Santa Teresa Surf Lodge & Surf School - Malpais, Nicoya Peninsula. Costa Rica
INTRODUCTION
Surf School & Surf Lodge Santa Teresa is the perfect place if you’re thinking of a tropical getaway, think no further than the Nicoya Peninsula on the southern tip of Coast Rica. This is the ideal place for anybody looking to relax and take in the amazing landscape that meets a very active Pacific Ocean.
Santa Teresa has amazing white sand beaches, consistent surf, and a chilled-out international atmosphere, and this stretch of coastline referred to as Mal Pais has some of the best breaks in Costa Rica and is the perfect surfing destination.
Surf School & Surf Lodge Santa Teresa is an upscale surf school, boutique hotel and surfer’s hideaway only steps away from one of Forbe’s “Top 10 beaches in the world”, boasting some excellent uncrowded beach breaks. A Billabong sponsored school, the Lodge offers a range of packages for surfers of all levels while providing a range of activities for non-surfer companions.
THE ACCOMMODATION
Surf School & Surf Lodge Santa Teresa features an open-air swimming pool, a rancho style restaurant and fine accommodation formed by beautiful bungalows. Each bungalow is distinctively decorated with exotic hand-carved woods and elegant textures, while provided with comfortable bedding, full private bathrooms, and all modern amenities.
Lodge Amenities
- Open air rancho kitchen
- Outdoor tiled swimming pool
- Free internet access
- Daily housekeeping
Bungalow Amenities
- AC and Ceiling fan
- Pillow top mattress
- Private bathroom with hot water and organic soap
- Aromatherapy candles
- Laptop size room safe
- Breezy verandas
- All bungalow can accommodate up to 5 persons
THE ACTIVITIES
Surf School
Surf School & Surf Lodge Santa Teresa is located right on Suck Rock, a famous surf break in the country, while being steps away from stunning white sand beaches hosting some of the best variety of surf in Costa Rica. Student ratio is never more than 3 to 1 and you may even be instructed privately as your skills progress during the course. For advanced surfers, transportation to Malpais’ secret spots is organized!
CPR Certified instructor will educate you on:
- Surf etiquette
- Knowledge of the ocean
- Pre surf stretches
- Paddling
- Standing up
All the necessary skills so you go home stoked and surfing safely on your own or, in the case of an intermediate surfers, with new skills to further your knowledge of the sport. We believe that surf is not just a sport but a lifestyle and an attitude, having fun in the water and respect for Mother Earth.
Malpais Surf Spots
Malpais has very consistent surf, benefiting from south swells during the rainy season and west and northwest swells during the dry season. The rainy season from May to November will see slight onshore sea breezes in the afternoon while the dry season from December to April will be offshore a majority of the time.
The beaches of Malpais have good sandbars that produce quality beach break waves in the 2-6 foot range. Whether you’re looking for softer breaking waves or something with a bit more juice, there are waves suitable for every level of surfing. With a lack of crowds, warm water, and stunning beaches, MalPais takes top honors as a perfect surfing destination.
The main surf beach, El Carmen, is between Mal Pais and Santa Teresa. It has a good set of sand bars that offer some nice lefts and slightly longer rights. The break is popular with longboarders and because it is a gentle beach break without heavy rip tides, this spot is also suitable for beginners.
There are several other spots in the Manzanillo-Santa Teresa-Mal Pais stretch of coast. In general, El Carmen, Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa are good with small swells, while, Los Suecos, Punta Barrigona and Manzanillo are at their best with bigger swells.
Other Activities
- ATVs / Quad Bikes: Explore back roads and find gorgeous beaches and great tucked away restaurants in Santa Teresa/Malpais
- Massage & Spa Services: Wide variety of luscious spa services in the privacy of your bungalow
- Snorkeling & Scuba Diving: Grab a snorkel and explore the deep tide pools in Malpais
- Equestrian Tour: Experience the jungle and beaches of Santa Teresa/Malpais on horseback
- Fishing: Local guides will take you to some of the best fishing spots the area has to offer.
