Why Playa Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Is a Digital Nomad's Dream Destination

I’ve been on the road for years, hopping from one place to another, laptop in tow, finding little pockets of paradise all over the world. But when I decided to spend three weeks in Playa Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, during the high season in February, I knew I was in for something special. The buzz about this spot had been loud in the digital nomad community for a while – a laid-back vibe, epic surf, stunning sunsets, and enough Wi-Fi to get work done when needed. Spoiler alert: it lived up to every expectation and then some.

The Arrival – A Journey Worth the Hustle

Getting to Playa Santa Teresa isn’t the easiest thing in the world, but it’s part of the adventure that makes arriving so rewarding. While there’s a faster route—flying into the tiny Tambor airport—I decided to go full-on backpacker mode and take the bus and ferry combo from San José. Trust me, this wasn’t just about saving money; it was about experiencing Costa Rica from the ground up. If you’ve got a little time and an open mind, this route is a hidden gem.

The bus to Santa Teresa leaves from Terminal 7-10 in San José, a bustling hub of travelers heading all over the country. After arriving at the airport, I grabbed a quick taxi to the terminal and snagged my ticket for the “directo a Santa Teresa” bus on the second floor. If you’re ever doing this, know that the midday bus departs at 2 PM, which gives you time to grab a quick bite or last-minute supplies from the shops and eateries in the terminal. Pro tip: Don’t forget snacks and water for the journey—it’s a long ride, but definitely worth it.

The ticket itself cost about $15 USD, which included the ferry ride across the Gulf of Nicoya. For a six-hour journey, that’s a total bargain. You’ll find that many backpackers, digital nomads, and budget-conscious travelers take this route—sacrificing time for savings. But unlike most long bus rides, this one has a secret treasure: the ferry ride. More on that in a bit.

After boarding the bus, we cruised out of San José and started winding our way through the countryside. The shift from the city’s hustle to the peaceful rolling hills was immediate. One minute, I was dodging traffic and noise; the next, I was surrounded by lush green landscapes dotted with little villages. I popped in my headphones, hit play on a mix of Bob Marley and some chilled house beats, and let the rhythm of the road and the scenery set the tone. This is where the adventure really begins—no stress, just easy vibes and wide-open possibilities ahead.

About two hours later, we arrived at the ferry dock in Puntarenas. Here’s where things get interesting. The bus drops you off, and for the next hour and a half, you’re on your own—you walk onto the ferry, cross the Nicoya Bay on foot, and then catch the bus again once you reach the other side. Honestly, it feels a little like you’re on a quest, but it’s all part of the fun.

Now, let’s talk about the ferry ride. This part of the journey is pure magic, especially if you catch the 2 PM bus, because it lines up perfectly with sunset. The ferry crossing lasts about 90 minutes, and during that time, the whole world seems to slow down. The ferry glides across the shimmering Gulf of Nicoya, with islands and distant hills on the horizon. The late afternoon light dances on the water, and a gentle breeze cuts through the tropical heat. People onboard were a mix of locals heading home and travelers like me, some with surfboards in hand, others just soaking in the scene. A few of us grabbed beers from the ferry’s little bar, leaned against the railing, and watched the sun sink lower in the sky.

“This is what Pura Vida is all about, man,” a guy next to me said as he sipped his beer and gazed at the horizon. He wasn’t wrong. Costa Rica’s Pura Vida lifestyle—living life slowly, joyfully, and fully—was already sinking in, and I hadn’t even reached Santa Teresa yet.

Once the ferry docked in Paquera, it was time to hop back on the bus for the final leg of the journey. The next 90 minutes took us deeper into the jungle, through winding roads and small coastal villages. The road gets bumpy, but honestly, that just adds to the charm. As the bus rattled along, I spotted roadside fruit stands, kids playing soccer on makeshift fields, and monkeys swinging through the treetops. Every twist and turn felt like an introduction to the wild, untouched beauty of the Nicoya Peninsula.

Finally, after about six hours of travel, we arrived in Playa Santa Teresa. The moment I stepped off the bus and onto the dusty dirt road that runs through town, I could feel it—this was what I’d come for. The air was warm, thick with the scent of saltwater and grilled fish from the nearby sodas (small local eateries). The town itself? Simple but buzzing with life. Just one long, unpaved road lined with surf shops, laid-back cafes, and quirky little restaurants. It’s the kind of place where time seems to move slower, and no one’s in a hurry.

