Playa El Ostional, Pacific beach in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.
Playa El Ostional is a sandy beach on the Pacific coast south of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. The shore extends with wide areas for swimming and walking along the coastline near the border with Costa Rica.
The name comes from the Spanish word for oyster, reflecting the shellfish beds that first drew people to settle here. These resources remained important to local communities for centuries.
Local fishers use traditional methods here and offer visitors boat trips and horseback rides along the shore. These activities shape daily life on the beach and show how the community depends on the sea.
Visitors can reach the beach from San Juan del Sur by bus from the town market or by following road signs if driving. It is helpful to wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on sand and over rocky areas.
The beach served as a filming location for the television series Survivor in the early 2010s. This use brought international attention to the place and later drew visitors who recognized it from the show.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
