Surf CampSanta Teresa, Costa Rica
Surfing in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica - The ultimate surf guide
Are you making plans to go surfing in Costa Rica? Here’s all you need to know to prepare for a surf holiday in Santa Teresa in a true Pura Vida spirit! If you’re looking for a tropical adventure while surfing with the jungle as your backdrop, then you've come to the right place! Here’s our guide to everything you’ll need to know to be prepared for a surf camp adventure in Costa Rica.
Quick Costa Rica facts: Things to know before you go
Official languages: Spanish
Time zone: GMT-6
Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Capital: San José
Population: Around 5.2 million people.
Religion: The biggest religion in Costa Rica is Catholicism.
Electricity: The standard voltage in Costa Rica is the same as in the US, 110-120V. The plug sockets in Costa Rica are typically type A and type B.
Flag: 🇨🇷
Surfing in Costa Rica: Everything you need to know
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, is a surfer’s paradise with a laid-back vibe that embodies pura vida. Known for its warm waters and excellent surf conditions year-round, Santa Teresa has something for every surfer, from beginners to pros.
Read more about our surf courses in Santa Teresa here
Seasons and surf conditions: When is the best time to surf in Santa Teresa?
The seasons in Santa Teresa are divided into the dry season and the wet season, each bringing its own unique surf experiences. Whether you’re looking for gentle beach breaks or powerful swells, Santa Teresa has something to offer every surfer.
Dry season (summer): November to May
Wet season (winter): June to October
Dry season conditions: Glassy days
The dry season = the high season! During this time, Santa Teresa hosts calm, glassy conditions and some of the best beach break waves in the world. Expect clean waves with minimal wind, making it an ideal time for beginners and intermediate surfers to enjoy gentle and consistent swells. The high season in Santa Teresa is when the social scene has its most vibrant vibe and the waves are most gentle.
Wet season conditions: More powerful swells
The wet season brings bigger and more powerful swells with frequent rain showers. Conditions can be more challenging, but experienced surfers will find the waves fun! The waves are bigger and more powerful, providing a thrilling experience for those ready to tackle the surf.
When is the best time to surf in Santa Teresa for my level?
Santa Teresa is a surfer’s dream, with great waves every month of the year. The dry season is known for clean, mellow surf and vibrant beach life, making it ideal for those seeking a mix of fun waves and lively evenings. The wet season brings fewer crowds and more powerful swells, perfect for those looking for a bit more adventure. With so many surf spots to explore, there’s always something to suit your vibe and skill level.
What’s the vibe like in the water?
Surfing in Santa Teresa is all about good vibes and friendly faces, but it's always best to hit the waves with a local guide or coach. This way, you can enjoy the best spots and local knowledge while staying in harmony with the surf scene. So, grab your board, team up with our local experts, and make the most of your paradise surf adventure!
Surfboard recommendations: Which surfboard should I bring to Santa Teresa?
Choosing the right surfboard for Santa Teresa depends on your skill level, the waves you want to catch, and the season you visit. Here are some recommendations to help you pick the perfect board for your surf adventure:
Seasonal board picks (it all comes down to your skills and preferences!)
Dry season: With its gentle and consistent waves, this is a great time for funboards, longboards, or fish surfboards. These boards will allow you to enjoy smooth rides and maximize the mellow conditions.
Wet season: Expect bigger and more powerful swells during this time. Advanced surfers might want to bring a high-performance shortboard or a step-up board to handle the increased wave size. A versatile hybrid board can also be a good option for handling varying conditions.
Beginners: No matter the season, a soft-top surfboard is ideal for those just starting out. These boards are forgiving, stable, and offer a safe and enjoyable learning experience.
Pack accordingly to match your skill level and the waves, and we also have a nice quiver at our camp!
Local weather: Warm & tropical
Santa Teresa enjoys a warm, tropical climate throughout the year, making it a perfect surf destination no matter when you visit.
Air temperature: The average temperature in Santa Teresa ranges from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The dry season tends to be slightly warmer, while the wet season brings cooler breezes and occasional rain.
Water temperature: The water is pleasantly warm year-round, typically ranging from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F), so you can enjoy your surf sessions without the need for a wetsuit.
Regarding wetsuits and swimwear: What should I wear while surfing in Santa Teresa?
