Playa Esterillos Oeste

Tip

Come in the late afternoon and stay for sunset. At low tide the packed sand is easy to walk, and the tide pools at the north end (see La Sirena) are the kid-friendly corner.

Be careful

Strong rip currents and a heavy shore break: wade, don't swim out. Stay out of creek mouths (crocodiles live in the area's estuaries) and don't leave valuables in parked cars.

Places nearby

• 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.
• The Riding AdventureTours & AdventureBeach horseback rides since 2005 on an almost empty beach at Esterillos Este, guided by a local cowboy and his mustangs.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ocean Ranch ParkTours & Adventure · takes 2 h–7 h · from $55A huge private river valley just outside Jacó where you can zipline, rappel beside a waterfall, ride horses or ATVs through the rainforest and finish with lunch, all in one day.