I’ve been to beaches in Greece, Brazil, Hawaii…. This is probably the top beach I’ve ever been. Warm water, perfect waves, natural flora, all sand…. Couldn’t get enough!

What a lovely cove beach with sand a long way out and warm water. Not too crowded. A beautiful place to spend the day! Toward the edges there are rocks with black crabs and tidal pools. Watch the tide if you cross these to the beach on the other side.

February is really busy. Book at least a week ahead if you want to go around without a guide. More expensive guided tickets are available at shorter notice. If you can bear crowds, the wildlife is amazing - so much to see. Other parks are cheaper and much less busy.

Beautiful beach and not over crowded. We took the inexpensive city bus from our hotel to the park, which removed the frustration of parking fees and traffic. We had a park reservation in advance. We didn’t know that you can’t bring plastic drink bottles into the park, so had to quickly drink those and put into recycle bin. I recommend bringing your own reusable drink bottle. We walked through the park for about 25 minutes to the beach. Pretty easy walk and saw Capuchine monkeys along the way, including one carrying a tiny baby on her back. There were a couple of monkeys trying to get into people’s belongings under the trees. Nearby people shooed them away.

Very picturesque beach inside the national park so you do have to book and pay for park admission to access the beach. Manuel Antonio NP is one of the most popular parks in Costa Rica but numbers are capped with specific entrance times. Take the time to enjoy the trails - there’s plenty of wildlife to spot. DO NOT take any food, snacks or anything edible - it will be confiscated at the bag search on admission. There is a cafe and changing facilities before you reach the beach. Be careful of your belongings - the monkeys have yet to be told that visitors don’t have snacks in their bags anymore and will have a rummage given the chance!

Great beach, not too crowded with nice sand and services all around. We rented an umbrella and chairs from Glen, and it was fantastic. Included in the price were also paddle boards, which were fun. As the tide came up, we had to keep moving up. The beach was much smaller and high tide!

Best National park ever! We were indecisive if tortuga island or Manuel Antonio National park. From San Jose 3 hours. I’m glad we chose the park. Many restaurants with beautiful views as you get closer. Be careful with all the guys on the street trying to make you park where they designate you. They will charge you a lot more. Don’t fall for it. Keep going… there is an actual parking space near the entrance. Paid USD $10. You will be asked by many if you need a tour. We didn’t and in all honesty I don’t think you need one. So we only paid the $18 USD online for entrance per person. Upon arrival, they will inspect your bags throughly. No outdoor food or plastic waters. Recommend: jug of water, comfortable shoes (not sandals) can be slippery. I had hiking boots which helped me, later I changed to water shoes and swim suit. Walked about 30-45 minutes. We went all the way to “Playas Gemelas” part which was extremely better and less crowded. Saw about 6-7 monkeys on our way back (it was raining and less people). Also, lots of crabs and watch out for red fire ants. *Take mosquito repellent and sunscreen.* Beach towel, and fully charged phone/camera. You will love this place!!