pura vida passENES

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/