The Beaches

Any discussion of Costa Rica’s best beaches inevitably involves Manuel Antonio. This stunning beach, protected by a national park of the same name, is framed by a lush crescent bay. Just west of the beach is imposing Punta Catedral (Cathedral Point), a rocky headland that shields the beach from powerful waves.

This small, immaculate beach northwest of Espadilla Beach is known as the gay and lesbian gathering spot in Manuel Antonio. Although nudity is not permitted anywhere in Costa Rica, nudists have frequented this beach for more than 30 years, though not as much in recent times due to the construction of a large hotel.

What makes Playa Biesanz in Costa Rica so special? It’s a beautiful unknown quiet corner between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. Biesanz Beach a secret, solitary location covered by dense green wilderness. It’s alive with monkeys, sloths, lizards, snakes and ocean bird formations flying overhead.

Playa Espadilla’s toasted barley sands stretch out along the coast for more than a mile across the Manuel Antonio coastline. It’s the most popular beach with tourists and the closest to downtown Manuel Antonio.