Distance 113 km (70.6 miles) | |
Price range US$99-US$660 | |
Ride Duration Range 3h 45m-5h 50m | |
Earliest Departure 12:30 | |
Latest Departure 23:30 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest minivan: 5h
Cheapest minivan: US$440
Perched midway along Costa Rica's Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio is more than just a national park. It's a slice of paradise.
Boasting pristine beaches, rainforest-covered hills and tons of wildlife (hello, monkeys and sloths), you might not think it could get any better.
However, when you're ready to try surfing or simply want to have a lively mixture of town and country, another great destination lies across the Gulf of Nicoya — the surfers paradise of Santa Teresa Beach.
Located on the southwestern corner of the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is famous for its consistent surf that draws its share of beginners and experts alike.
Add to that its proximity to the wild, unspoiled nature found in this corner of the country, and you've got a great base of operations for exploring the natural beauty of Costa Rica — all with a side serving of adrenaline.
Traveling between the two destinations takes about 4.5 to 6 hours. Whether driving along the coastline or crossing the Gulf of Nicoya via ferry, it's easy to include both stops in your itinerary.
With a beach town vibe and lots of natural attractions at its doorstep, you won't get bored regardless of how long you stay.
Here are some of the top things to see and do in Santa Teresa Beach:
Catch some waves at the beach. Surfing is what put Santa Teresa Beach on the map, and you'll see plenty of people practicing their craft. If you've never been on a board, this is an excellent place to take lessons.
Just beware that after experiencing the town's famous swells, it may spoil you for other destinations.
Catch some fish on a fishing tour. If you're more interested in what's beneath the waves than riding them, Santa Teresa Beach has fishing tours that will give you the chance to reel up the freshest catch.
From tuna to snapper to mahi-mahi and more, a day out on the ocean is a reasonably priced activity with a delicious payout.
Catch a glimpse of wildlife at Curú Wildlife Refuge. The Nicoya Peninsula is notoriously wild, and the Curú Wildlife Refuge is an excellent place to get up close and personal with it.
Whether it's adorable capuchin monkeys scampering through the treetops, scarlet macaws soaring overhead or scary-looking crocodiles peering from the waterways, you won't have to look long or far to see Costa Rica's abundant wildlife up close.
Catch an excursion to get your adrenaline pumping. Costa Rica is an adventure paradise, and Santa Teresa is no stranger to such opportunities. From ziplining to ATV tours to kayaking, you can get your heart rate up, all while being surrounded by lush natural beauty.
Sign up for a tour in town and get ready to be wowed again and again.
Separated from one another by the Gulf of Nicoya, you have two options for getting to Santa Teresa Beach from Manuel Antonio: a road trip and a road + ferry + road trip.
Either way, you will get scenic views of the lush, rainforest-covered hills and secluded beaches of this striking part of the country.
Aside from some potholes, it should be a relatively smooth ride — including any time spent on the ferry.
There are only two real options for getting from Manuel Antonio to Santa Teresa Beach.
You can take a minivan/shuttle that will drive you up and around the Gulf of Nicoya and then across the peninsula to Santa Teresa Beach.
Or you can shorten that with a van + ferry ticket, which will shave off a few hours by crossing the gulf by boat.
Here's a breakdown of those options:
This is the simplest option out there.
With this choice, you will be picked up at your hotel in Manuel Antonio and driven in an air-conditioned van (sometimes with reclining seats or other amenities, depending on the operator) along the coast to your accommodations in Santa Teresa.
The ride will take about five to six hours and starts at around $110 per passenger (minimum of two people).
The amount of luggage included varies according to the operator, but you can safely figure on at least one large bag (up to 50 lbs/23 kg) and a handbag per person.
If, like many, your purpose in coming to Santa Teresa is to surf, your board(s) can be accommodated for an extra charge.
If you are traveling in a small group of up to four, you could also book a private minivan. The cost starts at $511 for the entire van. You'll be picked up and dropped off at your accommodations in both towns.
You'll be able to choose your preferred departure time at one-hour intervals. You should also be allowed two bags plus a handbag per passenger. If you bring a surfboard, an additional fee is paid directly to the driver.
A van + ferry combination ticket is the better option. It gets you to Santa Teresa Beach in only 3.5 hours and gives you a break from the vehicle on an enjoyable ferry ride.
With a starting price of $98 per person, it's also a better value.
The shuttle will pick you up at your hotel and then drive up the coast to Playa Herradura. Then, you'll hop on a ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya to a town (often Montezuma) in the Nicoya Peninsula. The last leg is another shuttle ride to your hotel in Santa Teresa Beach.
Vans have air conditioning and allow for two pieces of luggage. Once again, you can bring your own surfboard for an additional fee.
Along the way, your driver will take restroom breaks for your comfort and convenience.
Important note: If the weather is windy and the seas are rough, the ferry ride is subject to cancellation. You will be given the option of waiting for the next boat or a full refund of your fare.
In this corner of Costa Rica, the weather is divided into two seasons: wet and dry.
For sunny days and consistent, gentle wave breaks, you'll want to come during the dry season between November and April. This is the busiest and hottest time of the year (highs around 95°F/35°C), but you can count on clear skies for all your outdoor activities.
The wet or green season runs from May through October. However, only September and October should be avoided as the rain can be heavy and some establishments close.
From May through August, you'll experience the best of both worlds, with mostly sunny days, some refreshing precipitation, and the landscape transforming into its signature green.
Not only will crowds and prices be lower, but the weather will bring additional wave breaks that draw longboard surfers.
When you're ready to move on, there are many options available. You can hang out at the nearby Bohemian beach town of Montezuma for more fun by the shore and its beautiful namesake waterfall.
Or you can head north towards Tamarindo, famous for its beaches, deep sea fishing, and semi-arid natural beauty.
Regardless of the direction you choose, you'll find something wild and beautiful just about anywhere in Costa Rica.
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