Playa Manzanillo (Santa Teresa)
Beach · Nicoya Peninsula · hidden gem
A quiet mix of white sand, black rock and palms past Playa Hermosa, with clear rock pools between mid and low tide and a wide-open sunset horizon.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 2 h
- Best time
- sunset
- Kids
- 6 / 10
- View
- 9 / 10
- Crowds
- 2 / 10
- Swimming
- 6 / 10
- Effort
- 2 / 10
- Location
- 9.68891, -85.20444 — Google Maps
Tip
Check the tide chart and arrive as the tide drops for the pools, then stay for sunset.
Be careful
Rocks are slippery and the incoming tide covers the pools fast.
Places nearby
- Couleur CaféFood & CoffeeFrench-inspired café with colourful décor and tables under a big shady tree at the first entrance to Playa Hermosa - a surfer's breakfast or a lazy lunch, with vegetarian options.
- Soda RocamarSodas & Local FoodBeach soda built around locally caught fish, with fish tacos, guacamole and sandwiches served a few steps from the sand.
- Nantipa – A Tico Beach ExperienceStaysBarefoot-luxury boutique hotel on the beach in Santa Teresa.
- Natura SurfLifeSurf, Boats & DivingSanta Teresa surf school with more than 20 years of experience, also renting ATVs and booking waterfall and Isla Tortuga tours.
- Soda TiquiciaSodas & Local FoodCasual local soda in Santa Teresa known for generous plates of Costa Rican comfort food, especially fish casado, fried red snapper and mixed ceviche, at fair prices.
- El Facon Grill & BarFood & CoffeeArgentine asado house: meat cooked slowly over the grill for a smoky flavour, milanesas, fresh fish and veggie dishes, in a family-friendly room with live music.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/932522418 · Wikidata Q23740295 · https://www.lonelyplanet.com/costa-rica/peninsula-de-nicoya/mal-pais-and-santa-teresa/attractions/playa-manzanillo/a/poi-sig/1201723/358333 · https://www.flytographer.com/blog/best-places-to-take-photos-santa-teresa/