The living-here handbook
How to actually live here.
The local groups, the rides, and the everyday services that make Santa Teresa work — from people who settled in. For emergencies, ocean safety, and verified emergency numbers, that's a page of its own.
Emergencies
Call 911 (works on any phone, no SIM needed). Daytime ocean rescue: +506 2640-0911.
Join the conversation
Local WhatsApp groups
Santa Teresa Surf Report
Daily swell, wind, and tide updates from locals
ST Buy / Sell / Trade
Boards, bikes, electronics, furniture — the local marketplace
Santa Teresa Housing
Long-term rentals, roommates, and sublets
ST Events & Happenings
Parties, markets, full-moon gatherings, live music
Women of Santa Teresa
Women's community, meetups, safety, recommendations
Digital Nomads Nicoya
Co-working, internet tips, remote-work meetups
Most groups need an invite link — ask at any co-working space or café, or DM @ondateresa.
Getting around
Shuttles, ferries & rides
Community-maintained — confirm schedules before you travel.
Tropical Tours Shuttles
Shuttles to SJO, Liberia, Monteverde, Tamarindo
Montezuma Expeditions
Boat + shuttle combos to Jacó, Manuel Antonio
Ferry Tambor (Naviera)
Puntarenas–Paquera; check the schedule before travelling
Daily life
Everyday services
Community-maintained — not field-verified like the emergency numbers on /safety. Use “Report” to flag anything outdated.
Kölbi / ICE (internet & mobile)
National carrier — fiber and 4G coverage
Gas delivery (Tropigas)
Propane tank delivery, usually same day