Best beaches to visit in Manuel Antonio: our top picks

From picture-perfect bays backed by lush jungle, to secluded coves fronted by crashing waves, it’s true to say that Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio area is blessed with an abundance of beautiful beaches. Planning to visit? Read on to discover the best of Manuel Antonio beaches. 

Best beaches around Manuel Antonio

With Manuel Antonio National Park being one of Costa Rica's top tourist destinations, this area rewards ramblers, wildlife watchers, and beach lovers in equal measure.   Located on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, the national park includes a stack of beaches, lush rainforest, and reefs.

Add to that top hiking trails and a staggering diversity of wildlife — hundreds of bird species, endangered white-faced capuchin monkeys, and three-toed sloths — and Manuel Antonio offers a unique beach-to-bush experience. 

Before you visit, be aware that the beaches in Manuel Antonio are called by a variety of names.

Importantly, given that some are unsafe for swimming, it’s essential you know which beach you’re on. You should also check conditions with rangers.

Also be aware that the national park closes on Mondays to give the animals a rest and the trail maintenance staff a chance to do their thing. You'll find more detail in our guide to Manuel Antonio National Park.

#1 Playa Espadilla 

Located  around 4 miles (6 km) south of Quepos, just north of the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park, Playa Espadilla boasts a long curve of sand that stretches for over a mile. 

Also called Playa Primera or Playa Numero Uno, it’s the closest beach to Manuel Antonio village.

Add to that its wide, smooth, light-grey sands and stunning sunsets, and it’s clear to see why Playa Espadilla is one of Costa Rica’s best beaches. It's also obvious why it's rated as one of the best beaches in Manuel Antonio.

Here you can rent chairs and umbrellas to add comfort to your day at the beach. Alternatively, you could opt for a more active experience and take a surf lesson. For surfers, be aware that Playa Espadilla is plagued by riptides, and lifeguards only patrol the beach in high season. So, be sure to listen to your surf guide.

How to get there: Playa Espadilla is easy to reach, located just north of the Manuel Antonio National Park entrance and close to Manuel Antonio village. It’s a short walk from the main road, where public buses from Quepos regularly stop. Many nearby hotels also provide shuttle services directly to the beach. Its central location makes it a great choice for those looking to enjoy the beach without paying the park entrance fee. To learn more about the bus system, see our guide to getting around Costa Rica. 

#2 Playa Espadilla Sur

Also known as Playa Dos or Playa Segunda, Playa Espadilla Sur is the last beach you come to inside Manuel Antonio National Park. The main trail towards the exit runs through the jungle along the back of the beach. 

On that note, be aware that as Playa Espadilla Sur is located within the park and accessed via it, you must have a park entrance ticket to visit. 

Practicalities aside, on arrival, your efforts will be more than rewarded — Playa Espadilla Sur is a bona fide beauty of a beach. 

Surrounded by dense, wildlife-rich forest (beware of monkeys who may try to grab your stuff!), this picture-perfect cove has a secluded, away-from-it-all vibe. 

While usually fairly calm, note that the water here can be dangerous in rough conditions—beware of the currents.

How to get there: To visit Playa Espadilla Sur, you’ll need to enter Manuel Antonio National Park with a valid ticket. From the entrance, follow the main trail for 10-15 minutes. This beach is the last one you’ll find before exiting the park. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, so it’s easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors. The park's entrance fee is worth it for the peaceful, more secluded feel of this spot. 

#3 Playa Puerto Escondido

While handsome horseshoe-shaped Playa Puerto Escondido might be small in size (it’s just 710 yards, or 650 meters, long), it’s big in the beauty stakes.

Also called Playa Cuatro, it presents itself as a curved cove of super-soft white sand.

To reach it, follow the mile-long (1.6 km ) Sendero Puerto Escondido, a route that leads through relatively dense tropical forest. Would-be explorers will enjoy having to cross a small creek along the way. 

Visitors should be aware that at high tide you can’t get across the beach or cross it from the dense forest. As a result, ask rangers about the marea (tide) before heading here.

In addition, as the currents can be dangerous, rangers advise against swimming at Playa Puerto Escondido.

How to get there: To access Playa Puerto Escondido, take the Sendero Puerto Escondido trail, which winds through tropical forest. Start at the Manuel Antonio National Park entrance and follow the signs. Be sure to check with park rangers about tide times before heading out, as high tide can make the creek crossing dangerous. The more challenging access means fewer crowds.

#4 Playa las Gemelas

Small, secluded, and surrounded by craggy rock formations, Playa las Gemelas has an enchantingly wild ambience. 

As for how to find this Manuel Antonio beach —keep following the Sendero Playas Gemelas y Puerto Escondido to the southern end of Playa Puerto Escondido. Halfway along, a turnoff will take you to Playa las Gemelas. 

If you’ve ever wondered how it might really feel to find yourself on a desert island, visit Playa las Gemelas to get an idea.  On arrival, chances are, your only company will be iguanas basking on the rocks. While you can clamber along Playa Puerto Escondido at low tide between the two trails, check tide times with the rangers before leaving. You won’t want to get cut off.

How to get there: To reach Playa las Gemelas, follow the Sendero Playas Gemelas y Puerto Escondido trail from the southern end of Playa Puerto Escondido. After about half the hike, you’ll see a marked turnoff for Playa las Gemelas. It’s a moderate hike, but you’ll be rewarded with a secluded beach. There are no facilities or vendors here, so be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. For more tips see our guide to the best hikes of Costa Rica.

