Santa Teresa (Costa Rica) || Ultimate Surf Trip Guide

[@HoStevie]

Another great breakdown! Thanks for all the work you put into these 🤝

[@jakeschirm]

Flew Sansa to Pavones last fall. They do charge for boards, and you have to take them out of the bags. They go into cargo commando. Another problem with flying Sansa is everything is based on weight. You might make the flight, but if it is full, your boards may not make it. They will put them on another flight. We had to pay someone to bring our boards to Pavones the next day. Chris saved us that first morning with some decent rental boards. It's fun to puddle jump into the jungle, but it is expensive, and my boards got beat up. Next time, I will rent a car and drive.

[@dojahman]

I spent 8 months of my life there in 2011. I was actually supposed to travel around central america, but I ended up staying there and working in an atv rental couple hours a day. For the rest just fun waves, good food, smoking a lot of weed, eating fruits and fish, making a lot of friends. I definitely chilled the f out there and had everything I was looking for back then. I see that now the road is paved, which probably didn't add to the charm. Good times.

[@krustysurfer]

Yeah when I was there the road was on paved you're better off on an ATV or a bicycle

[@deedubs602]

Used to go to Santa Teresa in the 90s from 95-01 and when I was there there was nothing ,a couple of restaurants and a couple of motels (kind of) houses with extra rooms on outside. One of my favorite waves in Costa Rica. I’ve caught waves from mellow to seriously barreling, Reef to Beach breaks and I’ve spent a lot of time there.

[@lavoykicks4321]

great video bro you nailed every aspect of the trip not alot of videos like these !puravida

[@mikechestnut6457]

good vid thanks! And I've now got your book saved for the release on Amazon! Thanks for that too!

[@DanHarmon123]

Thanks!! Sickkk, can't wait to share it :)

[@thegentleorchestra]

Excellent thank you 🙏

[@nirdot]

Hey Dan, I've spent a few summers in ST and have to point out that you were there out of season. The surf in the summer is rarely mellow, and actually very powerful. It gets to double overhead quite often. There actually are point breaks in the area and this is when they shine . The crowds in ST are well apread out and I've surfed it alone many times, especially in the hot hours of the day. The flight from Alajuela is to Tambor and is an amazing adventure. I highly recommend, though a taxi from Tambor to ST will cost you an arm and a leg, try to share. Getting around, rent a bicycle, but a good one!

[@Babypapayaproductions]

I’ve only really experienced glorified close-outs at the beach breaks down there. Ollies point and witches rock was worth traveling there to surf

[@peacepuffz]

love a stright hander!

[@davidpecchi]

People speaking but both season have swell for Ollies the rest is pure ground swell south with a good compass 🧭 number you probably would go Pavones , in dry season! After tourist speculation I mine 30 years ago SantaTeresa Playa Hermosa up to Playa Manzanillo was a morning of the earth ! 🌎 around Cape Blanco national park to Cabuya cemetery there is a world class wave like PlayaCarmen beach it is never without a wave! with the longboard one tip and two turns are insured DUDE it's a beach break....

[@dudeleboski2692]

Dan, was it cheaper the the UK?

[@nashfoil1554]

Great overview of Santa Teresa! I was there a few weeks back and had a great time. It was around chest high to overhead while I was there, with plenty of closeouts. But managed to get some really fun waves. If you can make it there, Santa Teresa is a blast. Lots of great food, fresh fruit, fun surf, and a chill vibe.

[@DanHarmon123]

Thank you! Totally agree, wicked place to hang out :))

[@krishnaveganathar]

Last year I went to Nosara in Feb. and caught tons of waves. Came back in late May and the waves were huge. Not many people in the water and incredibly difficult just getting out past the break.

[@Brettamusmaximas]

You should do surf guide trips like Kale Brock does

[@DanHarmon123]

Hi mate!! Yeah would love to do something like that in future :))

[@krustysurfer]

I would say the rainy season is the best has the most pumping surf there when I went there for our honeymoon the waves were not below head high some of the days is double overhead and there were caves to drive through not for your average surfer when it's like that, when Santa Teresa is like that it resembles more like the islands and there's a lot less people in the water as well there's sea life as well I've seen sharks come up and breach hitting things in the water... luckily there are lots of things to eat besides surfers. The food was inexpensive it was a good vibe but that was all the way back in 2005 everything has changed since then. One of the best surfing experiences that I've had. Santa Teresa was heavy.

[@michaelkenopke]

Dry season is just as you depicted. Rainy season (starting now) we get the southern hemis and the beach breaks regularly get unruly for a day or two and the conditions in general are less predictable and the waves less groomed. Either way it's a nice place.

[@davidbible9110]

Hola Dan, keep up the great work. I'm a beginner - surfed about 10 times. I've caught a few green waves on the largest boards, on the smallest days. I've heard that the cost rica dry season might be good for me. What do you think? Muchas gracias.

[@skinrat81374]

tropical tours shuttle is another good option esp Tammy -> ST. I learned that 2 ft costa rica = 4 foot Fl. I found ST to be nice, with way more upscale luxury than I was expecting, while still being charged $50/ night for a shack, a busy road, and a lack of a sidewalk. Overall a cool spot just some things to be aware of

[@DiscosVideos]

The rental car out of San José is actually a decent price if you think about the cost of the cab to the bus and then the potential quad rental in Santa Teresa. We did it and really liked the freedom of being able to bounce around and find different spots.

