Exploring the beaches around SJDS

Playa El Yankee

There are so many different and beautiful beaches around San Juan del Sur, and on this trip I tried to visit as many of them as I could. Some I didn't go to, such as Playa Hermosa, because there was a fee to use the beach. The surfing crowd moves to different beaches depending on where the waves are. 

From Rancho Chilamate I decided to head south one day and explore. The next beach south of Costa Dulce was Playa el Coco, but  I couldn't find parking so decided to keep on driving. This beach has a lot of houses and restaurants between the road and the beach, which didn't really appeal to me. Several of the beach houses are listed on Air BnB, and I know that depending on the winds and weather it is popular with surfers. While I didn't take any pictures of it, here is one I found. (Yes, my least favourite beach!!!)

Playa El Ostional

I ended up driving all the way to El Ostional, which is a fishing village. While still a dirt road they have done a lot of work on the coastal highway from the southernmost part near the border with Costa Rica and around El Ostional. There are many colourful fishing boats on the beach. I stopped in at a little convenience store to get a cool drink before heading back.

On that road I encountered a really cool bird, a crested caracara, which is a falcon, and also known as a Mexican eagle. In Andean cultures it is considered a sacred bird, mentioned in their mythical stories, with magical knowledge about kunan pacha, which means present time that comes from the fruits of the past and is an opportunity for the future. Here is a picture I found of one.

Crested Caracara

On another day I went back to Costa Dulce Retreat Centre, did a yoga class, and some boogie boarding on their beautiful beach, Playa Escameca, which I love because it is great for swimming but also good for surfing.

Coming back from there I stopped at Playa El Yankee, which is a long stretch of completely wild gorgeous beach, bordered by tropical forest and hills. There was not a single person there. 

While Playa Escameca is my favourite, when I come back I will definitely spend time at Playa El Yankee.

Playa El Remanso

The last beach we stayed at on this trip was Playa El Remanso, and I didn't get any pictures of it. Here is a picture I found. I went swimming there, and there were some beginner surfers but not big waves.

It is rare to find so many beautiful sandy unspoilt beaches with so few people on them. I have fallen in love with this lovely wild part of the world. As the coastal highway goes in, and it becomes better known as a tourist destination, it will change. But for now it is a place that attracts adventure travellers and nature lovers. It reminds me of the wild deserted beaches we used to go to as teenagers in Venezuela. How wonderful to spend time in this paradise!

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