By the time I hit Santa Teresa, I was already in a completely different headspace. This wasn’t just another stop on my travels—this was a place I could settle into, even if just for a while. The energy here is impossible to describe unless you feel it for yourself. It’s like everyone in town has mastered the art of taking it easy, living in sync with the ocean, the sunsets, and the waves.

Sure, there’s a quicker way to get here, flying into Tambor airport and skipping the bus altogether. But if you’ve got a little time and a sense of adventure, the journey to Santa Teresa—bus, ferry, and all—is an experience you don’t want to miss. This is Costa Rica at its finest, a perfect mix of exploration and relaxation, with every bump in the road leading you closer to paradise.

Finding My Flow – A Digital Nomad's Routine

I’m all about balance when I’m on the road. Being a digital nomad means juggling work with exploration, and Santa Teresa made that balance super easy. My days settled into a pretty sweet rhythm.

Morning Surf: I’d wake up around 6 a.m. (you kind of have to here; the sun rises early and there’s no way to sleep in with the jungle sounds waking you up). The first thing on the agenda? Surf, of course. Playa Santa Teresa is a surfer's dream, with consistent waves that are beginner-friendly in some spots and challenging in others. I’d head out for a sunrise session at Playa Carmen, which is a bit calmer and great for warming up. On bigger days, I’d hit up the main beach at Santa Teresa or even head to Playa Hermosa, a few kilometers north. The surf community here is super welcoming – you don’t need to be a pro to enjoy the waves, and the locals are happy to give tips. One local surfer I met, a guy named Esteban, gave me the best piece of advice: "The key is to respect the ocean and the people. Everyone's here for the same thing – good vibes and good waves."

Work Mode: By mid-morning, I’d find myself a spot to work. Santa Teresa has a growing community of remote workers and digital nomads, so there are a few good coworking spaces like Selina (a solid go-to for nomads) or even some beachfront cafes with decent Wi-Fi. My favorite was The Bakery, where I’d grab an iced coffee and a flaky croissant before diving into emails or projects. The outdoor seating, fast internet, and solid menu made it a great spot to grind out a few hours of work before heading back to the beach.

Afternoon Recharge: After a productive morning, I’d take a break for lunch. There’s no shortage of incredible food in Santa Teresa, and whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge, there’s something for everyone. One of my favorite spots was Olam Pure Food – their Buddha bowls were the perfect mix of healthy and filling. If I was craving something more local, I’d hit up Las Piedras, a little spot serving amazing Argentinian barbecue. For around $10, you can get a hearty plate of meat, rice, and beans – the kind of meal that powers you through the afternoon. One place I kept coming back to was Pizza Tomate, a pizza joint with some serious soul. It’s owned by Neti, an Israeli who moved to Santa Teresa years ago and created not just a restaurant, but a total vibe. The atmosphere there is electric—fun music, chill people, and the kind of welcoming energy that makes you feel like you’re hanging at a friend’s place. Neti’s the kind of guy who’ll chat with you about the waves or offer local tips while you wait for one of his legendary thin-crust pizzas. Whether you’re grabbing a slice after a long surf session or settling in for a full meal with friends, Pizza Tomate is the spot for good food and even better vibes.

Pro tip: Don’t skip trying casados, a traditional Costa Rican dish that’s a combo of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and your choice of meat (or veggies). Every place in town has their own take, but the one at Soda Tiquicia was hands-down my favorite.

Sunset Sessions: If there’s one thing you absolutely have to experience in Santa Teresa, it’s the sunsets. Every evening, I’d grab a cold beer from the local market, head down to the beach, and watch as the sky turned shades of pink, orange, and purple. Playa Santa Teresa has this magical energy at sunset – everyone gathers on the beach to chill, chat, and just vibe. It’s like the whole town presses pause for that golden hour.

Making Connections – The Santa Teresa Community

One of the best parts about Santa Teresa is the people. Since it’s a melting pot of travelers, surfers, yogis, and nomads, it’s easy to meet people from all over the world. I made friends while working at cafes, during surf sessions, and even just walking down the dusty road to grab groceries.

