El Estero Surf Break

Lat Long: 10.32° N 85.84° W

El Estero Surf Forecast and Surf Report

Issued: 5 am 20 Jul 2026 (local time)

Forecast update in  hr  min

Today's El Estero sea temperature is
30.0° C
1.8° 

El Estero surf forecast is for near shore open water. Breaking waves will often be smaller at less exposed spots.


El Estero surf forecast from 20 Jul 2026:

  • Best quality surf: Saturday 25 Jul, 3AM (local time) - 3.5ft (1.1m), 21s period, SW swell with cross-offshore winds.
  • Most powerful swell: Monday 27 Jul, 6AM (local time) - 5ft (1.6m), 18s period, SW swell with 1,465 kJ wave energy.
  • Next surfable swell (1★+): Monday 20 Jul, 12PM (local time) - 2.5ft (0.8m), 16s period with SW swell.

Best Forecast Surf Conditions for El Estero this week:

The surf forecast for El Estero over the next 16 days: The first swell (rated 1 star or higher) is forecast to arrive on Monday (Jul 20) at 12PM. The primary swell is predicted to be 0.8m and 16s period. The wind is predicted to be cross-offshore as the swell arrives.

The most powerful waves expected at El Estero in the next 16 days are 1.6m 18s and forecast to arrive on Monday (Jul 27) at 6AM. Winds are predicted to be offshore at the time the swell arrives. The largest open ocean swell (not directed at the beach) is 0.9m 5s period and expected on Wednesday (Jul 22) at 3PM.

Wave TypeTime (CST) & Date Wave Height & Period
Next good surf (1 star+)12PM (Mon 20th Jul)2.5ft (0.8m) 16s
Best Surf 3AM (Sat 25th Jul)3.5ft (1.1m) 21s
Most Powerful 6AM (Mon 27th Jul)5ft (1.6m) 18s

Table - best surf conditions forecast for El Estero over the next 16 days.


The Lowdown

Alright, let’s talk about the surf. It’s been quiet, but it’s building. The water is sitting at 86°, which is a touch warmer than normal for this time of year – feels like a warm bath out there.

The first real push won’t be until Monday the 20th, but it’s small. Monday morning brings a 3ft SW swell with a 16-second period, and the wind is cross-off from the ENE at 12 mph. The energy is moderate (366), but it’s a bit marginal. Monday afternoon cleans up nicely with the wind dropping to 9 mph and going offshore, same 3ft SW swell. It’s rideable but not firing.

Tuesday the 21st is more of the same: 3ft SW swell, 15-second period, offshore ENE breeze at 9 mph in the morning, easing to 6 mph in the afternoon. The energy is moderate (301). It’s clean, but still small. Wednesday the 22nd drops a little – 2ft SW swell, 13-second period, and the wind is light. The energy is weak (180). Just ordinary.

Thursday the 23rd is a bit of a mixed bag. The morning has a 4ft SSW swell, but it’s short period at 7 seconds and the wind is a moderate cross-off from the NE. The energy is moderate (225), but it’s messy. The afternoon drops to 2ft with a 13-second period and light offshore wind – not much to get excited about.

Now, Friday the 24th is where things start to look interesting. The morning brings a 2ft SW swell, but listen to this – the period is 24 seconds. That’s very long period groundswell. The energy is strong (715). The wind is light cross-off from the NE. This is a quality swell, but that long period can make it break a bit straight at the beach – it’ll be better on the point or the river mouth. The afternoon fades to junk with a 2ft, 8-second swell and only 69 energy. Don’t bother with the afternoon.

Saturday the 25th is a solid day. The afternoon is the standout: 3ft SW swell, 20-second period, and the energy is strong (676). The wind is a light cross-off from the NNE. This is a really good looking session. The morning is similar but with a 21-second period and 798 energy – also strong. Just be aware that long period swells like this can be a bit tricky at the beach.

Sunday the 26th is the first real highlight. The afternoon session is excellent: 4ft SW swell, 18-second period, light offshore breeze from the ENE, and the energy is very strong (1054). This is for experienced surfers – the size is getting up there. The morning is also very good with a 4ft SW swell, 19-second period, and 920 energy. Clean conditions.

The standout of the whole run is Monday the 27th. Morning session: 4ft SW swell, 16-second period, gentle offshore ENE wind, and the energy is huge (1444). This is proper. The afternoon gets a bit cross with a southerly breeze, so get out early.

Tuesday the 28th is solid but on the bigger side. The afternoon has 6ft SW swell, 17-second period, cross-off NE wind at 12 mph, and the energy is massive (1783). This is expert-only territory. The morning is 5ft with a 19-second period, but the wind is light cross – still good, but be careful.

Wednesday the 29th morning is glassy. 5ft SW swell, 16-second period, and the wind is dead calm. The energy is very strong (1312). This is a dream session for experienced surfers. The afternoon gets a cross-on breeze, so not as clean.

Thursday the 30th morning is also glassy, with a 5ft SW swell, 14-second period, and 783 energy. Very good conditions. The afternoon is onshore and messy.

From Friday the 31st onwards, the swell starts to drop. The morning of the 31st is 4ft SW swell, 14-second period, with light cross-off wind – it’s good, but not as powerful. The weekend of the 1st and 2nd of August is smaller, around 3ft to 3ft, with light offshore winds. Clean, but small. The first week of August sees the energy fade to weak levels, with the last decent session being Monday the 3rd afternoon with a 2ft, 13-second period and light offshore wind. After that, it’s very ordinary.

