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Surfing Information
Surfing in Mal Pais
Introduction
Mal País, located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, is another rising, yet still fairly untouched, surf destination in Costa Rica. Mal Pais/Santa Teresa is a very small community scattered along the pale, gold beaches with a beautiful backdrop of green vegetation.
This area is ideal for surfers looking for a remote surfing experience with no nightlife, just good, consistent waves and a great atmosphere. Most waves in the area are best for intermediate surfers, however a large swell will put the area's more fickle reef breaks in epic form for advanced surfers.
Getting There
Mal País is accessed by taking a ferry from Puntarenas and then driving about 1 hour on mostly paved road into town.
Breaks
Best Time:
December ~ April
This area is ideal for surfers looking for a remote surfing experience with no nightlife, just good, consistent waves and a great atmosphere.
Playa Santa Teresa
Good lefts and rights at this hollow beach break. Tends to pick up more swell than nearby breaks and holds shape better at low tide. Take a right at the crossroads and continue 3km. Best conditions on west/southwest swell.
Manzanillo
An offshore reef break at the north end of the beach with the same name. When the swell is big, it works, fickle otherwise.
Playa Carmen
A beach break that peaks with some rock reef. This wave offers a long right wall and a shorter left breaking over a sloping sand bottom. When these breaks get big, try the nearby reef breaks in Manzanillo or to the south of Carmen. Best conditions on west/southwest swell.
Los Suecos
A lefthander with a fast take off followed by a long workable wall. Gets hollow with size and offshore winds. Needs a good swell. Not for beginners.
Punta Barrigona
A long lefthander wraps round the point turning into a great hot dog wave as it moves through the inside. Needs a lot of swell to work properly. Not for beginners.
Places to Stay
It's a very small community scattered along the pale, gold beaches with a beautiful backdrop of green vegetation. Very few services are available, though the accommodations are choice.
Tropico Latino
Tropico Latino Lodge is located directly on the beach at Santa Teresa de Malpais. There are six spacious comfortably furnished bungalows, each with a big porch and hammock.
The Place
The spacious bungalows are surrounded by a lush tropical garden with water ponds and outside showers. Each room has a different theme, shape and accent. Great drinks and a restaurant (damn good steaks.)
Hotel Flor Blanca
Honeymoon paradise…in our opinion, one of Costa Rica’s finest getaways. There are ten villas (three of which are two bedroom, two stories) set in gardens fashioned from the tropical forest, accessed by winding pathways of soft-edged flat pebbles.
The March House
One word: luxury. March House has the most spacious and comfortable accommodations in Mal Pais. Just one house, and a sanctuary for docile relaxation and meditation. It's also big bucks - if you're like some corporate exec that digs surfing, this is probably the place for you.
Esencia Hotel and Villas
Esencia Hotel and Villas is located in Santa Teresa Beach on the Nicoya Peninsula. This is one of the most virgin and beautiful regions of Costa Rica. Endless miles of soft, white sand beach perfect for swimming and surfing. more >
Places to Eat
Franks Place
Very popular for breakfast in this open air restaurant, but also serving lunch and dinner with a varied menu.
Hotel Flor Blanca
Poolside restaurant at the Flor Blanca offering the finest gourmet food in Mal Pais. Obviously a little expensive, but worth the money for a nice meal.
Hotel Tropico Latino
Casual poolside dining offering a variety of international dishes at an affordable price. Portions are generous and the food is excellent.
Marys
A favorite among locals, who return to taste the creative dishes at the crowded restaurant. Fresh fish is the specialty and prices are low to mid range
Soda Piedra del Mar
A hidden local gem with very affordable dishes and large portions.
La Bella Napoli
Excellent homemade Italian food.
Las Olas
Excellent fresh smoothies.
Tropicana Bar
Drinks and music in the evenings for those who still have the energy to be out in the evening (as most are in bed early preparing for the morning surf).
Things to Do
Nearby Montezuma is a great place for an all day trip, where you can visit the rose petal and dreadlocks hangout, as well as the gorgeous and numerous waterfalls. The Tropicana Bar has drinks and music in the evenings for those who still have the energy to be out in the evening (as most are in bed early preparing for the morning surf).
Other Adventures
• Canopy Tour in Mal Pais - A great canopy tour that shows the various layers and ecological niches of the rainforest. 6 hours of fun, with guide.
• Surfing Lessons - 6 hours. Includes expert instructor. Have one of your non-surfer buddies come down and get 'em on a board! Besides, they need the exercise.
• Horseback Riding - Includes naturalist guide. Great way to see Costa Rica and its savage nature.
Things to Avoid
Avoid driving to Mal Pais, or at least drive when there is light; the road traveling in is in bad condition, and bad enough when you can see where you are going. Also, be sure to plan your departure or arrival taking into consideration the ferry times across the Peninsula
Surf Shops and Surf Camps
More information coming soon!
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