Playa Manuel Antonio, Quepos | Top 150 Bikini Destinations
QUEPOS, PUNTARENAS / COSTA RICA
Where the rainforest meets the sand
Playa Manuel Antonio.
Start in Quepos, book the national park in advance, and follow the marked forest path to Playa Manuel Antonio.
Plan your beach day ↘TOP 150 BIKINI DESTINATIONS / CENTRAL PACIFIC COAST
From Quepos
to the park.
Playa Manuel Antonio sits inside Manuel Antonio National Park, south of Quepos. You reach the shore on foot after passing through the national park entrance. The cove and forest edge make it worth setting aside part of a day.
Reserve an entry time and plan the walk back before settling on the sand. Leave food for designated areas and check with park staff about any trail or water closures.
ON THE WORLD MAP
Inside Manuel Antonio National Park.
Playa Manuel Antonio, Quepos, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
01 / GETTING THERE
Start in Quepos.
Arriving near Quepos
This archival photo shows a domestic aircraft at Quepos. Confirm current flights and arrange the road transfer separately.
Photo: kansasphoto · CC BY 2.0Get around From the gate to the sand
The main beach is inside the reserve. Use the signed trails and ask staff about the current route and any sections closed on the day.
On the beach
Check the bus operator’s timetable and allow for the walk to the entrance before your reserved slot. Beach status ↗
02 / BEACH ESSENTIALS
Know before you go.
Reach this sandy cove on the park trails after entering with a timed ticket. The protected shore is bordered by forest. Bring a refillable bottle, keep food off the beach, and follow ranger instructions.
01 / HOW TO GET THERE
Reserve before arriving
Buy the timed admission through SINAC’s online system. Use the official gate and check the reservation calendar for operating days, entry times, and fees.
SINAC’s official park ticket portal ↗02 / BEACH ACCESS
Forest paths and sand
Check with park staff about accessible routes and current trail surfaces. The final beach stretch is on sand, and paths can become slippery after rain.
03 / THE SAND
Sand, cove water, and rocks
The cove can appear calm from shore. Ask about current conditions and posted flags, and stay off rocks near the waterline.
04 / FOOD & WATER
Water and designated food areas
Bring a reusable water bottle and use the park’s refill points. Food is for the designated service area. Keep it off the beach and trails.
05 / CHAIRS & UMBRELLAS
Tree shade and beach gear
Shade moves through the day. Bring your own towel and sun protection and use only areas open to visitors. Ask staff about restrictions on equipment.
06 / RESTROOMS & SHOWERS
Restrooms and safety
Use the park’s designated facilities and ask which are open. Follow flags and instructions from staff. Keep your distance from wildlife and watch children near the water.
03 / THE BEACH
A day at Playa Manuel Antonio.
Forest at the waterline
Follow the marked trail to the sand and look for the posted instructions before going near the water.
Photo: Rodtico21 · CC BY-SA 4.001 / ARRIVAL
Walk the signed forest trail
Enter at your reserved time and take the signed route to the beach. Look for wildlife from the path and keep your bag zipped.
02 / AT THE WATER
Check signs before entering
Ask staff about the day’s conditions. Stay on dry sand if the water is rough, flags restrict access, or you are unsure about currents.
03 / MIDDAY
Take a shade and water break
Use your refillable bottle and stay in areas open to visitors. Have food only in the designated service area and take all litter with you.
04 / BEFORE EXIT
Leave time for the walk back
Start the return before the posted beach and park closing times. Ask park staff where to exit and confirm your ride from the road.
The park may close trails or restrict beach access as conditions change. Check with staff before committing to a route.
04 / NEARBY BEACHES
Four more beaches nearby.
Distances are approximate straight-line distances. Access routes can be longer, and the two other park beaches depend on trail and shore conditions.
Playa Espadilla Sur
A separate shore across the natural sand connection, inside the national park.
- Best for
- A second park shore walk
- Facilities
- Use a marked path and the same park admission. Ask about open facilities.
- Good to know
- Waves can be stronger than in the main cove. Follow posted conditions.
Playa Gemelas
A small park shore divided by a rocky formation. It is reached from a separate signed path.
- Best for
- A short park detour when the trail is open
- Facilities
- Ask park staff about trail and shore access before walking over.
- Good to know
- Watch for slick rock and turn back where the path or water is unsafe.
Playa Espadilla Norte
A public beach outside the park on the town side of the coast, with a longer stretch of sand.
- Best for
- A shore walk on a separate visit
- Facilities
- Use the public approach from the road and check parking and services.
- Good to know
- Open surf and currents can be strong. Follow flags and local guidance.
Playa Biesanz
A small cove beside Punta Quepos. Its approach includes a downhill footpath.
- Best for
- A separate cove visit and shorebird watching
- Facilities
- Confirm where the path starts. Allow time for the uphill walk back.
- Good to know
- Check water conditions and keep space around the rocks and wildlife.
Distances are straight-line from Playa Manuel Antonio. Facilities change by season, so check on the day.
05 / MUST-SEE PLACES
Three ways to see the area.
