Cap Esterias is Libreville's nearest beach escape, about 45 minutes by road north of the city. The shore is white sand fringed by palms, and on Sundays the strip of basic open-air restaurants fills with families eating grilled fish and braised plantain. Weekdays are very quiet.
Currents are strong and the surf can be rougher than it looks — take local advice before swimming far out. There are no lifeguards.