Playa Biesanz, located in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, is a secluded beach that is great for a variety of water-related activities.
We created this guide to give you all the details about planning your visit here.
In the past, I would have probably described Playa Biesanz as a hidden gem, but it doesn’t feel so hidden anymore.
Part of the reason is that there are a lot of resorts located nearby which don’t have beach access. These resorts tend to suggest their guests go to Biesanz Beach to access the white sand and turquoise waters.
However, it is still a fun place to visit!
Playa Biesanz at a Glance
- What it is: A secluded swimming beach in Manuel Antonio. It used to be a hidden gem, but it doesn’t feel so hidden anymore.
- Parking: There’s no lot. People pull off on the side of the road, and someone will usually charge a few dollars to watch your car, so have some colones or US dollars.
- The walk: Less than 10 minutes through the woods. It’s a bit steep in spots, so be careful, and look up in the trees as you go.
- Swimming: The water is typically very calm since it’s a cove, but we’ve also seen it rougher. Ask a vendor for the best swimming spots.
- Rentals: Local vendors rent kayaks and snorkel gear on the beach. Prices vary by time of year, so negotiate. Ticos don’t like confrontation, so try saying “we will think about it.”
- Snack: Look for the vendor selling a “Churchill” or “copo,” a sweet traditional treat. It’s reasonably priced and always delicious.
- Plan your day: Visit the national park in the morning and come here in the afternoon.
- Bring: A beach towel, SPF 50 sunscreen, bug spray for evenings, water, snacks, cash in colones and snorkel gear.
- Safety: Petty crime can sometimes be an issue in Costa Rica, so be careful on the walk to the beach.
- Do more: Take a surf lesson or go on a sailing adventure, and stay nearby: browse Manuel Antonio hotels.
Directions
In your GPS you should be able to enter “Playa Biesanz” or “Biesanz Beach” and it should show you exactly where to go. If it is not showing up for you, try entering “Parador Resort” for your search. The beach is located just before the resort on your right-hand side.
There is no parking lot here. Instead, people pull their cars off on the side of the road and walk to the beach.
Usually, there is a person watching the cars to make sure they are safe. This person will typically charge a few dollars (so have a bit of money in colones or US dollars) to keep an eye on your car.
Even though we have never had anything bad happen, it is best not to leave any valuables in your vehicle even if it is being watched by a guard.
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From the road, the person watching cars can direct you to the path to the beach. It is a bit steep in spots and goes through the woods, so be careful walking. It will take less than 10 minutes to get to the beach.
As you are walking, look up in the trees. We have often spotted sloths or monkeys hanging out here. This guy ↑ was high up, but we were still able to get an OK view.
Note: If you are planning to rent a car (which we always suggest for the ease of traveling), we highly recommend a local Costa Rican company called Adobe. We have a 10% discount plus other great perks to offer you. Check out all the details below!
Adobe Rent-a-Car
- 10% discount for Costa Rica Vibes readers
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Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio: Our Top Picks
Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
📍 Manuel Antonio
Barefoot beachfront luxury where the rainforest meets the sea.
Check prices →La Vela Boutique Hotel
📍 Manuel Antonio
A laid-back jungle boutique hotel with a relaxed, friendly feel.
Check prices →Planet B Hostel
📍 Manuel Antonio
A social, creative jungle hostel. Great for meeting other travelers.
Check prices →Activities at the Beach
The water is typically very calm here if you would like to go swimming. But, keep an eye out, we have also experienced some more choppy waves as well.
It is possible to rent kayaks or snorkel gear on the beach from local vendors. The prices are OK, but not necessarily an amazing rate. This tends to vary by time of year and how much they think they can charge you.
If a rate seems high to you, it’s ok to haggle somewhat. Costa Ricans don’t like confrontation so they may immediately back off. But what we usually do is say, “Hmm that is a bit high for us. We will think about it.” And see if they then offer a lower price.
It is also possible to rent beach chairs with umbrellas if you want to spend the day lounging comfortably.
Food & Drinks
There are also a few venders selling food and drinks at the beach. They offer bottled sodas & water, cocktails, snack food (like bags of chips), and some cooked food (usually some kind of meat).