01 / MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
Walk the forest with a guide
Ask the official guide office about a wildlife walk and where to meet. Reserve the park ticket separately and follow the rules about distance from animals, trail use, and food.
Costa Rica Tourism’s national park visitor information ↗02 / ISLA DAMAS
See the mangroves by boat
Book a guided boat trip in the tidal channels. Ask about the water level and departure time, stay seated as directed, and give wildlife space.
Iguana Tours’ Isla Damas mangrove outing ↗03 / QUEPOS WATERFRONT
Walk Marina Pez Vela
Set aside time for the marina and nearby town streets. Walk the public areas, look for a meal or a coffee, and confirm the departure point if you booked a boat outing.
Marina Pez Vela in Quepos ↗EXPLORE THE AREA
Playa Manuel Antonio and Quepos.
The pin marks the beach inside the park. Zoom out to see the gate, the route back toward Quepos, and the surrounding coastline.
Open the interactive map ↗BEYOND THE BEACH
Mangroves, forest and Quepos.
Leave time for a separate mangrove trip, a walk through the national park, or a stop in town.
Isla Damas mangroves
Ask your guide when the tide suits a boat outing. Stay in the boat and give wildlife room.
Photo: diego_cue · CC BY-SA 3.0
Mangroves in the national park
Watch from marked trails and leave branches and wildlife undisturbed.
Photo: Mark Whatmough · CC BY 2.0
Marina Pez Vela
Walk the public parts of the marina and check where any booked boat trip boards.
Photo: Hanay · CC BY-SA 4.0
Quepos municipal market
Use downtown Quepos for provisions or a meal before the ride up to your lodging.
Photo: Axxis10 · CC BY-SA 4.006 / SIX HOTELS
Find your base.
QUEPOS
Villas Jacquelina
$ Budget · $
This small property on the edge of Quepos offers a mix of simple rooms and apartments. Sample direct rates were US$36–39 with taxes and fees. Ask about bathrooms, steps, and the exact bed setup, then arrange the separate ride to the national park.
Villas Jacquelina official site ↗DOWNTOWN QUEPOS
Wide Mouth Frog Hotel
$ Budget · $
Stay near the town’s bus terminal, shops, and restaurants. A sample direct rate was US$102 with taxes and fees. Compare room configurations and whether there are steps to the room, and confirm the current timetable for the bus to the park entrance.
Wide Mouth Frog Hotel official site ↗NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE
La Posada Jungle Hotel
$$ Mid-Range · $$
The hotel sits beside the national park entrance and has a pool and several room types. A sample direct rate was US$156 with taxes and fees. Book your timed park admission separately and ask which room has the easiest access for your group.
La Posada Jungle Hotel official site ↗MANUEL ANTONIO RIDGE
Hotel Costa Verde
$$ Mid-Range · $$
This hillside property offers studios and more unusual accommodation, with several pools across the grounds. A sample direct rate was US$145 with taxes and fees. Ask which pool and room area suit your group, and plan a separate ride down to the park entrance.
Hotel Costa Verde official site ↗MANUEL ANTONIO RIDGE
Sí Como No
$$$ Upscale · $$$
This forested hillside resort has rooms with balconies, pools, and restaurants. Sample direct rates varied from US$174 to US$416 with taxes and fees. Check the grade and steps between buildings, and ask which areas suit families before selecting a room.
Sí Como No official site ↗COASTAL RAINFOREST
Arenas del Mar
$$$$ Luxury · $$$$
This resort combines forested grounds and ocean-facing rooms or suites. A sample direct rate was US$394 with taxes and fees. Compare the room and transfer options, especially if you need step-free access or plan an early visit to the national park.
Arenas del Mar official site ↗
WHEN TO GO
Choose the day you want.
Compare the total room price and the road or walking route to the park gate. Ask about access, room location, and any shuttle hours if you stay on the hillside. Climate normals ↗
07 / FOOD, LANGUAGE & LOCAL LIFE
From sand to table.
Chifrijo with yuca
Chifrijo combines beans and rice with pork and toppings. Ask how it is prepared and what sides are available.
Photo: Antonio Zugaldia · CC BY 2.0What to order
Try gallo pinto for breakfast or a casado with rice, beans, plantains, and a main at lunch. In Quepos, ask about local fish and how the kitchen prepares it. Eat before your visit or use the park’s designated food area.
Local habits
Ask whether quoted prices are in Costa Rican colones or US dollars, and check if taxes and service are included.
A LITTLE SPANISH
Useful on the beach and in town.
- Buenos días
- Good morning
- Gracias
- Thank you
- Agua, por favor
- Water, please
- La cuenta, por favor
- The bill, please
SIX RESTAURANTS
Where to eat.
MANUEL ANTONIO
Mimosítico
$ Budget · $
Order a Costa Rican casado with rice, beans, and plantain. The published menu lists the chicken casado at ₡4,500 and the vegetarian version at ₡5,000. Check opening hours and ask which vegetables are in the picadillo before you choose your plate.
