Playa Savegre (Playa El Rey)
Beach · Central Pacific · hidden gem
About 11 km of wild beach between the Naranjo and Savegre river mouths, south of Quepos and Manuel Antonio, backed by mangroves and oil-palm plantations. Nothing is built on it: surfers come for clean, uncrowded beach-break waves, everyone else for miles of empty sand. Often called Playa El Rey.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 2 h
- Best time
- around high tide (surf); late afternoon
- Kids
- 3 / 10
- View
- 6 / 10
- Crowds
- 1 / 10
- Swimming
- 5 / 10
- Effort
- 2 / 10
- Location
- 9.35545, -84.05406 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Tickets
- Free entry, no ticket
- Road
- Gravel — a regular car is fine
- Swimming
- Only when the water is calm
- Bring
- water, shade, snacks
- Fewer people
- almost always empty
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Best surf is chest-high to a bit overhead around high tide; it closes out when big. Bring water, shade and snacks — there are no services.
Be careful
Open beach with strong currents; crocodiles live in the river mouths and estuaries — swim only in calm conditions, close to shore and away from the river mouths. Don't leave valuables in the car.
Getting there
From Quepos take the Costanera (Route 34) south about 20 min; near the hamlet of Rey turn toward the sea on the gravel Calle Playa Savegre through the palm plantation to the beach.
Places nearby
- La Langosta FelizFood & CoffeeRoadside seafood restaurant in Matapalo, on the Quepos-Dominical highway, popular with locals and travelers for shrimp ceviche, tuna steak and sushi, with a relaxed but tidy setting where kids are welcome.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- El AviónFood & CoffeeFamous hilltop restaurant built around a Fairchild C-123 cargo plane, with a bar in the fuselage and sunset views over the ocean and jungle, about 150 m above the beach.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/1456809519 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/1456809519 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/900949624 · https://crsurf.com/?p=303 · https://visitcostarica.com/where-to-go/central-pacific/attractions-in-central-pacific