[@DanHarmon123]

Thanks for the extra info mate! Super helpful and in-depth... Maybe you should make a Santa Teresa transport video haha ;)

[@datapusher-]

fyi - its 60 bucks for 2 boards each way on those sansa CR domestic flights. There is a 6'7 limit on boards.

[@richardknight509]

I live up in Tamarindo and go down by motorbike, that new road is a blast. Hope your heading to Witches, Playa Grande, and Negra.

[@carlosaparcedo4096]

that's a long way

[@phillipmolis8398]

Best review of Santa Teresa I’ve seen…well done!!!

[@dawsonbolus]

Actually it’s just ok. No mention of the points or the best peaks

[@DanHarmon123]

Perhaps there's a reason for that ;)

[@DanHarmon123]

Thank you :)

[@alienal8278]

Broke my ride on sunset reef only to find a sweet Robert august shape at the mal Pias surf camp

[@rayo1371]

They paved that main road ? Gonna miss the dust ... looking forward to your book ... nice work on the videos..

[@DanHarmon123]

Hi mate!! It's paved in parts, but still plenty of dirt and dust for ya haha ;) Can't wait to share it!!

[@cequal]

Great video. Thank you

[@daviddavidaycock9328]

Last comment correct. And I hate to say it, but dude, you just missed the swell. Pavones

[@yeahno1413]

There are plenty of spots to go that are way better than ST. Check it out if you must, but don't spend your entire trip there. I've spent decades in Costa and have a love hate relationship with the spot. Again, check it out, but remember to explore!

[@michaelj8793]

Any insight on possibly selling signed copies of your book I can't be the only one that would appreciate that Be well and Thanks for sharing as always 👍🤙

[@SVKrillemall]

Go Pavones brah!!!

[@DanHarmon123]

I went a couple weeks ago!! Vid coming soon haha ;)

[@SVKrillemall]

@@DanHarmon123 Sick! Looking forward to it, and getting your book. 🤙

[@benclarke8861]

Hi Dan, love the videos! Asking for some advice… thinking of doing a 4 week surf trip here travelling from the UK. As a uni student with some money saved, an advanced surfer who enjoys the nightlife, is this the place? Are there other surf towns in Central America to have a look at?

[@tuskratscrew703]

thanks for not blowing out the more chill spots ....keep ripping

[@dodge5629]

Any where with brazzos is normal cooked

[@RiderV1993]

Sick video mate, thanks! Where in Europe would you say you find waves most similliar to Santa (as in consistent 2-4ft fun and lots of different peaks)? Portugal? Hossegor? Thinking of doing a trip this summer/autumn and staying somewhere for about 2 weeks, haven't surfed in EU before!

[@DanHarmon123]

Thanks mate!! Yeah I'd say Hossegor or Peniche would be the best options!!

[@RiderV1993]

@@DanHarmon123 Much appreciated, cheers! :)

[@jessepipia619]

How far is that from Tamarindo? I’ll be there in 3 weeks…

[@devinhealey7991]

Are you heading further north in costa rica?

[@Marty647]

The Puente de Amistad (over the Tempisque) is closed for repairs. I´ve got a 1.25 acre oceanview lot for sale directly above Marbella (Best beach break between Tamarumor and Santa Theresa). 100K. Get it before it turns into either of those. Salud! Buen viajes!

[@dennyconley7708]

Geez i didn't know you could visit xosta Rica on such a low budget

[@DanHarmon123]

Yeah it's possible for sure!!

[@Live2Surf]

What’s up Dan

[@meeksurf]

Great vid Dan! I shot you an email the other day.. I would love to connect with you and talk KZbin. I’m trying to connect with some other surf creators to bounce ideas/ thumbnail /title stuff!

[@DanHarmon123]

Sick!! Thanks mate... I'll try get some emails done this week!!

[@sumkidincali]

65$ each way for boards last I checked

[@DanHarmon123]

Thanks for the info mate!! Pretty steep though...

[@Zanzabar5]

Surf there is so overrated. Food prices are insane, and the waves are walled out, very tide dependent sub-average.

[@DR-bu1sr]

Like any of these places need your help drawing people in LOLOL it's hilarious watching these LOLOL oh content creators hahahahha

[@DanHarmon123]

Perhaps I'm actually trying to put more people off, by telling everyone how crowded it is ;)

[@DR-bu1sr]

@@DanHarmon123 haha power move... I'm just talkin Shiz anyway I enjoy watching I think I subscribed already and will watch more plus this place isn't on my forbidden to mention not even close to it haha

[@phillipmolis8398]

Transportation to Santa Teresa: You didn’t do it justice I’m afraid. Pros n Cons Rental car… Pro…you have maximum control and flexibility, place so store your stuff, etc Con…Nearly every car in CR is dinged. People drive very differently and there are many unique road hazards. The rental car company will absolutely have their hand deep in your pocket to “repair” the damages My conclusion…don’t rent a car. The exposure and costs are Not worth it. Shuttle… Pro…reasonable price. I usually pay $55. WiFi on board. Reasonably fast. AC! Con…you’re stuck with your ride companions for better or worse. The Chicken Bus (trademark)… Pro…Cheapest way to travel…that’s it Cons…where do we start? A million stops, an hour rest stop at their buddy’s place, super crowded, super hot, loud, slow…you get the picture. And yes, my first time on the bus in 1999, I sat next to chickens. Taxi… Pros…chill atmosphere, fastest way, dude will stop where you want, dude can hook you up with what you’re looking for, and usually knows somebody who can help you where your going. Cons…cheaper than renting but #2 in cost