So, to wrap it up: the best on offer is Monday the 27th morning at El Estero (4ft, 24-second period SW, offshore ENE breeze, 1444 energy). Close second is Sunday the 26th afternoon. Everything else is either small, messy, or for experts only. The crowds at El Estero are often there, so expect company.

Rusty.

Short Range Forecast

Light rain (total 3mm), mostly falling on Tue afternoon. Warm (max 30°C on Tue morning, min 24°C on Tue night). Wind will be generally light.

Days 4-6 Weather Summary

Heavy rain (total 44mm), heaviest during Fri night. Warm (max 31°C on Thu afternoon, min 24°C on Fri night). Wind will be generally light.

Monday
20
Tuesday
21
Wednesday
22
Thursday
23
Friday
24
Saturday
25
Sunday
26
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
AM
PM
Night
Rating
(10 max)
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
3
0
3
2
3
4
3
4
4
Swell
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Height Map
Wave
Height (m)
Direction
Period (s)
0.8
SW
16
0.8
SW
16
0.9
SW
15
0.8
SW
15
0.8
SW
14
0.8
SW
13
0.7
SW
13
0.7
SW
13
0.6
SW
12
1.2
SSW
7
0.5
SW
13
1.2
SSW
8
0.7
SW
24
0.6
SW
8
1.1
SW
21
0.9
SW
21
0.9
SW
20
1.3
SW
19
1.1
SW
19
1.3
SW
18
1.4
SW
17
Wave Graph
Metric surfscale
Energy kJ
366
361
365
301
293
250
173
161
92
132
80
150
541
48
1015
756
653
1210
920
996
1185
Wind (km/h)
15
ENE
15
ENE
10
E
15
ENE
10
ENE
10
E
10
NE
10
ENE
15
E
25
NE
10
E
10
ENE
10
NE
15
NE
15
NNE
15
NE
15
NNE
15
E
10
ESE
10
ENE
15
E
Wind State
cross-off
off
off
off
off
off
cross-off
off
off
cross-off
off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
cross-off
off
off
off
off
High Tide
7:20PM2.15m
7:48AM2.32m
8:11PM1.99m
8:37AM2.19m
9:05PM1.86m
9:29AM2.08m
10:05PM1.77m
10:26AM2.02m
11:08PM1.73m
11:25AM2.00m
00:09AM1.75m
12:21PM2.03m
1:04AM1.82m
Low Tide
1:18PM0.40m
1:27AM0.41m
2:10PM0.51m
2:15AM0.56m
3:04PM0.60m
3:07AM0.68m
4:02PM0.66m
4:04AM0.77m
5:03PM0.68m
5:05AM0.80m
6:02PM0.65m
6:04AM0.78m
6:55PM0.59m
cloud
cloud
part cloud
part cloud
thunderstorm
light rain
light rain
cloud
part cloud
clear
part cloud
part cloud
part cloud
thunderstorm
rain showers
thunderstorm
thunderstorm
thunderstorm
thunderstorm
thunderstorm
rain showers
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunrise">Sunrise</span>
5:30
5:30
5:30
5:30
5:31
5:31
5:31
<span class="translation_missing" title="translation missing: en.weather_tables.sunset">Sunset</span>
6:08
6:07
6:07
6:07
6:07
6:07
6:07
 mm
1
1
1
2
28
1
3
10
13
3
3
Temp °C
28
29
26
30
30
26
26
28
25
30
31
27
28
29
25
27
27
26
25
25
24
Feels °C
31
31
28
32
32
29
29
31
27
31
33
28
30
30
28
28
30
30
28
28
27
  • Map Icons:
  • Break
  • Live Wave Height (m)
  • Live Wind Speed (km/h)
  • Surf Rating (10 Max)
  • Ocean Swells (m)
  • Wind Speed (km/h)
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Information about the El Estero Surf forecast

The above surf forecast table for El Estero provides essential information for determining whether the surfing conditions will be good over the next 16 days. A general guide to surfing at El Estero can be found by selecting the local surf guide option on the grey menu. Our El Estero surf forecast is unique since it includes wave energy (power) that defines the real feel of the surf rather than just the height or the period. If you surf the same spot (El Estero) regularly then make a mental note of the wave energy from the surf forecast table each time you go. Very soon you may start to choose your surf days based on the wave energy alone combined with our forecast of favourable offshore wind conditions. Our star ratings will help here and of course you will also find the usual wave height and period predictions on our surf forecasts as well as a full break down of the swell components under our advanced users option (to reveal that, click the little Einstein character under the tide times).

Further information to help with frequently asked questions about our surf forecast for El Estero may be found under the help tab on the top menu and also by moving your mouse over the question marks on the surf forecast table itself. Please always bear in mind that the forecast is for near-shore open water and local factors at each surf break influence the actual breaking wave height, such as the beach / reef profile, water depths offshore and shelter.

El Estero is 47 km (29 miles) from Nicoya. If you plan a holiday in Guanacaste, look for hotels and other accommodation in Nicoya. Nicoya has rooms for a wide range of budgets as well as car hire and transport links.

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