlife alone and watch waves and the rising tide.
Playa Montezuma
A shore next to a village on the eastern side of the peninsula.
- Best for
- A separate town and shoreline outing
- Facilities
- Plan road travel via Cóbano and check parking in the village.
- Good to know
- Check currents and surface conditions on the day.
Playa Tambor
A broad shore on Bahía Ballena, with wooded hills behind the bay.
- Best for
- A separate outing to the gulf side of the peninsula
- Facilities
- Allow time for the road journey and ask about open facilities.
- Good to know
- Check conditions in person, even when the bay looks calm.
Distances are straight-line from Playa Santa Teresa. Facilities change by season, so check on the day.
05 / MUST-SEE PLACES
Three ways to see the area.
01 / SANTA TERESA
Take a surf lesson
Book with a local surf school and ask it to match the session to your experience and the day’s conditions. Start with a briefing and practice on the sand.
Zeneidas surf coaching in Santa Teresa ↗02 / CABUYA ENTRANCE
Walk the Cabo Blanco forest
Set aside part of a day for the reserve. Check opening days and trail access before going. Bring water and grippy shoes, stay on marked trails, and give wildlife space.
Costa Rica Tourism’s Cabo Blanco visitor information ↗03 / MONTEZUMA
Visit the waterfall
Make a separate trip to the town and use the signed route to the waterfall. Check recent rain and trail conditions before setting off, and turn back if water is high or the route is slippery.
Costa Rica Tourism’s Montezuma waterfall information ↗EXPLORE THE AREA
Playa Santa Teresa and Santa Teresa.
The pin marks the main beach north of the road junction. Zoom out to see the coast road and the drive toward Cóbano.
Open the interactive map ↗BEYOND THE BEACH
Forest, waterfall and town.
Take a separate outing away from the surf for forest trails, the waterfall, or a town lunch.
Cabo Blanco forest trails
Check official hours and trail access before setting out for the reserve.
Photo: micah420 · CC BY 2.0
Montezuma waterfall
Take shoes with grip and check water and trail conditions before the walk.
Photo: Vlad Podvorny · CC BY-SA 3.0
A stop in Montezuma town
Set aside time for a meal in town after the waterfall walk.
Photo: Haakon S. Krohn · CC BY-SA 3.0
Wildlife at Cabo Blanco
Watch wildlife from a distance and keep food packed away.
Photo: micah420 · CC BY 2.006 / SIX HOTELS
Find your base.
NORTHERN SANTA TERESA
Zeneidas Surf Garden
$ Budget · $
Choose a shared or private room close to the shore, with a communal kitchen and options for surf coaching. Sample shared accommodation quotes were US$26–46 with taxes and fees. Ask which facilities are shared and what is included if you book lessons.
Zeneidas Surf Garden official site ↗CENTRAL SANTA TERESA
Believe Surf & Yoga Lodge
$ Budget · $
This laid-back lodge has a pool, a yoga deck, and both shared and private options. Sample shared accommodation quotes were US$35–58 with taxes and fees. Check room type, age rules for dorms, and whether classes are separate before booking.
Believe Surf & Yoga Lodge official site ↗SOUTHERN SANTA TERESA
Hotel Santa Teresa by the Beach
$$ Mid-Range · $$
This small hotel has a pool and room layouts that include some with terraces. Sample direct rates were US$122–169 with taxes and fees. Ask which rooms have step-free access and confirm the breakfast and parking arrangements before you reserve.
Hotel Santa Teresa by the Beach official site ↗SOUTHERN SANTA TERESA
Hotel Trópico Latino
$$ Mid-Range · $$
Choose between garden rooms, bungalows, and larger accommodation with kitchen space. A sample direct rate was US$151 with taxes and fees. Check the exact room layout and ask about yoga, breakfast, and dining arrangements if you plan to spend time at the property.
Hotel Trópico Latino official site ↗HILLSIDE SANTA TERESA
Mint Santa Teresa
$$$ Upscale · $$$
This small hillside hotel has a pool and rooms with private terraces. Sample direct rates were US$165–220 with taxes and fees. Confirm the age policy before booking and ask about the hill, parking, and the best route back from dinner.
Mint Santa Teresa official site ↗SANTA TERESA WATERFRONT
Hotel Nantipa
$$$$ Luxury · $$$$
This boutique property has suites, bungalows, and villas close to the water. Sample direct rates were US$305–424 with taxes and fees. Compare the layouts and check whether a pool is private to the room or shared, especially if traveling with children.
Hotel Nantipa official site ↗
WHEN TO GO
Choose the day you want.
Compare total rates for your dates and check cancellation terms, room access, and parking. Ask about the grade and surface of the road for hillside properties. Climate normals ↗
07 / FOOD, LANGUAGE & LOCAL LIFE
From sand to table.
Costa Rican gallo pinto
Look for rice and beans with a choice of eggs, plantain, or other sides at breakfast.
Photo: Legendre17 · CC BY 3.0What to order
Look for gallo pinto at breakfast and a casado at lunch. Rice, beans, plantains, and vegetables make up much of the plate. For seafood, ask how the catch is prepared and what sides come with it.
Local habits
Ask about prices in colones and any separate taxes or service charge. For a quick lunch, start with the day’s casado at a local restaurant.
A LITTLE SPANISH
Useful on the beach and in town.
- Buenos días
- Good morning
- Gracias
- Thank you
- Agua, por favor
- Water, please
- La cuenta, por favor
- The bill, please
SIX RESTAURANTS
Where to eat.
