Published on April 21, 2025
Flying into San José and Driving to the Coast
We kicked off the trip by flying into San José International Airport (SJO). From there, we rented a car and drove straight to Playa Esterillos — at night.
The drive was pretty chill in the dark (Costa Rica backroads and all), but totally worth it once we pulled up to our beachfront house. You could hear the waves before you even stepped out of the car.
Empty Lineups and All-Day Surf Sessions
We surfed Esterillos every day — usually starting at first light, with no one else out. Literally. Just our crew trading waves for hours in front of the house. The setup was ideal for mellow, consistent beach break conditions, and the wave changed a lot with the tide. On low tide it was a bit punchier and faster, while high tide softened it up into long cruisy walls. Something for every board in the quiver.
We’d surf until we were starving, come in for a huge Costa Rican breakfast, chill out for a bit, then paddle back out. Rinse and repeat. It was the kind of surf trip where you lose track of time — and that’s exactly the point.
Day Trip to Playa Hermosa
One day we drove up to Playa Hermosa for a change of scenery and a bit more juice. It’s a powerful, more advanced beach break, known for solid swell and quicker barrels. Super fun, and definitely worth the short drive if you want to mix it up with something heavier. But after a couple hours there, we were more than happy to head back to our quiet stretch of Esterillos.
Local Vibes, Food, and the Party Scene Nearby
Esterillos itself is super chill. There are a few solid restaurants nearby — beachfront places with seafood, gallo pinto, and ice-cold Imperials. You won’t need much more.
If you do want to turn things up, Jacó is about 25 minutes away, and that’s where you’ll find nightlife, bars, and a bit more action. But we were all about surf, rest, eat, surf again — and Esterillos delivered exactly that.
Why Playa Esterillos Is Perfect for a Surf Trip
- Uncrowded waves — surf all day with no stress
- Great for all levels, especially intermediates
- Tide-dependent variety keeps things interesting
- Day trips to Playa Hermosa or Jacó if you want to mix it up
- Beachfront accommodation makes the whole experience next-level
If you’re looking for pure surf and peace, with just enough infrastructure to stay fed and stoked, Playa Esterillos is a seriously underrated gem on the Costa Rica surf map.
Planning Your Own Costa Rica Surf Trip?
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