7 Best Beaches in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is a small town in Puntarenas province, Quepos canton, in the central Pacific region of Costa Rica. However, most people know more about Manuel Antonio National Park than the town. While the national park might be the town’s star attraction, the town also has very beautiful beaches. 

Unlike some beaches in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio beaches have golden sand that sparkles against the sun. The incredible waves make them ideal for surfing. Almost all beaches in Manuel Antonio allow banana boat rides. A beach like Espadilla Sur has some unique rock formations. 

For a long time, I thought wildlife was the only thing to see in Manuel Antonio. I didn’t even consider Manuel Antonio having a town. All along, I thought it was a national park. Hence, I was pleasantly surprised that Manuel Antonio town is separate from the park and has several beaches. 

Key Takeaways

The best way to get to Manuel Antonio is by rental car or using a tourist shuttle. Considering the distance from San Jose Airport is 156 km, which will take you about 3.5 hours, a rental car or shuttle is the most convenient way. If you leave San Jose early enough, you can make several stops to enjoy the scenery or drive straight to Manuel Antonio. Fortunately, the highways are flat and you won’t need a four-by-four-wheel drive. 

However, if you’re traveling on a budget, public buses run daily from San Jose to Quepos town. You can then hire a taxi to Manuel Antonio or take another bus ten minutes away. Here are my key takeaways on the best beaches in Manuel Antonio. 

  • Though a small park town, Manuel Antonio has a lot going on. It has a national park with mangrove forests, rock formations, hiking trails, farms (for fruits and cocoa), and several beaches inside and outside the park. You’ll have to pay the park entrance fee ($18) to access the beaches.  Buying the ticket is done online through the park’s website
  • While most of the other public beaches outside the national park are easily accessible, Playa La Macha is the opposite. You will have to do a 40-minute hike to reach the beach, which is not ideal for kids as it is a nudist beach. 
  • The best time to visit the beaches in Manuel Antonio is during the dry season (December to April) in Costa Rica. During this time, you can do various activities such as sunbathing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, kayaking, and surfing. 
  • There are three ideal beaches inside Manuel Antonio National Park and four outside. Public buses run along the main road, route 618, where the bus stops, where you get off and walk to the beach. 

Best Beaches in Manuel Antonio

Best Beaches Inside Manuel Antonio National Park

Opening and closing hours: 7 AM to 4 p.m. However, the beaches inside the park close at 3 p.m. 

Park fees: Adults ($18), kids ($6). 

Manuel Antonio town is 2 hours and 50 minutes from San Jose International Airport. You can drive to Manuel Antonio National Park or take a bus from your accommodation.  The earliest bus leaves San Jose at 6 AM and the last one at 7.30 PM. The cost is $10 (5,000 colones) one way. A pirate shuttle from San Jose ranges between $180 and $220. 

A bus runs on route 618 from Quepos town to the national park every 30 minutes, starting at 5.30 AM and the last bus is at 6.00 PM. You pay 335 colones one way. 

To reach the first beach in Manuel Antonio National Park, you’ll have to walk for 30 minutes. Accessing Manuel Antonio National Park beaches requires buying tickets from the park’s website. You have to do that in advance, and the park limits the number of people it can receive daily. Please note that the park does not open on Mondays. 

Beaches Inside Manuel Antonio National Park
Playa Manuel Antonio You must use the Manglar and Perezoso Trail or the access road, which is around 1.7 km. At the junction, take the Playa Manuel Antonio trail to the beach.
The beach is best for swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Its tidal pools are full of marine life.
You will have the chance to see coatis, sloths, raccoons, and capuchin monkeys.
It’s a beautiful beach with white sand and sparkling blue waters. Almond and palm trees line up the beach, providing enough shade.
At the end of the Manglar trail are foot-washing taps, a changeroom, and bathrooms. All services are free. 
Playa Espadilla Sur It’s behind Playa Manuel Antonio and is an extension of Playa Espadilla Norte, which is outside the park. Playa Espadilla Sur has fewer visitors.
The beach is bigger than Playa Manuel Antonio and has a crescent-shaped bay.
The waves are not calm here so I would not recommend swimming; however, it has clear blue waters and powdery white sand.
You’ll spot some wildlife along the path, which connects to the Manglar or Punta Catedral trails.
It is also known as Playa Dos or Playa Segunda and is connected to the mainland through a tombolo (a natural land bridge).
Playa Gemelas In Spanish, its name means “twins” and is in a separate section from the other two.
It is quieter and less crowded and it has two separate coves divided by rocks.
When the tides are low, you can walk between the two coves.
Ideal for sunbathing, wildlife spotting (monkeys, crabs, and iguanas), and swimming, but only if you’re experienced.
There are no amenities, but you can use the ones at Playa Manuel Antonio or the cafeteria at the junction of the national park.

