Easy to Combine with Other Family Adventures
Esterillos is perfectly located between Jaco and Manuel Antonio,making it easy to plan a full day of activities. Here’s one idea forfamilies: • Morning: Explore the tide pools of Esterillos Oeste (great for kids). • Afternoon: Take a short drive to the Guamalotillo waterfall for arefreshing swim. • Evening: End the day with a sunset horseback ride in Esterillos Este. It’s a family itinerary that balances adventure with relaxation. ⸻ Why Families Love Horseback Riding in Esterillos Parents tell us that horseback riding is one of the few activitieswhere everyone is engaged together. No one’s sitting out, no one’sbored, and no one’s scrolling on their phone. It’s also surprisingly stress-free: no long hikes, no complex gear,and no crowds. Just you, your family, and the open beach. ⸻ Book Your Family Ride If you’re looking for something unique, safe, and unforgettable foryour Costa Rica family trip, horseback riding in Esterillos is it. Book your horseback ride now and give your family the memory ofriding together on one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches. Book now
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 Horseback riding isn’t just an activity — it’s an experience. Alongthe way, kids learn: • How to interact with horses respectfully. • The basics of riding and balance. • A sense of adventure and independence. For many families, this becomes the highlight of their Costa Rica tripbecause it’s active, outdoors, and screen-free.
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
Tide Pools and the Famous Mermaid
Right next to the tide pools sits the iconic mermaid statue ofEsterillos Oeste. At low tide, you can walk close to her and takephotos. Together, the mermaid and the tide pools create one of themost family-friendly and Instagram-worthy stops on Costa Rica’sCentral Pacific Coast. ⸻ How to Visit the Tide Pools • Location: Esterillos Oeste (5 minutes from Esterillos Este, betweenJaco and Manuel Antonio). • Best time to visit: At low tide. Check the tide schedule before yougo, since the pools are only accessible when the ocean recedes. • What to bring: Water shoes or sandals, sunscreen, water, and a camera. • Tip: Plan your visit for late afternoon — enjoy the tide poolsfirst, then watch the sunset by the mermaid statue.
What Makes the Tide Pools Special
Unlike the open beaches of Esterillos Este — where waves are strongerand the current isn’t ideal for swimming — the tide pools inEsterillos Oeste create calm, shallow areas perfect for wading. Here’s why visitors love them: • Safe for families: The rock formations block the waves, creatingsmall, natural “pools.” • Teeming with marine life: Children (and adults!) can spot tinyfish, crabs, and even starfish. • Great for relaxing: The pools warm up in the sun, making them feellike natural Jacuzzis. • Perfect for photography: With the ocean as a backdrop, the poolslook amazing in photos, especially at sunset.
Tide Pools of Esterillos: Costa Rica’s Family-Friendly Ocean Spot
Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is famous for its dramatic waves and surfculture. While that makes it a paradise for surfers, it can leavefamilies wondering where it’s actually safe to get into the water. Theanswer lies in Esterillos Oeste, just five minutes from EsterillosEste — home to natural tide pools that form during low tide. If you’re traveling with kids or simply looking for a calmer beachexperience, the tide pools of Esterillos are a must-visit.
Experience Esterillos by Horseback
One of the most memorable ways to experience Esterillos is from theback of a horse. Our ranch in Esterillos Este offers horseback ridesalong the wide-open beach, where you can enjoy the sunset, spotwildlife, and experience the coastline in a way that feels timeless. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or on a soloadventure, a ride on the sand is a must-do. Esterillos may not have the same name recognition as its neighbors,but that’s exactly why travelers fall in love with it. From themermaid statue and tide pools of Esterillos Oeste, to the hiddenGuamalotillo waterfall, to the surf of Playa Hermosa, this area blendsadventure with relaxation. If you’re heading between Jaco and Manuel Antonio, don’t just drivepast Esterillos. Stop, explore, and see why this stretch of beach hasso much to offer. Book your horseback beach ride today and discover why Esterillos isCosta Rica’s best-kept coastal secret. Book now
Why Esterillos Is the Perfect Stop Between Jaco and Manuel Antonio
Esterillos sits right in the middle of Jaco and Manuel Antonio, makingit an ideal stopover or base. Spend the morning exploring Jaco’s shopsand nightlife, the afternoon hiking through Manuel Antonio’srainforest trails, and the evening relaxing in Esterillos with farfewer crowds. This location makes it easy to enjoy the best of the Central PacificCoast without being stuck in tourist traffic every day.
Playa Hermosa: Costa Rica’s Surf Hub
Drive north from Esterillos and you’ll reach Playa Hermosa, one ofCosta Rica’s most famous surf beaches. Known for its consistent breaksand international competitions, it’s a must-visit for wave lovers.Even if you’re not planning to surf, it’s worth watching theprofessionals at work while enjoying a drink at one of the beachsidebars. Playa Hermosa’s surf culture makes a great contrast to the quieter,family-oriented feel of Esterillos Este and Oeste. Together, they givevisitors a full taste of Costa Rica’s beach life — from high-energysurf to tranquil sunsets.