Santa Teresa is one of those rare places where you can fill a week without trying and still leave with a list of things you didn't get to. Located on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, this small beach town punches far above its weight when it comes to activities — from world-class surf to jungle hikes, artisan workshops, and wellness practices that will follow you home.
Here is the definitive guide to things to do in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, whether you are there for three days or three months.
Surfing
The obvious starting point. Santa Teresa's beach breaks deliver rideable waves nearly every day of the year, making it one of Costa Rica's most consistent surf destinations. The waves suit all levels:
- Playa Carmen is the most beginner-friendly section, with soft sand and gentle close-outs perfect for your first sessions.
- La Lora offers longer rides for intermediates who want to work on turns and timing.
- Playa Hermosa (north of town) gets more powerful swell and attracts advanced surfers chasing barrels.
Take a lesson, rent a board, or join a coached session — there is no wrong way to start.
Yoga and Breathwork
Santa Teresa has developed one of Costa Rica's most vibrant yoga scenes, with studios and beachfront classes scattered along the main road. The combination of warm mornings, ocean breeze, and a community of wellness-focused travelers creates an atmosphere that makes daily practice feel natural rather than effortful.
Breathwork (pranayama and modern techniques like Wim Hof method) has also taken root here, particularly among the surf community. Several camps and wellness centers offer structured sessions that directly complement surfing — improving breath hold, calming nerves in heavy surf, and accelerating recovery.
Ice Baths and Cold Therapy
Cold plunge culture has arrived in Santa Teresa. Ice bath sessions — once reserved for elite athletes — are now a regular part of the wellness offering at several surf camps and retreats. The benefits for active travelers are real: reduced inflammation, faster muscle recovery, improved mood, and better sleep. If you have never tried a cold plunge, the warm Costa Rican climate actually makes the contrast more manageable.
Horseback Riding on the Beach
A Santa Teresa classic. Several operators offer guided horseback rides along the shoreline at sunrise or sunset. No riding experience is necessary — the horses are calm and the guides are patient. It is one of those experiences that feels both cinematic and deeply peaceful at the same time.
Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
At the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, Cabo Blanco is Costa Rica's oldest protected area and one of the most pristine stretches of jungle in the region. Trails wind through dense rainforest to a remote beach accessible only on foot or by boat. Expect to see howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, pelicans, and — if you are very lucky — a sea turtle.
The reserve is about a 20-minute drive south of Santa Teresa and is worth an early morning visit before the heat sets in.
Ceramics and Artisan Workshops
Santa Teresa has attracted a community of artists and craftspeople who have made the town their permanent home. Ceramics workshops offer a hands-on introduction to wheel throwing and hand building in a relaxed, studio setting. It is a surprisingly meditative activity — the kind that slows you down in exactly the right way.
Other artisan offerings in town include macramé, natural jewelry making, and painting workshops, often run out of small studios or homes.
Snorkeling and Diving
The waters around the Nicoya Peninsula hide a surprising amount of marine life. Several operators run snorkeling and diving trips to nearby islands and rocky outcrops where you can encounter reef fish, sea turtles, rays, and occasional whale sharks during migration season (July to November).
The diving is not on the level of the Caribbean side, but the accessibility and water temperature (around 27°C year-round) make it a worthwhile half-day trip.
Sunset Watching
This requires no planning and no money — just the right spot at the right time. Santa Teresa's Pacific-facing coastline means full, unobstructed sunsets every evening. The best spots are the rocky outcrops at the north end of Playa Carmen or any quiet stretch of beach away from town.
The ritual of gathering at the water's edge as the light fades is one of the things that makes Santa Teresa feel like a community rather than just a tourist destination.
Eating and Drinking
The food scene in Santa Teresa has matured significantly over the past few years. You will find:
- Soda Típica Tiquicia and other local sodas serving casado (the Costa Rican staple of rice, beans, salad, and protein) for a few dollars
- Upscale restaurants offering fresh fish, wood-fired pizza, and international menus
- Health food cafés with smoothie bowls, cold brew, and vegan options
- Juice bars and fresh coconut vendors on the main road
The farmers market (held on weekends) is a great way to pick up local fruit, honey, and prepared foods.
Day Trips from Santa Teresa
If you have extra time, these nearby destinations are worth the journey:
- Montezuma (45 minutes south): Waterfalls, a bohemian vibe, and one of Costa Rica's best vegetarian restaurants
- Mal País (10 minutes south): Quieter, more raw surf and tide pools with excellent marine life
- Tortuga Island: Full-day boat trip with snorkeling, white sand beach, and fresh seafood
How to Get the Most Out of Your Time
The best Santa Teresa trips combine activity with rest. Surf twice a day every day and you will be exhausted by day three. The ideal rhythm looks something like: early morning surf, late morning yoga or activity, afternoon rest or exploration, evening sunset and dinner. Build recovery into your schedule and you will leave feeling genuinely renewed.
Santa Teresa rewards the curious — the person who wanders down a side road, strikes up a conversation at a juice bar, or says yes to an impromptu paddle at dusk. Let the town show you what it has and you will always find more than you expected.