Santa Teresa · beach break, intermediate, best on WNW/W/SW swell with NE/W wind, low tide. A long strip of powerful beach-break and rock-bottom peaks on the southern Nicoya Peninsula. It is consistent and popular, with strong rips.
Playa Carmen · beach break, intermediate, best on SW/W/S swell with NE/E wind, all tides. The beach at the crossroads between Santa Teresa and Mal Pais; consistent sand-and-rock peaks that are the busiest in the area.
Playa Hermosa (Santa Teresa) · beach break, intermediate, best on SW/W swell with NE/E wind, all tides. Wide beach just north of Santa Teresa with spread-out peaks; less crowded than Santa Teresa and good for intermediate surfers on moderate swells.
Playa Manzanillo · beach break, intermediate, best on W/NW/SW swell with NE/E wind, mid tide. Long sand and rock-shelf beach north of Santa Teresa; quieter than the main breaks, with peaks over reef patches that like a westerly swell.
When to surf in Santa Teresa
Best months for intermediate surfers: May to October. For beginners: April to November. The water goes from about 28 °C in November (Boardshorts / rash vest) to 31 °C in April (Boardshorts / rash vest).
Days per month at the best third of the 4 spots for each level, from three years of wave and wind model data.
Questions
What are the best surf spots in Santa Teresa?
The best-known are Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa (Santa Teresa), Playa Manzanillo. In all, 4 spots lie within 7 km: 4 beach breaks.
Where can beginners surf in Santa Teresa?
Santa Teresa is mostly for intermediate and advanced surfers: reefs, points or powerful beach breaks. Beginners should take a lesson and stay on the smallest days.
When is the best time to surf in Santa Teresa?
For intermediate surfers May to October. For beginners April to November.
What wetsuit do I need to surf in Santa Teresa?
The sea goes from about 28 °C in November (Boardshorts / rash vest) to 31 °C in April (Boardshorts / rash vest).