Jacó & Playa Hermosa · Costa Rica
Surfing Esterillos Oeste
A beach break in Jacó & Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, for beginner and intermediate surfers.
- TypeBeach Break
- LevelBeginner / Intermediate
- Size2-6 ft
- Best monthsMay-Nov
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Esterillos Oeste is a long south-facing beach with some lava reef just outside, about 20 minutes south of Jacó. The peaks are soft and usually uncrowded, good for improvers.
It works on a south-west swell at most tides, and the reefs add some shape on the right swell. Esterillos Centro and Este, further east, have more empty peaks on small days and some quiet places to stay.
9.535, -84.503 · Swell S-SW · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Esterillos Oeste
Esterillos Oeste is at its best from May to November. Conditions it likes: Swell S-SW. This is how the year looks across Golfo de Nicoya:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| December to April | Good | Dry season, cleaner conditions and WNW pulses, though smaller than the summer swell |
| May to July | Prime | Green season SW groundswell fires the points and beachbreaks; offshore mornings |
| August to October | Prime | Peak S-SW swell, most consistent and biggest, but the wettest months |
| Nov | Quiet | Transition, rain and swell easing into the dry season |
Waves near Esterillos Oeste
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boca Tusubres | Jacó & Playa Hermosa | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 8 km |
| Playa Hermosa | Jacó & Playa Hermosa | Beach Break | Advanced | 12 km |
| Roca Loca | Jacó & Playa Hermosa | Reef Break | Advanced | 16 km |
| Playa Jacó | Jacó & Playa Hermosa | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 16 km |
| Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach) | Jacó & Playa Hermosa | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 24 km |
| Boca Damas | Quepos & Manuel Antonio | Beach Break | Intermediate | 34 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Jacó & Playa Hermosa
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Jacó & Playa Hermosa surf guide →
A week here costs from about $822 with flights from Europe, or around $1,631 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Esterillos Oeste: common questions
When is the best time to surf Esterillos Oeste?
Esterillos Oeste works best from May to November. Ideal conditions: Swell S-SW.
Is Esterillos Oeste good for beginners?
Yes. Esterillos Oeste suits beginner and intermediate surfers.
How crowded is Esterillos Oeste?
Esterillos Oeste is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Esterillos Oeste?
Esterillos Oeste is in Jacó & Playa Hermosa, in the Golfo de Nicoya region of Costa Rica (9.535, -84.503). The nearest wave we cover is Boca Tusubres, about 8 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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