- Bird Watching: There are over 894 species including 19 globally threatened species in Costa Rica.
- Cabo Blanco Nature Preserve: The first National Park to be established in Costa Rica
- Canopy Tours: Experience zip-lining through and above thick Cabo Blanco National Park’s rainforest on lines extending as long as 500m.
LOCATION & GETTING HERE
LOCATION
Costa Rica is located on the Central American, bathed by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, the country extend on an narrow stretch of land from Panama in the south to Nicaragua in the north.
Surf School & Surf Lodge Santa Teresa is located in Malpais on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, which is home to the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, an amazing national park full of incredible wildlife. The hilly interior sweeps down to the Pacific Ocean, leading to some of the most incredible beaches in Costa Rica.
With its consistent surf, white sandy beaches, and a very welcoming vibe, Malpais has developed into one of the top travel destinations in Central America, and so too has the once small fishing village of Santa Teresa, which hugs the coastline about 100 miles west of the capital San Jose.
Getting Here
- Santa Teresa – Malpais (Puntarenas) 6 Hours bus trip from San Jose
- San Jose International Airport (SJO) (Major airlines: Iberia, AA, Continental, United, Delta, Air Canada, Lacsa)
- Tambor Regional Airport (TMU) Daily flight from San Jose
Shuttle service from Tambor Airport to the Surfcamp are included in the packages For info on Tambor Airport and Flight, click here
Entry Requirements
Citizens holding valid passports from the European Union, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan are permitted to stay in Costa Rica for 90 days without a visa. For other countries, please check before. All travelers must carry a passport that remains valid for at least six months after the date of entry. No vaccine are necessary.
PRICES & PACKAGES
Surf Packages
Single: From USD $2,135 private accommodation
Double: From USD $1625.00 shared accommodation
Triple: From USD $1375.00 shared accommodation
✔ Costa Rica Full Experience – Surf, Yoga, Tours
✔ 7 days and nights accommodation
✔ Daily Post Surf Breakfast at nearby Florblanca
✔ Airport Transfer to/from Tambor Airport to Santa Teresa
✔ 1 Daily Surf Lessons
✔ Use of Surf Equipment during your entire stay
✔ 1 Full Body Massage
✔ 2 Yoga Sessions
✔ Billabong rash guard to use and take home!
✔ Billabong goody bag and T-shirt!!
✔ Quad Tour to the Montezuma Waterfalls
✔ Canopy Zip-line tour
Intense Surf Package
Single: From $2159.00 private accommodation
Double: From $1495.00 shared accommodation
Triple: From$1269.00 shared accommodation
✔ 7 days and nights accommodation
✔ Daily Post Surf Breakfast at nearby Florblanca
✔ Airport Transfer to/from Tambor Airport to Santa Teresa
✔ 2 Daily Surf Lessons
✔ Use of Surf Equipment during your entire stay
✔ Live action photographs of you surfing
✔ Billabong rash guard to use and take home!
✔ Billabong goody bag and T-shirt!!
Stoked Surfer Package
Single: From $1839.00 private accommodation
Double: From $1175.00 shared accommodation
Triple: From $955.00 shared accommodation
✔ 7 days and nights accommodation
✔ Daily Post Surf Breakfast at nearby Florblanca
✔ Airport Transfer to/from Tambor Airport to Santa Teresa
✔ 1 Daily Surf Lessons
✔ Use of Surf Equipment during your entire stay
✔ Billabong rash guard to use and take home!
✔ Billabong goody bag and T-shirt!!
Surf and Yoga Retreat
Single: From $1999.00 private accommodation
Double: From $1339.00 shared accommodation
Triple: From $1119.00 shared accommodation
✔ 7 days and nights accommodation
✔ Daily Post Surf Breakfast at nearby Florblanca
✔ Airport Transfer to/from Tambor Airport to Santa Teresa
✔ 1 Daily Surf Lessons
✔ Use of Surf Equipment during your entire stay
✔ 1 Full Body Massage
✔ 5 Yoga Sessions
✔ Billabong rash guard to use and take home!
✔ Billabong goody bag and T-shirt!!
