Facts checked October 2026 by the Manuel Antonio Travel Guide team
Quick comparison
| Beach | Where | Entry | Swimming | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playa Manuel Antonio | Inside the park | SINAC ticket | Calm, sheltered | Swimming after a park walk |
| Playa Espadilla Sur | Inside the park | SINAC ticket | Can have waves | Space and fewer people |
| Playa Gemelas | Inside the park | SINAC ticket | Calm coves | A quiet, small beach |
| Playa Espadilla | Outside, by the entrance | Free | Waves and currents; calmer at the south end | Sunset, all-day beach |
| Playa Biesanz | Outside, short trail | Free | Usually calm | Snorkelling and kayaks |
Inside the national park
Playa Manuel Antonio is the postcard beach: a sheltered cove with soft sand and clear water, about 20 minutes' walk from the entrance on easy trails. It is the best swimming in the area. Get there early; it fills from late morning.
Playa Espadilla Sur sits on the other side of the isthmus. It is longer and usually emptier, but can have waves. Avoid sitting under the manzanillo trees, whose sap burns skin.
Playa Gemelas is a pair of small coves on a rougher, less used trail of about half an hour. Go in the cooler part of the day.
All three need a park ticket bought online in advance, and the park closes on Tuesdays. See how to buy tickets.
Outside the park, free
Playa Espadilla is the long public beach right outside the park entrance. It is great for walks and sunsets, but the surf can be strong; swim near the calmer southern end and where others are swimming. Don't leave anything unattended on the sand.
Playa Biesanz is a small, calm cove near the hillside hotels, reached by a forest trail of about 10 minutes that can be steep and slippery. Vendors usually rent kayaks, snorkel gear and chairs and sell drinks, so bring cash. Roadside parking is limited, so arrive early in the dry season. It is one of the best snorkelling spots around, especially near the rocky edges.
Beach safety
- Swim near other people and follow any flags or local advice; rip currents are common on open Pacific beaches.
- Keep bags closed and in sight. Monkeys and raccoons inside the park are fast.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and sun protection; there is little shade on Espadilla at midday.
See the coast from the water
The coastline between the park's beaches is best seen by boat. A morning catamaran often stops for a swim or snorkel.
Morning catamaran with snorkel and lunch
Best for: A relaxed day on the water along the park's coast
- 9:00 am departure from Marina Pez Vela, Quepos
- Buffet lunch, juices and snorkel gear included; bring a towel
- Hotel pickup only in the Manuel Antonio area
Prices and booking on Viator
Small-group naturalist walk, ticket option
Best for: First-time visitors who want a small group and the ticket sorted
- Maximum 10 people, about 2–3 hours with a spotting scope
- Choose the option WITH park ticket at checkout
- Meets at Chalo Parking, a few steps from the entrance
Prices and booking on Viator
Frequently asked questions
Which Manuel Antonio beaches are free?
Playa Espadilla, the long beach just outside the park entrance, and Playa Biesanz, a small cove reached by a short forest trail, are both free. Beaches inside the national park need a park ticket.
What is the best beach for swimming in Manuel Antonio?
Playa Manuel Antonio inside the park is the calmest and most sheltered. Outside the park, Playa Biesanz is usually calm too. Playa Espadilla can have strong waves and currents.
Can I eat on the beaches inside the park?
Outside food is not allowed into the park, and the monkeys and raccoons on the beaches are experts at stealing it. There is a cafeteria inside the park with a designated eating area.