Is Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Safe? Local Safety Guide

Santa Teresa is generally a calm place

We live here, walk around here and help travelers every day. Normal precautions still matter, but we do not want to make Santa Teresa sound more complicated than it is.

Walking at night

The center is generally walkable at night. If you are walking on the beach after dark, we recommend going with someone because many sections have very little lighting.

Look after your things

Do not leave phones, bags or valuables unattended on the beach. In a car, ATV or UTV, do not leave valuables visible.

The ocean deserves the most respect

Before swimming, ask a lifeguard about currents, rocks and the safest area that day if you do not know the conditions.

Read our ocean safety guide for more detail.

Electrical storms

If there is a storm, stay off the beach and pause outdoor activities until it passes.

Medical help and pharmacies

Lifeguard Costa Rica runs a medical center in the area with 24 hour service. At night, call +506 8512 9111 first and the doctor on call will get back to you. For a life threatening emergency, call 911. There are pharmacies in Santa Teresa, Playa Carmen and Cóbano. They keep normal commercial hours, so bring enough of any medication you rely on.

Emergency contacts

• National emergency line: 911

• Lifeguard Costa Rica: +506 8512 9111

• Santa Teresa lifeguards: +506 2640 0911

• Santa Teresa and Cóbano Police: +506 2640 0856

• Info Santa Teresa WhatsApp: +506 6025 2852

Can you drink the tap water?

Water is potable at many properties, but accommodations can use different systems. Ask your host if you are unsure.

The short version

Use the same normal awareness you would use in any beach town, and give the ocean extra respect. If something feels unclear, ask a lifeguard or a local contact.