SANTA TERESA MAIN ROAD
La Choza
$ Budget · $
Order a Costa Rican casado at this restaurant focused on local ingredients. The published menu lists the vegetarian version at ₡4,500 and chicken at ₡5,500. Ask about the side dishes and check the listed service charge and tax before you order.
La Choza official site ↗EAT STREET COURTYARD
Sunrise Café
$ Budget · $
Stop in for breakfast and coffee before heading to the sand. The café’s published menu lists a gallo pinto bowl at ₡5,500 and a breakfast burrito at ₡5,800. Ask about the breakfast hours and choose a seat in the shared courtyard.
Sunrise Café official site ↗SOUTHERN SANTA TERESA
The Bakery
$$ Mid-Range · $$
This café works for a pastry stop or a longer brunch. The published menu lists classic shakshuka at ₡7,500 and spinach-and-feta burekas at ₡8,000. Pair a dish with coffee, and check which menu the bakery is serving when you go.
The Bakery official site ↗SANTA TERESA MAIN ROAD
Aroma
$$ Mid-Range · $$
The breakfast menu includes gallo pinto at ₡8,100 and a breakfast burrito at ₡7,900. Come for an early meal before the shore or for a late breakfast on a rest day. Ask about the vegan gallo pinto and service charges.
Aroma official site ↗CENTRAL SANTA TERESA
The Somos
$$$ Upscale · $$$
The open-air courtyard restaurant serves dinner with seafood and casual plates. Its dinner menu lists coconut-and-turmeric catch of the day at ₡10,200 and ceviche with pineapple at ₡7,950. Check whether the menu has changed and ask about a table before a busy evening.
The Somos official site ↗SANTA TERESA WATERFRONT
Manzú
$$$$ Luxury · $$$$
Reserve the open-air restaurant at Hotel Nantipa for a longer dinner. Its published six-course Pura Vida tasting menu is ₡70,000 per person. An à la carte menu is also available. Ask about dietary accommodations and confirm the advance reservation terms.
Manzú official site ↗08 / SANTA TERESA AFTER DARK AFTER DARK
Three bars.
Banana Beach Restaurant
Come for an early dinner or a drink with a view of the water. The open-air restaurant serves food as well as drinks. Ask about live music and request a table away from the speakers if you prefer a quieter evening. Banana Beach waterfront restaurant ↗
Drift Restaurant & Bar
This road-side restaurant combines a bar, a small gallery, and a deli. Stop for a drink or a meal and ask about the current kitchen hours. Allow time to arrange transport if you are staying farther up the coast. Drift Restaurant & Bar ↗
Shambala
Stop at the restaurant and bar at Hotel Trópico Latino for a drink or an early meal. The kitchen uses produce from its nearby garden. Ask about table availability for visitors and book transport for the trip back after dark. Shambala at Hotel Trópico Latino ↗
Stick to well-lit routes where possible. Arrange a ride if you would otherwise be walking along a dark stretch of the main road.
09 / PUNTARENAS EVENT CALENDAR & MONEY
Plan around the celebrations.
Fiestas Populares de Cóbano
In February, the district seat hosts traditional food, music, and community festivities. Check the local program before your visit and allow for busier roads around Cóbano.
Costa Rica’s cultural directory for the Cóbano festivities official site ↗Fiesta de la Virgen del Mar
In July, the city of Puntarenas holds a procession of decorated boats and family activities. The festival is on the mainland side of the ferry route, so plan it as a separate stop.
Costa Rica Tourism’s Festival of the Virgin of the Sea listing ↗Currency / Costa Rican colón
Carry some colones for smaller purchases and check which currency a business is quoting. Ask about service charges and keep a card for larger expenses.
Central Bank of Costa Rica banknotes in circulation ↗10 / WHAT TO WEAR
Pack for the surf and the road.
THE SANTA TERESA KIT
Swim.
Walk.
Stay out.
On the sand
Wear the Santa Teresa Daisy bikini with a light cover-up, sandals, and a hat.
From sand to the main road
Bring a dry layer for the walk back. If you plan a forest or waterfall outing, add closed shoes with grip and a bag for your water bottle.
In town
A shirt and comfortable shoes work for a café or dinner stop. Bring a light for poorly lit walks.
11 / BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Good to know.
Is Playa Santa Teresa public?
Yes. Use a public beach approach from town. Private seating, lessons, parking, and restaurant services may have separate prices.
What is the closest airport?
Cóbano Airport serves the peninsula. Check the domestic flight schedule and arrange the road transfer from the airport to your accommodation.
Is Playa Santa Teresa a swimming beach?
The beach has open Pacific surf and rip currents. Follow the lifeguards’ flags and guidance. Stay on the sand when conditions are uncertain or swimming is restricted.
Can I visit by ferry?
Yes. Take the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry if that route suits your trip, then continue by road via Cóbano. Check schedules and vehicle booking rules before you leave.
Where can I eat or use a restroom?
Cafés and restaurants line the main road. Ask about restroom access before choosing a spot on the beach, as some facilities are for customers.
FOG & FOUNDRY / SWIM
Santa Teresa Daisy on the Pacific.
White, yellow, and pink daisies on an orange V-neck top and high-waisted bottom. The four styling photos come from the Santa Teresa Daisy product gallery.
Explore the Santa Teresa Daisy bikini ↗
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