At a glance
- From Santa Teresa
- You're here: the beach runs along the whole ~4 km village strip, just north of the Playa Carmen crossroads
- From the airports
- San José airport (SJO): 5½–6 hours via the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry. Liberia airport (LIR): 4½–5½ hours. Cóbano airport (ACO): 25–30 minutes
- Swimming
- Big waves and strong currents, and don't count on a lifeguard. Swim in the El Peñón tide pool at low tide, or head to the calm Gulf side
- Best for
- Couples; families with older kids and teens; sunset watchers
- Facilities
- The area's widest choice of hotels, restaurants and cafés, supermarkets, an ATM on the main road and a Tourist Police station
- Getting there
- The village's main road runs parallel to the beach, with short lanes down to the sand. The road is partly unpaved and dusty in the dry season
- Surf
- Waves most days of the year, for all levels with lessons; the bigger breaks are for experienced surfers
What’s the beach like?
Santa Teresa sits just north of Playa Carmen. The white-and-gray sand is wedged between the Pacific and green, forested hills. The village has grown a lot, but the beach still feels relaxed, and with a short walk you’ll find a spot to yourself. Rock formations jut into the sea here and there, forming sheltered pools for a dip. The whole beach faces west, so it’s a front-row seat for sunset.
Can you swim at Santa Teresa?
With care. The waves can be big and the currents strong, and as on most Costa Rican beaches, you shouldn’t count on a lifeguard. Swim on calm days, close to shore, and never alone. At low tide, the El Peñón tide pool among the rocks is the calmest place for a dip and a snorkel; the larger Malpaís tide pools are about 15 minutes south.
With young kids, plan a day on the calm Gulf side: Tambor and Curú are 45 to 60 minutes away.
How are the waves at Santa Teresa?
You get swells all year, with breaks that run from moderate to powerful. They’re bigger and hollower than at Malpaís or Playa Carmen, with a mix of beach breaks and point breaks. Some of the rock outcrops create heavy, barreling rights and lefts; one ledge is even nicknamed Suck Rock, for the way it pulls on nearby waves. Surf is generally better at low tide, when the waves are faster. Beginners can learn here with a school, though most first lessons happen at Playa Hermosa.
Where to stay nearby
Santa Teresa has the biggest choice of places to stay in the area. Where to stay in Santa Teresa
Want to compare the other beaches first?
More about Beaches in and around Malpais
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Santa Teresa beach?
With care. The waves are big and the currents strong, and you shouldn't count on a lifeguard, so swim only on calm days and stay close to shore. The El Peñón tide pool, at low tide, is the calmest spot. For easy swimming, the Gulf beaches at Tambor and Curú are 45 to 60 minutes away.
Are there tide pools in Santa Teresa?
Yes. The El Peñón tide pool, among the rocks on Santa Teresa beach, is good for a dip and a snorkel at low tide. The larger Malpaís tide pools at Mar Azul are about 15 minutes south.
Is Santa Teresa beach good for kids?
It's best for older kids and teens, who'll love the surf lessons and the tide pools. The open beach is rough for little ones. Younger children do better at the tide pools and on the calm Gulf side. See Santa Teresa with kids.
Where is the best place to watch the sunset in Santa Teresa?
Anywhere on the beach: the whole coast faces west over the open Pacific, and the sunsets here are among the best on the peninsula. The rocky points make a good backdrop. Bring a flashlight for the walk back; the roads are poorly lit.
Where should we stay near Santa Teresa beach?
Santa Teresa has the biggest choice, from boutique hotels such as Nantipa and Hotel Fermata to villas in the hills. North Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa are quieter; the stretch near Playa Carmen is busiest. See where to stay in Santa Teresa.