You can arrive on your own and still have people to surf and eat with. The useful part is choosing where to stay and what to share, without filling every hour.
Pick your base before filling your calendar
Santa Teresa sits on the southern Nicoya Peninsula, north of Mal País. It spreads along the coast, so check your accommodation’s actual location and walking distances to food and the beach. A map pin says more than a general promise of being close to everything.
Choose the kind of company you enjoy. A social hostel, a hosted surf week and a private apartment offer different rhythms. Ask about bed arrangements, shared spaces and organised activities. You can want a quiet room and still enjoy breakfast with other people.
Give yourself one easy way to meet people
A group surf lesson gives you something to do together and something to talk about afterwards. Shared meals or a guided day out can do the same. Start with an activity you actually want, rather than treating making friends as another task.
Leave some afternoons open. A walk, a book by the pool or choosing your own lunch can be part of the same trip as a busy morning in the water. Travelling solo lets you choose both.
Sort the arrival before the flight
Confirm your onward transport and check-in directly with your accommodation or provider. If you are using a domestic flight, shuttle or ferry, check current schedules and connection buffers. Avoid building the plan around an old travel time from a blog.
Keep your accommodation address and contact available offline. Share your arrival plan with someone you trust, and decide how you will get back if you go out at night. Ask locally about road conditions and transport rather than assuming every stretch is an easy walk.
Be thoughtful around the ocean
Costa Rica’s tourism authority warns that rip currents can be difficult to identify, even when the sea looks calm. Check local warnings and conditions, and do not swim alone. For surfing, choose instruction and waves appropriate to your ability.
Keep valuables secure rather than leaving them unattended on the sand. Check that your travel insurance covers the activities you intend to do. A friendly town and good company are not substitutes for practical travel decisions.
Spend time with the people who live here
Eat at a local soda, book with local instructors and ask your host about the guides and small businesses they work with. Keep it specific. A surf trip can include the everyday town as well as the beach.
Isaac grew up on this coast and runs The Beach Boys with local coaches. Walk through town with him and people stop to talk. Sharing that connection is part of why he started the school.
Coming solo on a Surf & Stay week
Most people come on their own and make friends instantly. Sarah connects with guests before arrival and hosts the week. The Baya House has shared and private room options, a pool and communal spaces, with the beach a two-minute walk away.
Essentials is open to everyone and keeps evenings free. Signature is women only, with more shared dinners and included extras. Compare the exact rooms and dates, then message Sarah if you want to talk through which week fits you.
Sources
Come surf with us in Santa Teresa.
Small groups, local coaches, and Surf & Stay weeks at The Baya House.
