I live in Santa Teresa de Cóbano and have been exploring this corner of the Nicoya Peninsula for years — guiding visitors, teaching Spanish, and showing people what this place is really about. This is not a generic travel list. This is what I would tell a close friend arriving for the first time.
📍 Santa Teresa is located on the Nicoya Peninsula, Puntarenas, Costa Rica — about 5 hours' travel from San José (how to get here). It is one of the most authentic surf destinations in Central America.
🏄 1. Surf the World-Class Waves
Surfing is the soul of Santa Teresa. The beach produces powerful, consistent swells year-round — from gentle rollers at Playa Carmen for beginners to hollow reef breaks at Suck Rock for experienced surfers. There are several good surf schools in town for first-timers, and board rentals are available everywhere.
🔗 Deep2earth — surf lessons in Santa Teresa with ISA-certified local instructors →
🌊 2. Bioluminescence Night Tour
One of the most magical experiences in Costa Rica. After dark, the waters of the Nicoya Gulf light up with millions of glowing plankton. I offer small-group kayak, paddleboard and boat tours on nights with the best conditions. This is truly something you will never forget. Read more about the bioluminescence tour →
🔗 Full guide to the bioluminescence tour →
🏝️ 3. Isla Tortuga Day Trip
About an hour by boat from the Cóbano coast lies Isla Tortuga — one of the most stunning islands in all of Costa Rica. Powdery white sand, turquoise water, snorkeling with colorful fish, and a laid-back atmosphere that feels a world away from everyday life. I organize full-day tours departing from the area. Read more about the Isla Tortuga tour →
🔗 Full guide to the Isla Tortuga day trip →
📚 4. Learn Spanish
There is no better place to learn Spanish than in an immersive, relaxed environment like Santa Teresa. I offer private and small-group Spanish classes tailored to your level and goals — from total beginners to those looking to polish their conversational fluency. Classes take place outdoors, on the beach, or in a comfortable setting of your choice. Learn more about Spanish lessons →
🔗 How the lessons work, online and in person →
Before you go out, learn 20 Costa Rican Spanish phrases — locals love it when you use them.
🌅 5. Watch the Sunset at Playa Carmen
Santa Teresa is famous for its spectacular Pacific sunsets. The sky turns every shade of orange, pink, and purple as the sun drops into the ocean. Grab a coconut, find a spot on the sand, and just watch. This is free. This is priceless.
🔗 La Choza — Costa Rican home cooking, run by a local family →
🔗 Restaurante El Carmen — right on the sand at Playa Carmen, open for sunset →
🥾 6. Hike to Cabo Blanco Reserve
Just 11 km south of Santa Teresa, Cabo Blanco Absolute Nature Reserve is Costa Rica's oldest protected area. Dense tropical forest, white-sand beaches accessible only on foot, and incredible wildlife including howler monkeys, frigate birds, and pelicans. Go early morning for the best wildlife sightings.
🔗 Cabo Blanco: hours, fees and trails →
🐢 7. Sea Turtle Watching (Seasonal)
Between July and December, olive ridley sea turtles nest on the beaches near Malpais. Guided nighttime turtle tours are available through local conservation groups — a deeply moving experience for anyone who witnesses it.
🔗 Cirenas, the local turtle conservation project — contact and directions →
🧘 8. Yoga and Wellness
Santa Teresa has developed into one of Central America's top wellness destinations. Dozens of yoga studios offer morning and sunset classes, often in open-air shala settings with jungle or ocean views. It's become a beloved destination for digital nomads and wellness seekers.
🔗 Believe Surf & Yoga — daily yoga classes, right by the beach →
🔗 Horizon Hotel & Yoga Center — yoga deck with a panoramic ocean view →
🍽️ 9. Eat Like a Local
Beyond the tourist strip, you'll find sodas — small Costa Rican family restaurants serving casado (rice, beans, protein, salad), fresh ceviche, and agua de pipa (fresh coconut water). Eating local is both cheaper and more authentic.
🔗 The A1 ebook: ordering food at a Costa Rican soda →
🔗 Chef Zurdo — a local private chef who cooks for you where you're staying →
🌺 Final Thoughts from a Local
Santa Teresa has grown, but it has kept its soul. It is still a place where the rhythm of life follows the tides. The best thing you can do here is slow down, talk to locals, try something new, and let the Pacific coast work its magic. And if you want a local to guide you — you know where to find me.
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