Playa Manuel Antonio (inside the national park)

Tip

Enter at the 7 am opening and swim before the tour groups arrive; tickets are sold online and the park is closed on Tuesdays.

Be careful

Never feed monkeys or raccoons, they snatch bags. Don't leave belongings unattended on the sand.

Getting there

Park ticket required (about US$16–18), bought online; the beaches close in the early afternoon.

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.