#5 Manuel Antonio Beach

Also called Playa Tres or Playa Blanca, Manuel Antonio Beach is located within the national park.  Immediately south of Playa Espadilla Sur, you reach it via a 30-minute hike from the main entrance. 

Known for its bright, white sand and framed by more shades of green than you can shake a tropical twig at, this is one of the most picturesque beaches around Manuel Antonio.

In addition, being a deeper, more protected bay than many others in the area, it's by far the best swimming beach around these parts. As a result, it’s very popular, though you can still get battered by the deceptively gentle-looking waves as they reach the shore. 

It's clear to see why Manuel Antonio beach is so popular with local families, as well as tourists who’ve come to explore the national park. You'll want to arrive before 10am to avoid the crowds. If you're bringing the whole family, be sure to see our guide to Costa Rica with kids for more safety info.

How to get there: You can reach Manuel Antonio Beach by taking a 30-minute hike from the main entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, taking you through lush rainforest where you can often spot wildlife. Follow the signs for Playa Manuel Antonio or Playa Tres. Arriving by 8am helps you beat the crowds and increases your chances of spotting monkeys and sloths along the way.

#6 Biesanz Beach 

If you love wildlife and walks on the wild side, Biesanz Beach has your name all over its lesser-visited loveliness.

Located between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park, it’s accessed via a trail. You’ll find this on the road near Parador Resort. 

The downhill route offers opportunities to see the endangered Central American squirrel monkey. Howler monkeys are also frequently sighted here, along with capuchin monkeys and the occasional sloth.   As for the beach itself, Biesanz boasts soft sand and a blissful sense of seclusion.

How to get there: To get to Biesanz Beach, start at the trailhead near Parador Resort on the road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. The 15-20 minute downhill walk is an easy trek and offers great wildlife spotting opportunities. You might see Costa Rica wildlife like Central American squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, capuchins, and sloths along the way. Unlike the park beaches, Biesanz Beach is free to access but still offers natural beauty and calm waters.

#7 Playa la Macha

Another ideal spot for those who like their beaches secluded, scenic, and brimming with wildlife, Playa la Macha also requires a bit of effort to reach. With that in mind, it’s one to recommend for more adventurous types. 

South of Quepos, the hike down to the beach from the main road is around one mile (1.5  km) and pretty steep. 

While most of your walk will be along a wide gravel trail, the final segment is muddier and may demand some scrambling — be sure to wear decent footwear. 

Though known as a “clothing optional” beach, you’ll most likely have Playa la Macha to yourself, but for the monkeys and sloths that populate the surrounding forest.

How to get there: Playa la Macha is located south of Quepos and requires a steep hike from the main road. Most of the trail is gravel, but the final stretch can get muddy and might need some scrambling. The trailhead is unmarked, so keep an eye out along the main road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Sturdy shoes and plenty of water are a must. The tough access keeps this beach one of the area’s best-kept secrets.

#8 Playa Tulemar

First things first—picturesque Playa Tulemar can only be accessed via road through Tulemar Resort and is one of the best of Costa Rica's beaches.

Set in 330 acres of lush forest and boasting the only sandy beach in this exact area, it’s not surprising people want to visit and stay here.  It's one of the better beaches around Manuel Antonio, west of the national park.

The beach itself is a perfect curve of soft sand, with scenic trails leading down to it. The water is calm and clear—perfect for swimming, soaking, and floating — with kayaks and boogie boards on hand for when you want a little more action. If you're debating how many days in Costa Rica to spend, it's worth adding a couple days to visit this beach.

How to get there: Playa Tulemar is accessible exclusively through Tulemar Resort. If you're not staying at the resort, you can sometimes arrange a day pass (availability varies by season). The resort offers shuttle services down to the beach, or you can enjoy the scenic forest trails to the shore. This beach is one of the few in the area with full amenities like beach chairs, towel service, and food options.

#9 Playa La Mancha

Playa La Mancha is definitely off the beaten path and a good pick if you're after a quiet, untouched beach. It’s one of the more serene spots in Manuel Antonio, though getting there takes a bit of effort. The trail can be tricky to find, and it’s easier to navigate with some local guidance.

Once you make your way there, you’ll find soft sand, rocky outcroppings, and not much development. It's a peaceful place to escape the crowds and really soak in nature.

If you decide to go, consider hiring a local guide, bring plenty of water, and check the tides before heading out, as high tide can make access harder.

How to get there: The trail to Playa La Mancha can be tricky to find, so it’s a good idea to hire a local guide for your first visit. From the main road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio, look for small hiking signs or ask locals for directions to the trailhead. Be sure to bring enough water and check the tide schedules before setting out, as the trail can get difficult during the rainy season.

#10 Punta Quepos

Punta Quepos isn't your typical beach, but it's a great option if you're looking for some peace away from the crowds. This peninsula near Playa Biesanz has a more private feel compared to the main beaches.

The area’s rugged cliffs and small coves create some nice, quiet spots, accessible with a short hike from the main trail. These little beach areas between the rocks are perfect for those who want some privacy and great views of the Pacific.

Early mornings work best, as the cliffs can cast shadows later in the day. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes for the rocky terrain and keep an eye on the tides when exploring the smaller coves.

How to get there: Punta Quepos is a peninsula near Playa Biesanz. It’s a short hike from the main trail, which branches off toward the point. There are multiple informal paths leading to small coves between the rocks. For the best experience, ask locals in Manuel Antonio village for the current trail conditions, as seasonal rains can affect access. Early mornings are the best time to visit, as the cliffs cast shadows later in the day, and the area is quieter.