The sun is rising and only a few surfers are in the water. I wait, sitting with my surfboard pointed towards the horizon. A Pelican skims across the surface of a wave. Shortly after a fish jumps, and I can't help to smile. I remember when learning to surf for the first time, I was told by legendary surfer Brian (Buster) Landrigan, “Once bitten by the surf bug, you will be addicted.” I never forgot this. There is a bump upon the horizon, when the wave arrives I turn around and begin to paddle. I feel the wave’s energy pick my board up, quickly I pop up and glide away.
Chasing the perfect wave becomes an obsession, some make this a lifestyle traveling the world and enjoying an endless summer. In Costa Rica there are world class waves for any level of surfer. Ironically, the area I visited is called Mal Pais which translates to bad land. This is because during the summer months (November – April) all streams and rivers dry up, making it hard for farmers to live. Times have changed and now to solve this dilema for households when the water runs out it can simply be purchased. For the surfer seeking waves or a visitor wanting a remote beach experience this place is a dream. In fact, the Nicoya Peninsula is labeled a Blue Zone® area, which as described by American Explorer Dan Buettner are “…Places that have the greatest life expectancy and where more people reach age 100 than anywhere else.” It is no wonder surfers and celebrities, such as Mel Gibson and Giselle Bundchen, build homes staying months at a time.
For those who wish to check out Mal Pais, Santa Teresa here are a few suggestions.
Eat
- Breakfast – Restaurant Tori & The Bakery
- Lunch – La Esquinita del Taco
- Dinner – Zula Restaurant & Brisas Del Mar
Sleep
- Vacation Rental Home – Casa Almendro
- Villa – Horizon Ocean View Hotel and Yoga Center
- Hostel – Hostel Seven 7 Casa De Gingi
Surf
- El Carmen
- Santa Teresa
- Playa Hermosa
Yoga
- Horizon Yoga Center
- Pranamar
- Yoga Spa Natural
Sights to see
- Ilas Tortugas
- Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve
- Montezuma Waterfalls
What's the best way to get to this paradise?
I suggest taking a short flight directly from San Jose International Airport. Choose Nature Air over Sansa Airlines, in my experience it is better quality. Once landing in Tambor you will take a taxi ride, about forty-five minutes, to Mal Pais, Santa Teresa. This beats a long bus and ferry ride, making your arrival much more quick.
Need a little convincing? Check out the mal pais surf cam
~ Pura Vida