 

Best Beaches Outside Manuel Antonio National Park 

Route 618 has buses stopping all along the road, making it possible to reach many beaches. Several taxis also ply around the town and can take you to any beach in Manel Antonio. The beaches inside Manuel Antonio National  Park require walking along various trails to reach them. However, the paths are flat or well-made boardwalks. 

The good thing about the beaches outside the park is that they are free and open all days of the week. 

Playa Espadilla Norte

Playa Espadilla Norte

Playa Espadilla Norte is the main beach in Manuel Antonio, north of the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park. A large sandy area separates it from Playa Espadilla Sur, which is inside the park. Other names for Playa Espadilla Norte are Playa Numero Uno and Playa Primera. Playa Espadilla Norte is the closest beach to Manuel Antonio’s downtown. 

Aspect Details
Location Playa Espadilla Norte is situated just outside the boundaries of Manuel Antonio National Park, stretching along the coastline near the town of Manuel Antonio.
Access Easily accessible by foot from the town. Parking can be challenging, but there are paid lots and some free parking near Igloo Beach Lodge.
Amenities Beach bars, restrooms, gear rentals, tour bookings, and vendors selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. Many restaurants and stores are located just across the street.
Activities Swimming: The waves break far from shore, making it safe for swimmers of all ages. 

Surfing is ideal for both beginners and advanced surfers. Surf lessons are available. 

Water Sports: Options include parasailing, jet skiing, and boogie boarding. 

Sunbathing and Relaxing: Soft golden sand is ideal for sunbathing and beach activities.

Wildlife Monkeys, sloths, and iguanas are frequently spotted. Great for wildlife watching, similar to the experiences within Manuel Antonio National Park.
Dining Vendors on the beach offer fresh coconut water and snacks. Nearby restaurants provide diverse dining options, including local Costa Rican cuisine and international dishes.
Safety Tips Be cautious of rip tides, especially during the rainy season. Keep an eye on valuables and avoid walking alone on the beach at night. It’s recommended to swim near lifeguard stations if you’re unsure about swimming abilities.
Scenery and Atmosphere Stunning sunsets, palm-lined white sandy beach, and lush green forest backdrop. It is popular for its scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere.
Best Time to Visit Year-round, but especially during the dry season (December to April) for the best beach experience.
Accommodation Options Nearby hotels, luxury resorts, vacation rentals, hostels, and bed and breakfasts. Options range from budget-friendly to high-end luxury stays.

Playa La Macha

Playa La Macha

Head to the Bongo Hotel (100 meters from the bus stop) and walk along the jungle trail for 30 minutes. There is a very steep descent before reaching the beach. It’s a 40-minute hike through the rainforest. Next to the hotel is a free parking area, but you will find attendants requesting a tip. 

Aspect Details
Location Playa La Macha is located near the Bongo Hotel in Manuel Antonio. The trailhead is about 100 meters from the bus stop.
Access A 40-minute hike through the rainforest from the Bongo Hotel. The trail is steep, especially during the descent to the beach. There is a free parking area next to the hotel, but attendants may request tips.
Timing and Tides Best visited during low or mid-tide, as the beach disappears at high tide. Check tide schedules before visiting.
Amenities There are no amenities in Playa La Macha. Visitors should bring their food, water, and any other necessities if planning to stay for the day.
Activities Swimming: Possible during low tide, but check the strength of the tides. Hiking: The trail to the beach is a popular activity.

Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife, including deer, anteaters, toucans, pacas, various monkey species, macaws, sea turtles, poison dart frogs, and dolphins.

Wildlife Common sightings include deer, anteaters, toucans, pacas, deaf butterflies, howlers, spider or squirrel monkeys, macaws, sea turtles, poison dart frogs, and dolphins.
Scenery and Atmosphere Playa La Macha is a quiet, secluded bay sheltered from large waves. It’s known for its natural beauty and tranquility, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solitude.
Special Notes Playa La Macha is also known as Doctors Beach and is one of the nude beaches in Costa Rica.
Safety Tips Be cautious of the tides when swimming. The trail can be steep and challenging, so wear appropriate footwear and carry sufficient water. It’s best to visit with others due to the secluded nature of the beach.
Best Time to Visit During the dry season (December to April), avoid muddy trails. Always check tide schedules to ensure the beach is accessible.
Nearby Accommodations Accommodations are available in Manuel Antonio, with the Bongo Hotel being a notable nearby option. Other hotels and lodges in Manuel Antonio offer a range of amenities and price points.

