Costa Rica Information

We are here for the Costa Rica Information and a few tips to help you better plan for your trip to  the Blue Surf Sanctuary Hotel:

How Do I Get To Blue Surf Sanctuary And Santa Teresa, Costa Rica?

Click Santa Teresa Travel Information to read all about your travel options.

Do We Need To Rent A Car Or A Four-Wheeler (ATV)?

You don’t absolutely need a car while you are staying at the Blue Surf Sanctuary Hotel, but renting one will allow you to both see and do more in the Santa Teresa/Mal Pais area. We recommend Budget car rental for your car rental (click here to go visit their website). To rent a car, you must be over 25 and have a valid driver’s license, a passport and a credit card.

If you are interested in renting an ATV instead of a car while you are in Santa Teresa, please speak to one of our receptionists upon arrival and we can easily arrange this for you. An ATV rental costs $70 for 24-hours. If you decide to rent an ATV for 3 day or more, the cost is discounted to $60/day.

If I Don’t Have A Car, How Do I Get From The Local Airport To The Blue Surf Sanctuary?

We can arrange a taxi at your request and he will pick you up at the Tambor Airport. You will pay the taxi driver directly and the cost is $55 (each way).

What Should I Bring With Me On My Trip To Costa Rica?

Passport, cash, credit cards, driver’s license, camera, mosquito repellant, sunscreen (SPF60 or higher), a flashlight, swimsuit(s), flip-flops, a beach towel and a waterproof jacket (if you are coming May-Nov). Check out this What should I pack for Costa Rica Blog post.

What Time Is Check-In/Check-Out Of The Blue Surf Sanctuary Hotel?

Check-in is at 3pm. Check-out is at 11am.

** If you plan on leaving Santa Teresa later than 11am on your check-out day, please leave your room and place your luggage in our secure bodega by 11am so that we can start cleaning your room before new guests arrive to check-in at 3pm. Please feel free to continue to enjoy our hotel, the pool and grounds until you leave later that day.

Is There Internet Access In The Hotel?

Yes, we have WiFi access throughout our property, however sometimes it is goes off for a few hours at a time due to our remoteness.

Can I Use My Credit Card At Most Of The Restaurants And Activities In Town?

No, Santa Teresa is primarily a cash town. Few places accept credit cards. Some restaurants and the grocery stores do accept credit cards (Visa or MasterCard only), however most places do not. We recommend that you bring some cash with you and use the ATMs in town if you need more money throughout your stay.

Are There Banks And Atms In Santa Teresa?

There are two banks at the crossroads in Santa Teresa (at the beginning of town). They both have ATM machines but sometimes, they run out of money. It is a good idea to bring some cash with you, just in case.

Are American Dollars Or Travelers Checks Accepted?

Costa Ricans accept Colones and American dollars. Travelers Checks are not accepted.

Do I Need To Get Any Shots To Travel To Costa Rica?

No shots are necessary to travel to Costa Rica.

What Is The Climate/Weather Like In Santa Teresa Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is a tropical country located between 8 and 11 degrees north of the equator. It is tropical and warm-to-hot here all year round.

There are two seasons here on the coast of Costa Rica: the green season (May-Nov), and the dry season (Dec-April). In the dry season, it does not rain in Santa Teresa. Every day is hot and sunny with blue skies overhead. In the green season, rain varies month-to-month with September and October being the two rainiest months throughout Costa Rica. Nights in the rainy season are also a little cooler than in the dry season.

Can You Drink The Water In Santa Teresa?

We do not recommend that you drink tap water while you are in Santa Teresa. Most of the water here comes from local wells. Brushing your teeth, washing your vegetables, etc. is fine but just to be safe and to ensure that you have a great vacation, we recommend that you buy bottled water while you are here.

What Is The Tipping Etiquette In Costa Rica?

Most restaurants add a 10% tip to your bill. If you are unsure if it has already been added to your bill, it is always better to ask.

Do We Need A Converter For Our Electrical Appliances?

Costa Rica runs off the same voltages as the USA. If you are coming from North America, you should be able to charge all of your electronic devices here without issues.

Recent Traveler's Reviews

A True Sanctuary

We are perfect for first time surfers! Our surf instructors will start you off with the very basics of learning about surfing and surfing safety. We will make sure you have a healthy respect for the ocean. You will soon understand why surfing becomes a life style as you enjoy an experience of a lifetime.

by Bearpaw , May 2020

as seen on

Perfect Surf Getaway

“Had the best time at the Blue Surf Sanctuary. Lovely part of town, with the sea and amazing food options nearby. Couldn’t fault it really….”

by max g , feb 2020

5.0

Excellent
228 reviews

#9 of 29 hotels in Santa Teresa

Read Our Blogs

Santa Teresa Surf Coaching

Maybe you have surfed a few times on your own or taken a lesson or two. You feel pretty confident out in the line-up, but want to learn more to take your surfing to the next level.  If this sounds like you, it’s easy to say you are ready for Santa Teresa Surf Coaching. Here at Blue Surf Sanctuary, our definition of Surf Coaching is defined as hiring a local, knowledgeable surf coach to patiently help you learn all the skills you need to be more effective and better enjoy your time in the water.  

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BLUE SURF SANCTUARY – SANTA TERESA SURF HOTEL

Blue Surf Sanctuary is a boutique surf hotel located near world famous surf spots at Mal Pais and Santa Teresa Costa Rica. We have 4 wonderfully equipped Bungalows and a beautiful open air kitchen located a very short walk from the beach. Our front desk is open and staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our surf resort not only offers Costa Rica surf vacation packages, we also offer the ultimate beach retreat with local spa services, massage, and yoga! Let us build your perfect surf trip.

Many of our guests come to Costa Rica for the awesome surf. Santa Teresa / Mal Pais has become a world famous surf location. Not only is the surf great, the beach is consistently voted tops in all of Central and South America. It really is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You will love the vibe. We can help you build the perfect Costa Rica surf vacation!

Santa Teresa and Mal Pais are located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica on the Nicoya Peninsula. The two small surf towns share a 6km stretch of beach and road. There are many restaurants, surf shops, and groceries. We are located near one of the best surf breaks in the country, Suck Rock.

Do you want an active Costa Rica vacation or retreat? Improve your surfing with our surf instructors, Relax, Yoga, repeat daily! Awesome surf and yoga in paradise is a great way to spend your Costa Rica vacation. Restore your balance in paradise. Experience nature and find yourself in beautiful Costa Rica. Your inner Pura Vida is waiting for you!