Playa Esterillos Este
Beach · Jacó & Herradura · hidden gem


A long, wide, palm-backed stretch of gray sand south of Jacó, where you can walk for kilometers and meet only a few surfers and fishermen.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 1.5 h
- Best time
- sunset
- Kids
- 5 / 10
- View
- 6 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 3 / 10
- Effort
- 0 / 10
- Location
- 9.52437, -84.45449 — Google Maps
Tip
Come for a sunset walk; a few small local sodas nearby serve fresh fish.
Be careful
Waves and undertow can be strong and there are no lifeguards: wade rather than swim unless the sea is clearly calm.
Places nearby
- CR Beach Barn (Horseback Riding on the Beach)Tours & AdventureBeach horseback rides at sunrise, morning or sunset along Esterillos, with well-trained horses, fresh coconut drinks and a guide who takes good photos.
- The Riding AdventureTours & AdventureBeach horseback rides since 2005 on an almost empty beach at Esterillos Este, guided by a local cowboy and his mustangs.
- Hotel Playa Bejuco — Sunsets RestaurantFood & CoffeeSimple, locally run hotel a minute from Playa Bejuco whose poolside restaurant serves Costa Rican plates like arroz con pollo and casados.
- Los AlmendrosFood & CoffeeLaid-back restaurant under almond trees a block from the beach in Esterillos Oeste, with Asian-Caribbean dishes, the day's fresh fish and vegan options.
- Soda MargaritaSodas & Local FoodRustic palm-roofed soda at the north end of Esterillos Oeste, near the tide pools, for a traditional breakfast or lunch.
- Mirador y Restaurante Donde AndrésFood & CoffeeWeekend farm restaurant and viewpoint run by Andrés and his wife, with food made from local ingredients and stunning views over the countryside.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/320579796 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/320579796 · https://vacationscostarica.com/esterillos · https://thesurfatlas.com/costa-rica-surf/esterillos-beach/