 

Wildlife on Playa La Macha
Deer Anteaters
Toucans Pacas
Deaf butterflies Howler, spider, or squirrel monkeys
Macaws Sea turtles
Poison dart frogs Dolphins

Playa Biesanz

Playa Biesanz

Not many tourists know about this hidden gem. It’s a great place to spot wildlife like iguanas, sloths, and howler monkeys. Playa Biesanz is hard to access, with rocky roots and steep sections from the parking area to the beach. The bay also has many rocks and a 200-year-old rock structure. 

Aspect Details
Location Playa Biesanz is located on the northern side of Manuel Antonio, tucked between Hotel Parador and Shana Hotel.
Access A short walk from the main road, near Hotel Parador. The trail is easy to moderate, with some rocky parts. Parking is available at nearby hotels.
Timing and Tides Best visited during low or mid-tide for a more spacious beach area. Check tide schedules before visiting.
Amenities There are limited amenities in Playa Biesanz. Vendors may sell drinks and snacks, but visitors should bring their food, water, and other necessities.
Activities Swimming: The calm waters make it ideal for swimming. Snorkeling: is popular due to the clear waters and marine life. <br> Kayaking: Rentals are available nearby.
Wildlife Common sightings include tropical fish, crabs, and occasionally monkeys and iguanas in the surrounding trees.
Scenery and Atmosphere Playa Biesanz is a hidden gem with calm, turquoise waters and a serene, relaxed atmosphere. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs.
Special Notes Playa Biesanz is known for its calm waters, making it a great spot for families and less confident swimmers. It’s less crowded than other beaches in the area.
Safety Tips The trail can be rocky, so wear sturdy footwear. Be cautious of the tides when snorkeling or swimming. Keep an eye on personal belongings, as there are occasional thefts.
Best Time to Visit During the dry season (December to April), avoid muddy trails and enjoy sunny weather. Early mornings or late afternoons for fewer crowds.
Nearby Accommodations Accommodations are available at the nearby Hotel Parador, Shana Hotel, and various lodges and vacation rentals in Manuel Antonio, offering a range of amenities and price points.

Playa Playitas

Playa Playitas

It is an extension of Playa Espadilla Norte,  though less crowded and popular with the locals during the weekend. I recommend visiting using your car or taxi, as a well-made dirt road leads to the beach. If you take the bus, alight at the Igloo Hotel, and then walk north to the beach. 

Aspect Details
Location Playa Playitas is located at the northern end of Playa Espadilla Norte, near the Arenas Del Mar Hotel in Manuel Antonio.
Access Accessible via a moderate 20–30 minute hike from the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park. The trail is well-marked and passes through lush greenery.
Timing and Tides Best visited during low to mid-tide, as high tides can make the beach inaccessible. Check tide schedules before visiting.
Amenities There are no facilities or vendors in Playa Playitas. Visitors should bring their food, water, and other necessities.
Activities Swimming: is ideal due to the gentle waves.

Snorkeling: Clear waters with rich marine life.

Surfing: is suitable for beginners with its smaller waves.

Wildlife Common sightings include iguanas, hermit crabs, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, toucans, and sloths.
Scenery and Atmosphere A secluded beach, surrounded by rocks and cliffs, offers a serene atmosphere. Perfect for those seeking a quiet escape.
Special Notes Playa Playitas is a known spot for the LGBTQ+ community, offering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Safety Tips Be aware of strong currents and surf conditions. There are no lifeguards on duty. Wear appropriate footwear for the hike and carry sufficient water.
Best Time to Visit During the dry season (December to April), avoid muddy trails and enjoy better weather conditions.
Nearby Accommodations Accommodations are available at Arenas Del Mar Hotel and other nearby lodges in Manuel Antonio, providing a range of amenities and price points.

 

If you are planning a trip to Manuel Antonio? Start with our guide on 10 Things to Do in Manuel Antonio to plan your activities. 

Conclusion 

The rest of the beaches are quieter and have fewer crowds, apart from Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Norte. The dry season (December to April) is the best time to visit Manuel Antonio, especially if you want to visit the beaches. Hence, visit most of the beaches next time you’re in Manuel Antonia. 

Which of the various beaches in Manuel Antonio is your favorite? Please share your experience. 

Rate this post
View Our Global Travel Guides of First Hand Experiences

About 

Born in California, Michelle traveled extensively through the USA and Europe before moving to South Florida during the pandemic. Her career in Marketing has taken her all across the world. Her favorite country is France but she'll never turn down a beach vacation! Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.

Leave a Comment