The 6 Best Beaches in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Are you looking for the best beaches in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica?

Manuel Antonio on the Central Pacific coast of the country is a dream destination for nature lovers and beachgoers. The town offers everything from tranquil coves to vibrant spots for water sports.

We visit Manuel Antonio often so we put together this guide to introduce you to the top six beaches in the area, share the best beachfront accommodations and dining spots, provide essential safety tips, inform you about the best times to visit, and more.

So, let’s dive in!

1. Playa Espadilla

Playa Espadilla is what I would consider the main beach in Manuel Antonio. This beach is located in the downtown area, just outside the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park.

Playa Espadilla is known for its expansive shoreline, beautiful ocean views, and a wide range of activities that cater to all kinds of travelers.

“Playa Espadilla” takes its name from the Spanish word “espadilla,” which means “small sword” or “blade.” The name is thought to refer to the shape of the beach, which stretches out like a long, narrow blade along the coastline.

Getting There and Where to Park

If you’re staying in one of the nearby hotels or vacation rentals, you can simply walk to the beach.

If you are driving in from other areas, there is parking available near the beach.

However, most of this paid parking and some of the lot owners drastically overcharge for parking (in my opinion).

Even if you pay for parking and the lot owner says they watch all cars, still do not leave anything of value in your car. Petty theft can sometimes happen here.

What You Can Do at Playa Espadilla

• Swimming and Sunbathing: Playa Espadilla is a long, wide beach with plenty of space for everyone. It is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The waves can sometimes be strong, but there are usually areas with calmer waters where swimming is safe, especially near the southern end of the beach.
• Walk: I love walking from one end to the other here. It’s fun to do some people watching and enjoy the coastal views.
• Parasailing: If you are seeking a bit more adventure, parasailing is a popular activity here. This will give you the chance to soar high above the beach and take in breathtaking aerial views of the coastline and surrounding jungle. Check Availability and Book Your Parasailing Tour

2. Playa Manuel Antonio

Playa Manuel Antonio is located within the Manuel Antonio National Park.

This is one of Costa Rica’s most famous beaches. It is known for its pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforest surroundings.

Getting There and Where to Park

To reach the beach, you first need to enter the national park. The park entrance is easily accessible by car, bus, or on foot if you’re staying nearby.

Note: They only allow a limited number of people to enter the park each day. You need to pre-purchase your tickets online and during the high season, they can sell out weeks in advance. Please read our Manuel Antonio National Park guide for all the info.

From the entrance, it’s about a 20-minute walk along well-maintained trails to reach Playa Manuel Antonio. The walk is scenic and takes you through the lush rainforest where you might spot monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife along the way.

What You Can Do at Playa Manuel Antonio

Swimming and Sunbathing: The beach is famous for its calm, clear waters, that are perfect for swimming. The soft, white sand is perfect for sunbathing, and there’s plenty of space to spread out a towel and enjoy the sun.

Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and sloths, all of which are commonly seen near the beach. You might also spot iguanas, raccoons, and a variety of bird species.

Just Note: You are not allowed to bring food with you into the national park or the beach. This may sound like a dumb rule, but it is actually designed to protect you. The monkeys here are known for being aggressive if they smell food. We once watched a monkey try and steal a woman’s bag. When she chased the monkey and tried to grab her bag back it retaliated by scratching her down her whole back. So, please, don’t bring food.

Exploring Nearby Trails: Definitely take some time to explore the trails within Manuel Antonio National Park that lead to other beaches and viewpoints.

Playa Biesanz

Playa Biesanz is one of Manuel Antonio’s best-kept secrets. This beach is on a hidden cove that offers a tranquil and intimate beach experience away from the more crowded spots in the area.

One of the things we love about Playa Biesanz is that there are a bunch of locals who offer various services here. For example, you can rent kayaks, snorkel gear, and beach chairs with umbrellas. There are also people selling food and drinks.

Getting There and Where to Park

To reach Playa Biesanz, you’ll need to drive to just before the entrance of the Parador Resort & Spa.

I marked the side of the road where you can park on Google Maps for you.