There’s also a big wellness scene here, with tons of yoga studios and retreats. I ended up taking a few morning yoga classes at Pranamar Villas and Yoga Retreat, which was right on the beach. The instructor, a local woman named Sofía, had this way of making everyone feel grounded and present. She told me, “Life here moves with the ocean. You have to learn to ride its waves, in and out of the water.”

In terms of nightlife, Santa Teresa is more about beach bonfires and low-key bar hangs than wild parties. Kika is a popular spot for live music, and on Thursday nights, it feels like the entire town shows up to dance and let loose. Another favorite was Rocamar, which hosts beachfront bonfires and live DJ sets – perfect for when you want to party but keep the barefoot beach vibe.

Exploring the Nicoya Peninsula

While Santa Teresa itself is a little slice of heaven, the surrounding area has plenty to offer if you’re up for exploring. One weekend, I rented an ATV and rode up the coast to Montezuma, a small beach town about 30 minutes away. The drive itself was an adventure – zooming through dirt roads with the jungle on one side and the ocean on the other. Montezuma is known for its waterfalls, and after a short hike, I found myself standing at the base of a stunning cascade. Pro tip: bring a swimsuit because the pools are perfect for a refreshing dip.

Another must-do is the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve, a protected area that’s about an hour from Santa Teresa. It’s a great spot for hiking, with trails that lead through dense jungle to secluded beaches. I ended up spending an entire day there, and while I didn’t spot any monkeys (they’re sneaky!), I did see some crazy birds and even a deer wandering through the forest.

Tips for Fellow Digital Nomads

If you’re planning to head to Playa Santa Teresa as a digital nomad, here are a few tips from my experience:

1. Stay connected: The internet can be hit or miss in Costa Rica, but most cafes and coworking spaces in Santa Teresa offer solid Wi-Fi. If you need something more reliable, you can always get a local SIM card with data (I used Kolbi, which worked pretty well).
2. Accommodations: There are tons of options, from hostels to luxury villas. I stayed at an Airbnb just a short walk from the beach, but if you’re looking to meet other travelers, Selina is always a great option.
3. ATVs Are Your Best Friend (But Drive Slow, Seriously): Santa Teresa’s roads are unpaved, bumpy, and dusty, so renting an ATV or a quad bike is hands down the easiest (and most fun) way to get around. There's something about zooming through the jungle, wind in your face, and the freedom to explore every corner of town. Trust me, you'll feel like a kid racing along dirt paths with no set direction—just pure adventure. But please, drive slow. I’ve seen too many young travelers over the years who’ve taken the ATV thrill a little too far and ended up in the hospital. In fact, while I was there, I met someone who had been in a serious crash and was permanently disabled because of it. One minute you’re having the time of your life, and the next, things can go really wrong. So yeah, enjoy the ride, but with caution. It’s all about taking in the experience, not rushing it. The roads can be tricky, and safety should always come first.‍
4. Bring cash: While some places take cards, cash is king in Santa Teresa, especially at the smaller sodas (local restaurants) and markets.‍
5. Respect the locals: Santa Teresa may be a tourist hotspot, but it’s also home to a tight-knit local community. Be mindful of local customs, and remember that this is their home – we’re just lucky enough to experience it.

The Vibe – Pure Vida at Its Best

At the end of my three weeks in Playa Santa Teresa, I felt a deep connection to the place. It’s one of those rare spots where life feels simpler, more in tune with nature, and beautifully balanced. Whether you’re there for the surf, the sunsets, or the community, Santa Teresa has a way of pulling you in and making you feel like you belong.

As one local told me during my last surf session, “Pura vida isn’t just a saying – it’s a way of life here. You slow down, you appreciate, and you live fully.”

I couldn’t agree more. Playa Santa Teresa is the kind of place that reminds you to breathe, to soak in the beauty around you, and to enjoy life in its simplest, most rewarding form.

So, if you’re a digital nomad looking for your next destination, pack your board, grab your laptop, and head to Santa Teresa. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Stay connected with more travel insights from around the globe at Woke Waves Magazine. Keep exploring, keep discovering.

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