You can comfortably rock a swimsuit or board shorts when surfing in Santa Teresa (no wetsuits here!). The sun can be strong, so a rash guard is a good call to protect yourself from the sun or if you have a potential board rash. Sunscreen is key when surfing in Costa Rica, and so is a surf hat!
Surf safety: What should I be aware of?
Surfing in Santa Teresa is an incredible experience, but there are a few things to keep in mind to stay safe and enjoy your time in the waves:
Weather conditions: The weather can be quite sunny and hot, so it's essential to protect yourself from the sun and remember to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Water conditions: Santa Teresa’s waves can be powerful, especially during the wet season. Be prepared for strong currents and ensure you’re comfortable with the surf conditions before heading out. Always respect the power of the ocean and be mindful of your surroundings.
Local hazards: Watch out for other surfers in the water, particularly advanced riders who may be navigating more challenging waves. Keep a safe distance and avoid getting in their way.
A final note on surfing in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: Get the real Pura Vida feeling
Santa Teresa is a stunning surf town where every wave offers a new adventure.
With its vibrant, laid-back vibe of pura vida, you'll find both great waves and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Enjoy the perfect blend of beautiful surf and the true essence of Costa Rican life!
Lapoint Surf Camp: Our Surfers’ Paradise in Santa Teresa
If a jungle adventure is what you’re searching for, then our camp in Santa Teresa is the right place to go.
A camp close to the lively center of Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is a small and charming village with lots of surf vibes, the town center is only a few minutes walk away from the surf camp. Here you’ll find nice restaurants, cafes and bars! There are great clothing shops and places to get souvenirs if you want to do some shopping during your stay! You will also find pharmacies, ATMs and supermarkets close to the camp.
Transportation: How do I get to the camp?
Arriving and departing to and from the surf camp
When traveling to our Santa Teresa camp, you’ll fly to San Jose Airport (SJO) Juan Santamaría International Airport. From San Jose, it will take you around six to seven hours to get to the camp.
It is a good idea to arrive one night before heading over to the camp since the last transfer leaves at 08:00 AM on Monday morning. We recommend you stay at the Holiday Inn next to the airport if you decide to come the night before the transfer, this is where the transfer will pick you up.
You can also take another flight instead, from San Jose to Cobano (ACO) Airport. This option will save you some time but will be more expensive. It will take somewhat over an hour from the Cobano Airport to the camp. You can book the transfer back to the airport at the camp.
Delicious local food: What and where to eat in Santa Teresa?
You will find sodas all around Costa Rica, and Santa Teresa is no exception! A soda is a restaurant that serves more traditional Costa Rican food and is usually more budget-friendly than the more trendy cafes.
Traditional Costa Rican food:
Here are some of our favorite Costa Rican dishes:
Costa Rican Casado: A traditional dish that contains ingredients like rice, beans, tortilla and a protein like chicken or fish.
Chileras: Pickled vegetables, a must-try for travelers who like spicy food!
Gallo pinto: A traditional rice and beans dish from Central America.
Chifrijo: Where “chi” stands for chicharrón which translates to fried pork and “frijo” stans for frijoles which translates to beans. The dish is served with tortilla chips.
Where to eat in Santa Teresa?
We all know that feeling of exhaustion and hunger after a good surf session, so make sure to get good quality food to recharge. Luckily, there are many nice cafés, restaurants, bars and sodas in Santa Teresa. Here are some of our favorites:
The Bakery
Bali Beach Deli
Koji’s Japanese Restaurant
Zula
Kika Santa Teresa
Soda Tiquicia
Casa Del Mar
Kooks
Satori
Adventures: What is there to do in Santa Teresa besides surfing?
For the days when you want a break from the waves, or simply are in the spirit for adventures, there are many things to see and do around Santa Teresa.
Here are our top picks among the activities you can do in Santa Teresa:
Go on waterfall hikes in Montezuma
Ziplining through the jungle
Rent an AV and see the surroundings from the dirt roads
Visit the yoga studio Ylang Ylang Yoga Montezuma
Snorkeling at Tortuga Island
Go horseback riding in the sunset
Sustainability
The beach is our home. We are leaving it better than we found it.
We have made a commitment to our ocean, beaches and community. They are our playground, our home and our livelihood. We are going to leave them better than we found them. That means that all our employees, friends and guests helps out with recycling and taking other actions for the environment. Each week there are beach cleaning and recycling activities to ensure that our home stays the way it was supposed to be.
Lapoint