There is limited parking available along the roadside leading to the trailhead, so it’s best to arrive early, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Sometimes there is someone charging for parking. This is typically a few dollars. They will then keep an eye on your car and make sure nobody breaks in (but we still suggest not leaving anything of value in your vehicle).

From the parking area, you’ll follow a short, well-trodden trail down through the forest to the beach. The walk is about 10 minutes long and offers beautiful views of the surrounding jungle. There are often monkeys in the trees here, so definitely keep an eye out. Also, just a warning, the path can be a bit steep and slippery in places.

What You Can Do at Playa Biesanz

• Swimming: Because it is somewhat of a bay, Playa Biesanz is known for its calm, clear waters. Usually, it is perfectly fine to swim here, but pay attention to any signs and anything the locals might tell you.
• Snorkeling: The calm waters of Playa Biesanz also make it a great spot for snorkeling. The bay is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful fish, starfish, and sometimes even rays. You can bring your own snorkeling gear or rent some from local vendors on the beach. The best snorkeling spots are near the rocky edges of the bay.
• Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Playa Biesanz’s calm waters are perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. You can rent equipment directly on the beach and paddle around the bay. We often opt to rent a kayak because Thomas always has his fishing gear with him. I end up paddling him around while he does some casting. It’s a hard life. 😉
• Rent a Beach Chair: There are locals that offer beach chairs and beach umbrellas for rent. There area also vendors selling food and drinks for the perfect full-day adventure.

Check out our Playa Biesanz guide for more in-depth info

Travel Tip: It is good to carry some cash in USD or colones if you visit this beach. That way you can pay the local vendors for whatever you need. However, keep an eye on your belongings and don’t leave any valuables unattended.

Playa Gemelas

Playa Gemelas is another beach located within the Manuel Antonio National Park. The beach is actually made up of two small, twin beaches separated by a rocky outcrop. This gives the beach its name—”Gemelas,” meaning “twins” in Spanish.

Getting There and Where to Park

To access this beautiful beach, you’ll need to enter the national park. Please refer above to visiting Playa Manuel Antonio for info on entering the park.

From the park entrance, you’ll follow a series of well-maintained trails that lead to Playa Gemelas. The hike is approximately 30 minutes. You’ll go through the lush rainforest where you might spot a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds.

The trail to Playa Gemelas is a bit more rugged and less traveled than the one leading to the more popular Playa Manuel Antonio.

In other words, just be warned that it is somewhat of a hike to get here. On very hot and humid days it can be intense.

What You Can Do at Playa Gemelas

• Relaxation and Sunbathing: The twin beaches are small and often uncrowded, so there is plenty of space to spread out a towel and soak up the sun.
• Swimming: The calm, clear waters of Playa Gemelas are perfect for swimming. The sheltered coves create a safe environment for taking a dip.
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, and sloths in the trees surrounding the beach.

Playa La Macha

Playa La Macha is one of those hidden gems that make you feel like you’ve stumbled upon your own private paradise. Surrounded by dense jungle and completely untouched by vendors or crowds, it’s a secluded beach. However, it remains this charm because it is a pain to get to.

Getting There
First things first, you’ll need a vehicle with good clearance (4-wheel drive is best) to navigate the bumpy road. Drive past the first sign for Playa La Macha and keep going for about 5-10 minutes until you see the sign indicating no more cars are allowed.

From there, it’s a short hike, less than half a mile, but be prepared—it’s steep and can get muddy, especially near the end.

If you do not have a 4×4 vehicle, have no fear, you can still visit. You will just need to park on the side of the road before it gets too narrow. It means a longer walk (but at least your car won’t get stuck).

We recommend wearing sturdy shoes (no flip-flops!) and taking your time.

On the way back, remember it’s all uphill, so bring plenty of water and snacks.

Hiking during cooler parts of the day is key since the midday heat can make the climb intense.

The Beach Experience
Once you make it, the reward is incredible. The beach is stunning, with warm, gentle surf and plenty of space to spread out.

It’s rare to see more than a handful of people here at any time, so it’s perfect if you’re craving peace and quiet.

Keep an eye out for little crabs darting around, and enjoy the natural beauty of this pristine spot.

There’s plenty of shade to relax in, but no amenities, so plan to pack everything you’ll need for your visit.

