El Estero

El Estero is a surf spot located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, right in the center of Tamarindo and close to the river mouth. The spot is easy to find and is accessible from most hotels in Tamarindo. The bottom is sandy, and the surf spot provides both left and right waves. The best surf conditions are usually found at medium and high tide. The length of the ride ranges from 50 to 150 meters. The water temperature stays warm all year, between 25°C and 30°C (77°F to 86°F), so board shorts and a rash vest are enough for most surfers. The spot is open to all levels, but it is important to check your skills before paddling out, be sure that the spot and conditions fit your surfing level. The crowd is usually a mix of a few locals and many surfers from the US and Europe. When the spot is crowded, respect the locals and always check the surf etiquette. The surf forecast and report for El Estero often mention that offshore winds come from the east, and groundswells are more common than windswells. The ideal swell direction is from the west-northwest. The sandbar at the river mouth can shift, which changes the wave shape over time. There are other surf spots nearby, including Pico Grande, Playa Grande, Tamarindo, Suizo, and Playa Langosta. Hazards to be aware of include the presence of crocodiles in the river mouth, with past incidents reported, so stay alert and informed about local wildlife. You can check the surf map and webcam for current conditions before heading out. Always check the difficulty of the spot and the surf report to make sure you are ready for the conditions.