Playa Esmeralda is a quieter beach north of Miches town, named for the shade of green the shallow water takes on certain days. It is less dramatic than Playa Limón but more accessible from town and has a handful of local restaurants and beach shacks serving fresh fish.
The beach stretches for several kilometres without a resort or hotel in sight. It is popular with local families on weekends but largely empty during the week. The swimming is calm and safe — the bay here is sheltered from the open Atlantic swell that hits the outer beaches.