Also, apparently this is a clothing-optional beach. Take that with a grain of salt, because I’ve never noticed signs actually saying this. However, I have seen people going topless here and nobody bothered them.

Playa Tulemar

Alright, I always try to keep it real on here, so I have to be honest that I don’t have the nicest things to say about accessing Playa Tulemar and the Tulemar Resort. Well, actually, the resort is great, but I don’t like how they have limited access to this beach.

See, all beaches in Costa Rica need to have free public access by law. I think this is an awesome law and one of the many things we love about the country.

However, Tulemar Resort has made it difficult for non-guests to reach the beach. If you’re not staying at the resort, you’ll need to park outside and walk about an hour through the woods to get to the beach.

I have also heard about some people being harassed by the security guards and they left after feeling very uncomfortable.

It’s a nice beach, but I really don’t think it’s worth the hassle (unless you want to annoy the Tulemar Resort people….then, all the power to you)!

Coastal Dining

There are not many restaurants directly on the beach in Manuel Antonio, but there are plenty of places with beautiful coastal views.

We suggest planning to eat dinner around 5:15 so you can enjoy your meal with a sunset view.

Hotels with Beach Access

Staying at a beachfront hotel in Manuel Antonio allows you to enjoy the stunning views and easy access to the beach.

However, there are only a few hotels located directly on the beach. There are plenty of great hotels with epic coastal views though!

Beach Tours and Excursions

Exploring Manuel Antonio’s beaches with guided tours and excursions is a fantastic way to experience the best of the area. Here are some recommended tours available on Viator:

What to Pack for Manuel Antonio Beaches

• Sunscreen: Protect your skin with a high-SPF, water-resistant sunscreen. We like SunBum because it is reef-safe. Buy it here.
• Hat: A wide-brimmed hat to shield your face from the sun. We suggest a breathable option like our favorite hat from Columbia that can easily fit in your luggage. Buy it here.
• Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.
• Glasses Strap: To keep your glasses secure during fast and windy boat rides. Buy it here
• Beach Towel: We like microfiber towels because they dry quickly and can easily fit in your luggage. Buy it here.
• Swimwear: Comfortable swimwear suitable for swimming and water activities.
• Long Sleeve Water Shirt: I know, nobody want to wear long sleeves on a super hot day. However, it is so easy to get burned here. We always wear a fast drying shirt with UV protection while in the water here. ⤷ Buy it here for women. ⤷ Buy it here for men.
• Snorkeling Gear: If you take a boat trip, the use of snorkel gear is most likely included. However, you might want to pack your own snorkel mask if you want to swim at other times during your trip. Buy it here.
• Water Shoes: Protect your feet when exploring rocky areas and tide pools.
• Motion Sickness Pills: If you take a day trip on a boat you might want this. I get motion sickness and I’ve actually never had an issue here because the waves typically aren’t big, but you never know! Buy it here.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle. We like LifeStraw bottles for the added bacterial protection. Buy it here.
• Snacks: If you take a day tour it typically includes a stop at a place for lunch. In our experience, the food at these places is typically overpriced and not the best. Instead, we like to pack our own snacks.
• Dry Bag: We have this dry bag that is also a backpack and it is amazing! I highly recommend it for your Central America adventures. Buy it here.
• Pocket Binoculars: For spotting wildlife hiding in the trees. You can often see sloths in this area. Buy it here.

Tips for Visiting Manuel Antonio Beaches

• Best time of year to visit: The dry season (December to April) offers the best weather for beach activities. However, the beaches are also the most crowded at this time of year.
• Transportation options: Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the beaches. Book your rental car with 10% discount plus other perks.
• Safety tips: Always keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of strong currents in certain areas. Stick to designated swimming zones and follow local safety advice.
• Wildlife respect: Manuel Antonio is home to diverse wildlife. Observe animals from a distance and never feed them to help maintain their natural behavior and diet.

Conclusion: Manuel Antonio Beaches

In conclusion, we love the beaches in Manuel Antonio and are sure you will as well.

So pack your sunscreen, grab your beach gear, and get ready to discover the magic of Manuel Antonio’s beaches!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan!

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