Surf spot

Esterillos

Forecast conditions and map view for Esterillos in Costa Rica, Pacific South. Open the interactive surf map to inspect wind, waves, and nearby spots.

Country: Costa Rica, Pacific South
Coordinates: 9.5270, -84.5032

Metric
Metric	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00	06:00	09:00	12:00	15:00	18:00	21:00	00:00	03:00
Wave height (m)	1.2	1	1	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	1	1	1	1	0.6	0.9	1	1	1	1	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.9	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.8	0.7	0.7	0.7	0.7
Wave direction	SSW	SSW	SSW	SW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	S	S	S	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SSW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW	SW
Wave period (s)	9.1	9.9	10.2	10.1	8	7.7	7.5	7.7	7.7	7.6	7.5	7.5	7.5	7.5	7.5	7.5	7.4	7.3	7.3	7.2	7.1	7.1	7.1	7.2	7	7	7	7.3	13.8	9.7	6.7	6.7	6.7	6.6	6.5	6.5	6.8	12.8	12.7	12.6	12.3	11.9	11.8	11.6	11.3	11.3	11.1	11.1	10.9	10.8	10.8	10.8	10.6	10.6	10.6	10.5
Wave energy (kJ)	223	212	198	180	98	100	88	99	103	102	101	101	96	95	94	90	93	90	89	87	82	82	82	90	92	95	95	107	147	139	90	86	85	80	75	72	71	242	237	246	247	242	226	218	209	198	172	172	169	158	143	141	123	110	109	102
Wind speed (km/h)	5.8	5.1	5.7	6.3	13.4	8.4	1.8	4.9	4.5	4.9	3.1	5.9	10	7.9	5.2	4.2	6.4	2.5	4.9	5.9	10.8	9.9	4.8	3.1	2.4	4.9	4.5	5.2	13.8	6.8	4.8	2.1	2.5	1.3	4.9	4.1	8.5	5.9	4.5	3.1	3.4	1.5	5	5.2	13.4	10	2.3	3.9	3.7	3.6	3.8	5.6	11.4	7.6	3.4	3.2
Wind direction	NOffshore	NECross-off	NNEOffshore	SSWCross-on	SSWOnshore	SOnshore	WGlassy	NEGlassy	NNEGlassy	NNEGlassy	NNEGlassy	SSWOnshore	SSWCross-on	SWCross-on	NNWOffshore	NNEGlassy	NECross-off	NGlassy	NNEGlassy	SOnshore	SOnshore	SOnshore	SSEGlassy	NEGlassy	NNEGlassy	NEGlassy	NNEGlassy	SSEOnshore	SOnshore	SSEOnshore	SEGlassy	NNEGlassy	NGlassy	NEGlassy	NEGlassy	SSEGlassy	SSEOnshore	SSWOnshore	SSEGlassy	NEGlassy	NNEGlassy	NNEGlassy	NNECross-off	SSEOnshore	SOnshore	SSWOnshore	SEGlassy	NEGlassy	NGlassy	NGlassy	NNEGlassy	SWCross-on	SSWCross-on	SSWCross-on	WSWGlassy	NGlassy

Esterillos is a long, open beachbreak on Costa Rica’s Pacific South coast, north of Jacó and not far from Hermosa/Jaco area. It’s known for having plenty of wave options, a spacious uncrowded feel compared with some of the busier Central Pacific spots, and a mix of sandbanks that can produce fun, fairly punchy surf.

Surf character

Type: Beachbreak
Wave quality: Can be very fun and consistent when the sandbars line up
Best for: Intermediate surfers and above; beginners can surf smaller days but should still be mindful of currents and closeouts
Break style: Generally fast and hollow at times, especially when the swell is stronger; can also be softer on smaller days

Swell and conditions

Swell exposure: Gets solid Pacific swell, especially from the south and southwest
Best season: Typically May to October for more consistent swell, with the rainy season often delivering the most reliable surf
Wind: Often best early morning before onshore winds pick up; offshore or light wind conditions are ideal
Tide sensitivity: Can vary a lot depending on sand movement; mid tide often works well, but local conditions change frequently

Hazards and notes

Currents: Strong rip currents can be present
Closeouts: Because it’s a beachbreak, some sections can close out, particularly on bigger swells
Sandbars: Quality depends heavily on shifting sandbanks
Crowds: Usually less crowded than more famous nearby surf towns, though popular peaks can still attract locals and travelers

Vibe

Esterillos has a laid-back, less-developed feel, with a tropical beach setting and a more relaxed pace than nearby surf hubs. It’s a good spot for surfers who like exploring a beachbreak and don’t mind some variability in conditions.