Where to swim, surf, snorkel, watch the sunset and explore tide pools — our local guide to the beaches around The Baya House.
Steps from The Baya House
The beach directly outside The Baya House and one of Santa Teresa's most loved surf beaches, with a strong local surf community gathering here throughout the day. Walk down for sunrise, watch the surfers or catch one of Santa Teresa's incredible sunsets — surfboards can also be rented right on the beach.
Best for: Surfing · Sunsets · Watching surfers · Beach walks
About a 20-minute beach walk
A great all-around beach with surfing for different levels and areas that can be better for swimming depending on the conditions. Walk there directly along the beach from The Baya House — a fun destination for a longer morning or sunset beach walk, and a popular spot for beginner surfers and surf lessons.
Best for: Swimming when conditions allow · Surfing · Beginner surf · Beach walks
About 10 minutes by ATV or car
A long, beautiful stretch of sandy beach north of Santa Teresa with more space, generally gentler waves and great conditions for learning to surf. One of our favorite recommendations for beginners, and a beautiful beach for swimming when conditions are calm.
Best for: Swimming · Beginner surfing · Long beach walks · Relaxed beach days
South of Santa Teresa
The coastline around Mal País feels different from the long sandy beaches of Santa Teresa and Hermosa — more rocky sections and beautiful natural tide pools that appear at low tide. A great area to explore when you want to see another side of the coastline.
Best for: Tide pools · Exploring · Rocky coastline · Low-tide adventures
About a 20-minute drive from The Baya House
A mixture of sand and rock with beautiful tide pools, and one of the best spots in the area for snorkeling. It's a lot quieter than the beaches in town, and the drive out there is really beautiful too.
Best for: Snorkeling · Tide pools · Quiet beach days · A beautiful drive
A short drive south, toward Cabo Blanco
A quiet, lesser-known beach at the far southern end of the peninsula, close to the Cabo Blanco nature reserve. If you're looking for fewer people and untouched nature, this is the one to seek out.
Best for: Quiet escapes · Nature · Getting off the beaten path
Know before you go
The beaches around Santa Teresa change significantly with the tides. We recommend checking the tides each morning before deciding where to swim, surf or explore.
Swimming conditions can change throughout the day depending on the tide, swell and currents.
The tide pools around Mal País and Playa Manzanillo are best visited at low tide, when they are exposed and accessible.
If you're unsure where to go that day, ask us — we're always happy to recommend a beach based on the conditions.
Want to surf these beaches?
