Right next to the tide pools sits the iconic mermaid statue of Esterillos Oeste. At low tide, you can walk close to her and take photos. Together, the mermaid and the tide pools create one of the most family-friendly and Instagram-worthy stops on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast.

How to Visit the Tide Pools

•    Location: Esterillos Oeste (5 minutes from Esterillos Este, between Jaco and Manuel Antonio).

•    Best time to visit: At low tide. Check the tide schedule before you go, 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 pools first, then watch the sunset by the mermaid statue