Esterillos Beach

It offers many activities for the ones who love adventure and also relaxation.

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Visiting Esterillos Costa Rica

Playa Esterillos is on the Central Pacific coast in Puntarenas, Costa Rica is one of those beaches that you will never forget. The smooth brown sand seems to stretch on for miles, bordered by bright green palm trees, almond trees and coconut trees as far as you can see. Besides simply admiring the scenery, Esterillos is a great beach for surfing. The exiting waves are a perfect place for more experienced surfers to spend the day. 

You won’t find crowds of tourists at Esterillos. The strong currents don’t allow for much swimming and you have to get off the beaten path to find it. If you’re looking for a secluded, beautiful beach, Esterillos is the beach for you. 

Highlights

Surfing 

Esterillos Beach Night SurfingSurfing on Esterillos Costa Rica can’t be missed! In Esterillos Este, surfing is remote and secluded. The beachbreak only breaks at high tide. Surfing in Esterillos Oeste is more popular, many surfers from Jaco and Hermosa come to surf there. In Esterillos Centro, surfing is best in the morning, before it starts to get too windy. 

Esterillos Este

Esterillos Costa Rica View sunsetEsterillos Este is a beach town in North Puntarenas where you’ll find tico cattle ranchers and cowboys, incredible beach rentals and one of the best sunsets in Costa Rica. It’s especially famous for horseback riding. What could be more picturesque than horseback riding on the beach into the sunset? 

Esterillos Oeste

Esterillos BeachEsterillos Oeste is another cute little beach town in North Puntarenas. You’ll find luxury vacation rentals, adventure tours and beautiful views of the Gulf of Nicoya. Try surfing, ATV tours, and sport fishing from Esterillos Oeste. 

Esterillos Centro

Esterillos Beach SurferEsterillos Centro is yet another quiet beach town in North Puntarenas. People who want to escape the hectic tourist scene in Jaco love Esterillos Centro. It’s conveniently located next to two national parks and a great place for adventure activities, including canopy tours and hiking. 

Carara National Park

Mot Mot in CararaCarara National Park is beautiful rainforest and a popular birding destination. Spot tropical bird species like the scarlet macaw, toucans and trograns. It is also home to crocodiles, sloths and more. 

 

Nearby Beaches

Jaco Beach Aerial ViewClose to Esterillos you’ll find several other beaches to enjoy. If you’re looking for a tourist hotspot and nightlife, visit Jaco. If surfing is your priority, visit Playa Hermosa. Playa Herradura is a great beach for swimming and relaxing with your family. 

Tips

Visit between December-April:

The dry season on the Central Pacific Coast is from December to April. you’ll find clear blue skies every day! 

Stop by the Tarcoles Bridge: 

On your way to the beach stop by the Tarcoles Bridge to see dozens of Costa Rica crocodiles sunbathing in the shallow water. Don’t drop your camera! 

Where to Stay

Beachfront Bungalow Alma Del PacificoIn Esterillos you’ll find many different luxury rental properties to choose from. Most are right on the beach! For a 5 Star luxury villas, stay at the Alma del Pacifico. It offers the combination of nature, sun, and sea. Close to  Jaco, there is a lot of shopping, dining and drinking available. The Alma del Pacifico offers two swimming pools, a restaurant, a bar, a spa and a Jacuzzi. 

Dining

Costa Rica CasadoThere are several dining options in Esterillos. For a popular dining location with a variety of food, eat at Los Almendros in Esterillos Oeste. If you want a traditional Costa Rica casado, have dinner at the Pelican Hotel and Restaurant. Craving some French food? Stop by La Fondua in Esterillos Este!

Getting There

Closest International Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO)

private transfer drivers and busesOnly about 2 hours from San Jose, getting to Esterillos, Costa Rica is pretty easy. You’ll take highway 27 and Costanera Sur. It’s about 20 minutes south of Jaco. The roads are paved almost the entire way. Near the end there are some gravel roads, but 4-wheel drive isn’t necessary. My Costa Rica can help set you up with a private transfer, or shared shuttle. You can also rent a car, but make sure you reading about driving in Costa Rica before you decide to rent a car. 

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