Mimosítico official site ↗MANUEL ANTONIO WATERFRONT ROAD
Baldis+
$ Budget · $
Stop for breakfast before the park or a casual meal afterward. The menu lists a typical breakfast with gallo pinto at ₡5,000 and a Tico burrito at ₡4,500. Ask about breakfast service and keep any takeaway food outside the park trails.
Baldis+ official site ↗MANUEL ANTONIO RIDGE
El Patio de Café Milagro
$$ Mid-Range · $$
Start with Costa Rican coffee at this open-air café, or stop for lunch or dinner after the park. A published dining guide puts main dishes at about ₡6,500–15,000. Check the café’s current menu and ask what is available if you arrive between meal services.
El Patio de Café Milagro official site ↗ROAD FROM QUEPOS TO THE PARK
La Luna at Gaia
$$ Mid-Range · $$
The hillside restaurant serves visitors as well as guests of the hotel. Its sushi menu lists the Quepos roll at US$12 and the crispy shrimp Dragon roll at US$17 before tax and service. Ask about the current menu and transport back to town.
La Luna at Gaia official site ↗MANUEL ANTONIO RIDGE
El Lagarto
$$$ Upscale · $$$
This grill serves seafood, steaks, and other dishes cooked over the fire. The published menu lists pork tenderloin at US$21.75 and a mixed meat plate at US$39.80 before tax. Ask about portion sizes and confirm evening transport before making a reservation.
El Lagarto official site ↗MANUEL ANTONIO RIDGE
Árbol
$$$$ Luxury · $$$$
Book the restaurant at Makanda for a dinner that uses Costa Rican ingredients in a set menu. The restaurant lists two courses at US$85 and three at US$125. Ask about current dishes, dietary needs, and any age or access requirements when reserving.
Árbol official site ↗08 / QUEPOS AFTER DARK AFTER DARK
Three bars.
El Avión
Stop at the restaurant built around a retired cargo plane for a drink or an early dinner. Check table availability and where your driver can pull over, especially if you plan to be there for the sunset over the Pacific. El Avión restaurant and bar ↗
Coconuts by The Falls
This small hotel restaurant and bar serves Costa Rican dishes and drinks. Ask whether the kitchen is still open and confirm table availability if you are coming from outside the property. Arrange a ride back if you are staying on the ridge. Coconuts restaurant and bar in Quepos ↗
El Patio de Café Milagro
Visit the open-air patio for a drink or an early dinner, with coffee and nonalcoholic options available. Ask about music on the evening you visit and confirm a safe pickup point along the road if you are taking a taxi. El Patio de Café Milagro food and drinks ↗
Use a known pickup point, especially on the hillside road after dark. Check when the last bus leaves if you are relying on it.
09 / QUEPOS EVENT CALENDAR & MONEY
Plan around the celebrations.
Rock Star Offshore Tournament
In January, the marina hosts a sport-fishing tournament. Check the organizer’s calendar and confirm which marina areas or activities are open to visitors during the event.
Pelagic Rockstar Offshore Tournament official site ↗Dorado Derby
In November, the marina hosts the Dorado Derby. Check the organizer’s program before planning a waterfront visit and allow extra time to reach the marina during busy periods.
Marina Pez Vela tournament calendar ↗Currency / Costa Rican colón
Carry some colones for small purchases and confirm the currency before paying. Check taxes, fees, and any service charge when comparing prices.
Central Bank of Costa Rica banknotes in circulation ↗10 / WHAT TO WEAR
Pack for the forest and the shore.
THE MANUEL ANTONIO KIT
Swim.
Walk.
Stay out.
On the sand
Wear the Costa Rica Iris bikini with a light cover-up, towel, and hat.
From the sand to the forest trail
Bring shoes with grip and a refillable water bottle. Keep the park ticket, ID, and a dry layer in your bag for the return walk.
In town
A dry shirt and comfortable shoes make it easier to stop for a meal in Quepos after the park.
11 / BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Good to know.
Do I need a ticket to reach Playa Manuel Antonio?
Yes. The beach is inside the national park. Buy a timed admission through SINAC and bring the booking confirmation and ID. Check the live calendar before choosing your visit.
Does the park close on Tuesdays?
SINAC lists Tuesday as the regular closure day. Check the official booking calendar for available entry times, operating changes, and any special closures.
Can I take food to the beach?
Food may only be consumed in the park’s designated service area. Leave it off the beach and trails. Bring water in a reusable bottle and keep food away from wildlife.
Where are the restrooms?
The national park has designated visitor facilities. Ask at the entrance which are open and where to find the nearest restroom and refill point along your route.
Can I swim in the cove?
Ask the rangers about the day’s conditions and follow flags and posted restrictions. Leave space around rocks, stay out in rough conditions, and never swim alone.
FOG & FOUNDRY / SWIM
Costa Rica Iris on the Pacific.
A triangle top and tie-side bottom in a lavender and dove-gray floral print. The four styling photos come from the original Costa Rica Iris product gallery.
Explore the Costa Rica Iris bikini ↗
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