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Playa Manuel Antonio: Traveler Reviews

Pacific side, 6 kms south of Quepos, Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
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Type: Beaches
Traveler Description: The blue water of this coast provides exceptional challenge and excitement for seasoned, as well as occasional angles. International bill fishing... more »
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444 reviews from our community

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New Hampshire
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
“amazing beach!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 25, 2013

From the guidebooks it sounds like this beach is crowded and kind of a hassle. Maybe you would think this if you are a local--for us New Englanders, it was one of the most beautiful beaches we had ever seen and absolutely fabulous. There are some vendors who come around, but they are very nice--in typical Costa Rican fashion, they are polite and not pushy! Do drive all the way to the national park entrance for parking, as I think we paid for a free lot. Do bargain on tent, surfboard and chair rentals--try to pay half what they quote! But seriously people are NICE, not threatening like in other places we have been. This beach was absolutely fantastic.

Visited February 2013
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Jacó, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
“Beautiful”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 25, 2013

This is one of the nicest beaches in Costa Rica. Great place to hang out for the day. There are nice restaurants there as well as vendors if you want to buy souvenirs. The water is clean and nice

Visited February 2013
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Guelph, Canada
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
21 helpful votes 21 helpful votes
“An absolutely beautiful beach”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 24, 2013

We came here twice during our 9 day stay in the MA area. The beach was very scenic. I had my camera snapping constantly to try to find the perfect picture. The water was warm but not too warm and still refreshing. The sand it probably about as white as it gets on the pacific side of CR, but it is not the white seen in the Carribean...but nonetheless still beautiful. There are some rocks around but mostly off to one side of the beach. We had no issues swimming here. Even though we were here in the prime season and mid day and it was not really that crowded. I would come to this beach every day if it was closer....not that it was that far but the regular Playa Espadilla beach is much closer to where we were staying. I have no complaints with this beach whatsoever. This is a beautiful beach in a beautiful park in a beautiful area of a beautiful country. Can I say more....I guess I could say I enjoyed myself with my beautiful wife on a typical beautiful February day!

Visited February 2013
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See 10 more reviews by johnesv for Manuel Antonio National Park
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Shell Beach, California, United States
2 reviews
“Beautiful Beach!!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 23, 2013

Breathtaking! This park has a lot to offer! So many amazing animal live here and you can see them in the park. It's fun to get coconut and drink it on the beach. During high tide the locals will bring you back on a small boat! The park is also very clean I didn't see any trash in the park or on the beach. The market area to the entrance is worth checking out too. I hope you get a chance to visit this amazing park.

Visited March 2012
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Virden, Canada
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Best Pacific Beach”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed February 22, 2013

this is the only beach in my experience that has Pacific ocean that is warm enough to go into. People rave about Hawaii but i have not found a beach with warm water there. i also visited San Diego this past Sept. another part of the Pacific. Same thing TOO cold to swim in. Manuel Antonio is the one and only. If i've said it 100 times i'll say it. again. Manuel Antonio has the best Pacific water temp. :)

Visited March 2012
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