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       esterillos sunset 
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Esterillos

Esterillos

    Esterillos Snapshot

  • Summary: Three beaches best known for surfing; secluded but convenient, just a short drive to the attractions and nightlife of Jaco and Manuel Antonio.
  • Landscape: Beaches
  • Attractions: Carara National Park, secluded beaches
  • Activities: Adventure tours, sport fishing, surfing
  • Caters to: Couples/honeymooners, independent travelers, surfers
  • Quick Facts: 15 miles south of Jaco ; Sea level ; 75-90º F

Splash in the tide pools and walk the beaches of Esterillos as the pinks and purples of the Pacific sunset reflect off the outgoing tide. Tranquil, secluded and only twenty minutes from Jaco downtown, Esterillos is a collection of beach communities named for the region's estuaries and rivers: Esterillos West (Oeste), Esterillos Center (Centro) and Esterillos East (Este).

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Soft sands the color of ground nutmeg recline subtly into the ocean along an eight-mile stretch at Playa Esterillos. The waves are powerful but the beach is forgiving making it a fun and challenging experience for beginner and intermediate surfers. The communities have more of a local-feel with less tourists, more ex-pats and fewer services than Jaco.  You'll still find both bargain and luxury hotels, a couple of restaurants and one or two bars along the beachfront. With its convenient proximity to both Jaco and Manuel Antonio, travelers to Esterillos can take day trips to local attractions and enjoy the nightlife and fine dining in both beach towns.

Getting There:

Bus from San Jose: There are no direct buses to Esterillos, but routes to Quepos and Manuel Antonio stop along the way. Buses to Quepos and Manuel Antonio depart from San Jose's Coca Cola bus station (Avenidas1 and Calle 16)  and take about two hours to get to Esterillos;$7.50; 6:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 12:30 p.m., 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.;  2223-5567.

Car from San Jose: Take Route 27 outside of town then Exit right onto Route 34 toward Orotina. Folllow signs driving past Jaco for about 20 minutes look for signs for Esterillos on your right.

From Jaco: Continue south on Route 34 for about 20 minutes. Look for signs for Esterillos on your right.

Esterillos in Pictures

Esterillos Travel Guide

Esterillos Weather

Current Conditions

88°F (31°C) Intermittent clouds

Humidity: 62%

Wind: 5.59 miles per hour, E

15 day weather forecast >

Esterillos Weather

Current Conditions

88°F (31°C) Intermittent clouds

Humidity: 62%

Wind: 5.59 miles per hour, E

15 day weather forecast >

Esterillos Tides

Monday, March 18, 2024
Low 2:56 a.m. 1.28 ft. (0.39 m.)
High 8:57 a.m. 6.82 ft. (2.08 m.)

Two-week Tide Forecast >

Experiences in Esterillos