About Esterillos
Esterillos is a popular tourist destination on the central Pacific coast, known for its miles of secluded beaches, estuaries, and the charming beach town of Esterillos Oeste, a small fishing village now popular with surfers as well.
Esterillos spans several miles and is divided into 4 main beaches separated by estuaries and rivers. In fact the name Esterillos is derived from the words meaning estuaries and rivers (esteros y rios). The four areas of Esterillos are Esterillos Oeste, Esterillos Centro, Esterillos Este, and Playa Bejuco. The entrances to all the areas of Esterillos are well marked (but keep your eyes open, the signs are small) and easy to access just off the coastal highway South of Playa Hermosa. The beaches are all within a two minute drive from the highway. Every beach in Esterillos is worth visiting if you like beaches. Each has something special to offer whether it is spectacular scenery or seashells, you will find something there to remember.
Fast becoming a surf travel destination, the beach of Esterillos Oeste is known for its long-breaking rights, and the inside barreling beach break. Centro is known for heavy surf and good fishing in the river mouths at each end of the beach. Este is popular with longboarders and shortboarders alike, and has several hotels along the beach. Playa Bejuco is mainly residential with a couple hotels, some nice gated communities and miles of empty beach to explore, also with great surf. Esterillos is central to the entire Pacific coast, making it possible to surf from Pavones to Mal Pais (about a half day travel to Mal Pais, and 3 hours to Pavones)
Esterillos is not just for surfers. Most folks love the idyllic tropical beauty of the area, and long walks out to the protected beaches and points of Punta Mala, Many ex pats have chosen Esterillos to call their home. With a growing community of American, Canadian and Europeans families, there is quite a nice mix of local Costa Ricans and “gringos” here.
Our area is rich with wildlife. Our growing flock of scarlet macaws is well known throughout the area, and this group makes daily visits to our beaches where they frolic and feast on the almonds which grow along the shore. The local beaches are a haven for sea turtles as well, which can frequently be seen in the water, and sometimes even on shore when they come in to nest. There are white faced monkeys, squirrel monkeys, the occasional sloth or pizote, toucans and many other tropical species. One of the nicest things about our area is that you can walk for miles on pristine beaches, and explore hidden coves and tide pools, sometimes with groups of monkeys playing in the trees above. Often, you will feel like you have gone back in time when you see the rugged outcroppings and points which were formed millions of years ago through volcanic activity, and now serve as home to all manner of wildlife in the tide pools and adjacent jungle canopy.
There are many activities for visitors to enjoy. In January and February, the calmest times of the year, the water can be very clear, making the perfect opportunity for snorkeling and diving. Locals can be seen diving for lobsters which are abundant in out area as well. Sport fishing is always popular with several local fishermen willing to take people out for a few hours or a full day, often coming back with yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, and red snapper, as well as the occasional snook, roosterfish, Spanish mackerel and sea bass. There are several zip line tours through the rain forest, waterfalls to explore, white water rafting and ATV tours through mountains and streams with huge views of the ocean and more waterfalls to explore along the way. There are some great local horseback riding tours with jungle trails and beach runs. There are many day trips to be had from our area as well, because we are centrally located to both Manuel Antonio and Jaco, both major tourist destinations.
We are just a few minutes drive to Jaco where nightlife abounds with its casinos and restaurants. Charter boat fishing from the largest marina on the central Pacific coast is just minutes away with daily catches of sailfish and marlin as well as dorado and tuna.
Esterillos features some fine hotels and restaurants as well as BnB’s and cabinas. One can almost always come to Esterillos and find a place to stay, but it is always best to make reservations. There are many fine vacation homes available for rent in our area. Dining options are many and varied from local comida typical to fine dining in rich tropical ambiance. Local seafood is always a favorite with red snapper at the top of the list. Fried whole fish is a local favorite, as are the lobsters and shrimp our area is known for.
Esterillos is the kind of place where people come to stay for a night or two, then end up staying for weeks. Most plan to come to come back as soon as they can. This has a lot to do with the atmosphere, the hospitality and friendliness of the people who live here coupled with the dramatic location on the coast. Many travelers decide that they would rather enjoy the peace and tranquility which Esterillos provides, rather than spend a lot of time traveling to get to other popular destinations which may be crowded or too remote. Esterillos is located less than a two hour drive from the airport in San Jose .
For many seeking to relocate to Costa Rica, our area represents some of the best options for beachside living. From modest homes to fine luxury estates and everything in between, there is an option to fit any budget or lifestyle. There are secure gated communities, as well as farms and businesses all within a 5 minute drive. Many foreigners have invested here to enjoy the warm climate and the ocean breezes that we enjoy all year long.
Property values in Costa Rica in general have remained strong even given the state of the economy elsewhere. Some properties have even increased in value due to a variety of factors, such as improvements or completion of infrastructure or proximity to the beach. There are also quite a few bargains out there. Economic factors have forced some to give up their home in paradise, which presents an opportunity for the new buyer looking to relocate or to have a beach home they can rent out and enjoy on their vacations. Most people who move here are just looking for a slower pace and a relaxing environment to live in, without being faced with yearly hurricanes or cold weather. Esterillos is a beach lover’s paradise!
Surfing is another reason people want to move here. There are waves in Esterillos suited to all levels and types of surfing. World class waves on several breaks just minutes away give endless variety to the experience. Longboarders can enjoy the endless summer lifestyle with long breaking waves peeling off classic points and reefs. Short boarders can get barreled in perfect waves on many of our beaches locally, without the crowds. Kids (and adults) of all ages can learn to surf with expert instruction in the right conditions for their abilities. The local attitude is more “pura vida bro” than “get off my wave kook”, meaning that the locals are friendly and there are plenty of waves for everyone. The place that many of us call home has often been described by visitors as a surfer’s paradise, and you just have to come see for yourself to decide.
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