There is also sometimes a vendor selling a sweet traditional Costa Rican treat which is referred to as either a “Churchill” or “copo”. This is made by scooping shaved ice into a cup and adding condensed milk, powdered milk, and a sweet-flavored syrup of your choice.
Personally, I find it wayyyyy too sweet for my liking, but it is a good traditional food to try for the experience.
If you don’t want to buy food at the beach, we highly suggest grabbing food at the Falafel Bar. It’s about a five-minute drive away from the beach. They serve amazing pita sandwiches and platters with your choice of falafel, shawarma, kebab, or schnitzel. It’s reasonably priced and always delicious.
You can either eat there or they can also put your food in a to-go container if you would like to bring it to the beach.
We created a ready made itinerary to Manuel Antonio for you!
One Week in Costa Rica Itinerary
The exact trip plan we recommend to all first time visitors. This one week itinerary takes you to some of Costa Rica’s top highlights (including Manuel Antonio). It includes a full pdf guide, an interactive Google Map, hotel and restaurant suggestions for all budgets, a full planning packet, and more!
Currently on sale: $37.50 $27.00
What to Bring
A beach towel, sunscreen (at least SPF 50), bug spray (if you will be there in the evening), water to drink, snacks, cash in colones (if you would like to buy anything), snorkel gear (if you don’t want to rent it).
What To Wear
Your bathing suit, lightweight shirt and shorts, stable flip flops, a sun-blocking hat, flip flops, sunglasses, glasses strap
💡 Sarah’s Tip
Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park too? Go to the park in the morning before it fills up, then spend the afternoon at Playa Biesanz.
Safety
We have a few safety tips to ensure your day is enjoyable and stress-free.
Be careful when swimming. This area is a cove and usually, the water is calm, but we have also experienced some rougher water. If in doubt, ask one of the many locals renting gear on the beach. They should be able to direct you to our favorite swimming spots.
Don’t leave your things unattended. Petty crime can sometimes be an issue in Costa Rica.
Be careful when walking to the beach. The path down to the beach is a bit steep in some spots.
And, as I mentioned earlier in this post, don’t leave valuables in your car.
Things to Do After
Manuel Antonio is filled with fun things to do. Check out our guide to The 30 Best Things to Do in Manuel Antonio for tons of ideas.
A few of our favorite things are:
🏄♂️ Take a surf lesson with an experienced surfer (good for all levels)
⛵ Go on a sailing adventure on a historic wooden ship
🐎 Go on a jungle horseback riding tour with epic views
🍫 Take a cocoa bean to chocolate tour (with plenty of tasting opportunities)
If you plan to visit the Manuel Antonio National Park, we suggest doing that in the morning and coming to Playa Biesanz in the afternoon, because the park gets really full as the day goes on so it is best to get there early.
Other Tips
Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular destinations in the country. So, book early if you will be traveling during the high season.
Don’t forget to check out our complete guide to Quepos and our complete guide to Manuel Antonio. Both destination guides are filled with tons of fun activities, safety tips, transportation info, and so much more!
Wrap Up
And, that is all for the Biesanz Beach guide! As you can tell, it is a great secluded spot to visit in the Manuel Antonio area and is the perfect spot for a family-friendly beach day.
If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you out!
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Meet the writer
Sarah McArthur
Sarah is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes. Originally from the US, she has lived in San José, Costa Rica since 2016 with her husband Thomas, who takes the photos you see on this site.
Together they have been writing about Costa Rica since 2017, drawing on years of road trips, hotel stays and tours around the country. We personally vet everything before we publish it.
Follow along on Instagram · Pinterest · Substack
or join our email list for trip planning help.
Meet the writer
Sarah McArthur
Sarah is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes. Originally from the US, she has lived in San José, Costa Rica since 2016 with her husband Thomas, who takes the photos you see on this site.
Together they have been writing about Costa Rica since 2017, drawing on years of road trips, hotel stays and tours around the country. We personally vet everything before we publish it.
Follow along on Instagram · Pinterest · Substack
or join our email list for trip planning help.
