Surf: General: Esterillos is one of the last bastions of less developed (although recent construction projects threaten this status) surf rich areas in Costa Rica. Esterillos Oeste (West) has a wide range of waves for any type of surfer, from beginner to pro. This is a south-facing beach with bits of reef, which mixes into a small sand bay and out into miles upon miles of beachbreak. When Esterillos Oeste is good, several variations of waves will light up and everyone within striking distance descends upon the A-frame peaks on offer.

Esterillos' peaks are shaped by a mix of sandbars and reef. Incoming tide and outgoing tide will dawn the death of one peak and unveil a new, differently shaped peak not far away. Often, a local surfer will sit on a section of reef for a half hour and paddle 200 yards to shift to a sand bottom wedge for the next half hour. Conditions change fast here and local knowledge becomes integral. On the northwest end of the beach, there are several reefs that break calmly, mimicking a day in Waikiki or Cowells beach. Local and visiting longboarders often get rides from the outside reef all the way to the shorepound. As the swell increases, the wave begins to build into a long wall, beginning from the outside. Then, on really big swells, which are most prominent between May and October, several outside reefs wake up for those looking to do some tow surfing.

The beachbreaks in Esterillos Oeste work well on an incoming tide. Also, because of the way the current exits over the sand bottom, you will encounter a series of very hollow A-frame peaks, normally referred to as El Pico. El Pico can dish out what looks like a perfect combo swell series of peaks. This is also the stomping ground of some of the most talented surfers in Costa Rica, bringing a full bag of tricks that can humble even the most well versed surfers.

Moving farther south from Esterillos Centro to Bejuco lay a boundless variety of open ocean beachbreaks, which will unravel hollow and photogenic A-frames before a desolate background. Really, each beach has its day, but on a medium-sized swell and incoming tide near a rivermouth, you are almost guaranteed a diverse sampling of beachbreak bliss.

On big swells, Esterillos Oeste generally turns into a washing machine that generates a current that will deposit you in compromising places. In this situation, there are a handful of nearby reefs in the Jaco area that will handle the size, minus the chaos. On smaller days, when Esterillos Oeste becomes ripple, the open beachbreaks to the south are swell magnets and tend to be surprisingly surfable, even on microscopic swells. Playa Hermosa to the north is also a great option for a different style beachbreak. Tides: Mid-high Size: Head high up to a few feet overhead Wind: North-East Swell: South, Southwest Bottom: Reef, sand Paddling: Modest on average days but can get tough on bigger swells. Spot Rating: There are two Esterillos - Este and Oeste. Both are pretty average overall but can shine when the stars align. Access: Parking at the beach. From there, walking distance to numerous spots. Crowds: Crowd Factor: Depends on which peak you choose. Plenty of space to spread out. Local Vibe: Mellow, but don't underestimate the locals. Humility and respect is a virtuous import. Environment: Water surprisingly clean being near such a populated area. Hazards: Crocodiles, strong currents (when big). Season: Rainy season May-Oct