Best Beaches Around Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Santa Teresa is not one single beach

The coastline changes as you move north and south, and Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa, Mar Azul, Playa Cedros, Playa Lajas and Playa Las Manchas each feel different.

Playa Carmen

This is one of the most convenient areas if you want restaurants, shops and easy access around the main road. It is also one of the beaches commonly used for surf lessons when conditions are right. The bottom is mostly sand, but there are rocky sections toward the south end, and at high tide some rocks are harder to see.

Santa Teresa

This is the center of town. It is easy to combine a beach day with cafés, restaurants and sunset without needing a big plan.

Playa Hermosa

Playa Hermosa is wider and more relaxed. When the swell is big, a strong current or channel can form near the north end and the rocky area. We like it when someone wants more space and a quieter beach while still being close enough to Santa Teresa.

Mar Azul

Mar Azul is small and quieter than the center, known for its left point break. At low tide clear pools can appear between the rocks. Do not go down to the pools if the sea is coming in strong.

Playa Cedros

Playa Cedros is a left point break on the Cabuya side. It is usually a mellow, comfortable wave when conditions are small, and local instructors sometimes bring students here to practice on cleaner point break waves. Like every surf spot here, it changes with the swell and tide. On bigger swell days the wave becomes more powerful and more surfers come to the point.

Because it is a point break, respect the lineup order and the local surfers already waiting for their turn. If you are learning, go with an instructor who knows the spot and the rocks.

Playa Lajas

Playa Lajas is a right point break near the Río Lajas area. Conditions change day by day and depend heavily on the swell. On smaller days there is often a fun wave, while bigger swell brings much stronger surf and usually more people into the water.

As at Cedros, point break etiquette matters: wait your turn, do not paddle around the lineup, and respect local surfers and anyone already positioned for the wave.

Playa Las Manchas

Playa Las Manchas is a small, beautiful beach between Cabuya and Montezuma, surrounded by dark volcanic rocks. We like it as a beach stop, but we do not recommend treating it as an easy swimming or snorkeling beach.

A current can form through the middle of the cove and can become dangerous at times. There is no lifeguard service, so use extra caution, especially when the swell is stronger. If the water does not look comfortable, enjoy the beach from shore instead.

Playa Suecos

Easy access by normal car or motorcycle, with parking and usually an attendant, where a tip is voluntary. At low tide it is one of the best spots in the area for snorkeling.

Where to watch the sunset

Sunset Reef, a few meters from the Malpaís fish market, is one of the best spots in the area. In Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen, Playa La Lora and Playa Rocamar all work, and further north so do Playa Hermosa and Playa Manzanillo.

Check the tide first

Half of what you can do depends on the tide: the natural pools, snorkeling at Suecos and even walking along the beach into town. Look at the tide table for the day before you plan.

Which beach should you choose?

For convenience

Playa Carmen or central Santa Teresa.

For more space

Playa Hermosa.

For exploring south

Mar Azul, Lajas and Cedros.

Do not try to see every beach in one day

Pick one area, enjoy it, and let the tide, surf and weather decide how much more you do.

Before you swim

A beach can look calm and still be unsafe. Ask a lifeguard about currents, rocks and the safest area that day if you are unsure.

Read our beach safety guide before swimming, and our beginner surf guide if you want a lesson.