Agree with racandee. We visited in June and did not even try to wade in the ocean in front of Ylang Ylang as the waves were huge. There was a calmer beach between Ylang Ylang and town but even that would be dangerous for a 5 year old. He's much better off at the pool at Ylang Ylang or just playing in the sand.

You have to pick your spot to avoid the rocks. Right in front of Ylang is not the best, but if you go a little further towards town there is a gentler place. Ask locals including hotel staff and they will direct you. Howevever when tides are high/strong have him stay in the shallowest water and keep an eye on him. The pool is a great idea and for other alternatives, there is also a lovely freshwater swimming hole on the way to Cabuya which is completely still & safe & easy to get to. The pond at El Chorro falls is nice too (horse ride there is best) or if he can do the hike over rocks & through woods, Montezuma falls has a nice pond too

As an added bonus, monkeys like to hang around the pool at Ylang Ylang (in the trees of course).

Thanks all. Sounds like it's ok as long as you pick your spots and waves aren't too large. As I would hate to go to a beautiful beach and then have to swim in the pool the whole time I just wanted to make sure that you could at least play in the ocean (with child, close to shore of course!) without constant fear of getting sliced by volcanic rocks. The area towards town sounds good too, I'm assuming it's a 5-10 minute walk?

I'd say max 5 min to that area - you can even see it, there's rocks on both sides and is clear in the middle - there are some underfoot rocks (toe stubbing ones - not slicing ones) so have him tread carefully and he'll be fine.

If you want to venture a bit further - Playa Grande is about a 30 min walk (to the left out of Ylang, through some trails) - has no rocks & safe. A friend of mine takes her toddler (with Down syndrom) there all the time

My husband just reminded me about Piedra Colarada. The sea is not safe there, but there is a lovely pond at the bottom of the river that is right on the beach - really safe & calm & sometimes the waves even come up to it. It's maybe 100m from Ylang Ylang

Mac to

Our beaches are great most of them...but please do not leave your kid unatended one second...Please..just common sense...and you will have a great vacation...

roadadvisor

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