Playa Gemelas
Beach · Central Pacific · hidden gem
A quiet pair of small sandy coves on the eastern side of Manuel Antonio National Park, framed by black rocks and reached by a forest trail.
- Cost
- about $18
- Time there
- 1.5 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 3 / 10
- View
- 7 / 10
- Crowds
- 3 / 10
- Swimming
- 4 / 10
- Effort
- 4 / 10
- Location
- 9.37968, -84.13971 — Google Maps
- Ratings
- 4.6 on Google (352)
Tip
Walk the Gemelas trail early, bring water, and ask a ranger about trail conditions first.
Be careful
Rocky shoreline and surf: enter the water only when it is calm. The trail can be muddy after rain.
Getting there
Park ticket required; reached on foot via the Playa Gemelas trail.
Places nearby
- Restaurante Marlin (Playa Espadilla)Food & CoffeeBeachfront restaurant facing Playa Espadilla, known for grilled calamari, octopus, whole fried fish and fish casados at fair prices, with cold beer and piña coladas and a relaxed family atmosphere.
- Morpho Beach BarFood & CoffeeOpen-air beach bar and restaurant steps from Playa Espadilla near the park entrance, with live music and salsa nights; howler monkeys and birds in the trees around.
- Aguas Azules Parasailing (Playa Espadilla)Surf, Boats & Diving · from $40Parasailing from Playa Espadilla with 10-13 minute flights over the Manuel Antonio coast, plus jet ski rentals and tours, banana boat, snorkeling, surf lessons and a sunset cruise.
- Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest ResortStaysSustainable luxury resort set in 11 acres of rainforest next to Manuel Antonio, with direct access to two beaches.
- La Terraza Café Bar RestauranteFood & CoffeeTerrace restaurant next to Hotel La Arboleda with a wide Pacific view; best known as a sunset spot.
- Si Como No Resort & Wildlife RefugeStaysEco-minded resort on the Manuel Antonio hillside with its own wildlife refuge.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/37567939 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/37567939 · https://www.google.com/maps/search/Playa+Gemelas+Manuel+Antonio