Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is famous for its dramatic waves and surf
culture. While that makes it a paradise for surfers, it can leave
families wondering where it’s actually safe to get into the water. The
answer lies in Esterillos Oeste, just five minutes from Esterillos
Este — home to natural tide pools that form during low tide.
If you’re traveling with kids or simply looking for a calmer beach
experience, the tide pools of Esterillos are a must-visit.
Tide Pools of Esterillos: Costa Rica’s Family-Friendly Ocean Spot
Tide Pools of Esterillos: Costa Rica’s Family-Friendly Ocean Spot
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The Mermaid of Esterillos Oeste
Just a five-minute drive from Esterillos Este, you’ll find the famousmermaid statue of Esterillos Oeste. Rising from the ocean, she hasbecome a local landmark and photo spot for visitors passing through. The best time to see the mermaid is during low tide, when she’s moreaccessible and the surrounding reef and rocks are exposed. At sunset,the statue becomes a dramatic silhouette against the Pacific — perfectfor photographers and Instagram-hunters alike. Right around the mermaid, the shoreline forms tide pools that are safefor families. Kids love spotting tiny fish and crabs in the shallowwater. It’s a great contrast to the wider beaches of Esterillos Este,where the waves are stronger and not as suited for swimming.
Combine With a Horseback Ride in Esterillos Este
While the tide pools themselves are in Esterillos Oeste, the wide-openbeach of Esterillos Este offers something equally unforgettable —horseback riding along the sand. Just five minutes away, our ranchlets you experience the coastline from a whole new perspective. There’s no better way to balance adventure and relaxation: spend theafternoon with your family exploring the tide pools, then end the daywith a sunset horseback ride. Reserve your horseback ride here and complete your perfectEsterillos beach day. Click here
Why Families Love Esterillos
The tide pools are just one reason why Esterillos is a hidden gem onCosta Rica’s Pacific Coast. Located right between Jaco and ManuelAntonio, it’s easy to reach, but far quieter than the busier touristhubs. Add in nearby attractions like the Guamalotillo waterfall andPlaya Hermosa surf, and you’ve got a destination that’s perfect forboth adventure seekers and families. Costa Rica is full of beaches, but not all of them arefamily-friendly. The tide pools of Esterillos Oeste strike the perfectbalance — safe, beautiful, and memorable. Combine them with horsebackriding in Esterillos Este, and you’ll have a Costa Rican experienceyour family will never forget.Why Horseback Riding in Esterillos Is Perfect for Families When planning a family trip to Costa Rica, finding activities thatboth kids and adults enjoy can be tricky. Between the big waves thatmake some beaches unsafe for swimming and the sometimes crowdedtourist spots, parents are often left wondering: what can we all dotogether? The answer is simple: horseback riding in Esterillos Este. Gentle, Family-Friendly Horses One of the first things parents ask is, “Is horseback riding safe forkids?” At our ranch in Esterillos Este, the answer is yes. Our horsesare gentle, well-trained, and matched to each rider’s experiencelevel. • Beginners? No problem — we’ll guide you every step of the way. • Young kids? We use calm horses that are perfect for first-time riders. • Teens? They’ll love the freedom of riding on a wide, open beach. ⸻ A Beach Made for Riding Unlike busy beaches where finding space can be difficult, EsterillosEste offers long stretches of uncrowded sand. That means your familycan ride together without distractions — just the sound of the wavesand the rhythm of the horses’ steps. Rides are especially magical at sunset, when the sky glows orange andpink over the Pacific Ocean. It’s a memory kids (and parents) won’tforget. ⸻ Educational and Fun