Costa Rica Travel Posts

Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur

By Patrick Brunelle ⋅ May 20, 2011 ⋅  Email this post ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

When we rated the top beaches in Costa Rica, We came up with both Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur. These beaches are actually located within Manuel Antonio National Park, near the town of Quepos, and about 3.5 hours from San Jose. This is a high traffic tourist location and there is a wide range of hotels on the road from Quepos to Manuel Antonio.

The park boasts two very different beaches, one on each side of the point. The most interesting part of these beaches is that you are surrounded by rain forest that pretty much grows right to the high tide line. You will literally be surrounded by nature.

The most popular beach Playa Manuel Antonio, is located of the south side of the point. Here you will find a half mile white sand beach in the form of a crescent. On one side are rain forests alive with the sounds of white faced monkeys, three toes sloths, and many other tropical species of birds and reptiles. The other side is a quiet, tranquil, and secluded cove.

While here be sure to pack a lunch and bring plenty of water as there are no amenities located within the park itself. Also do not forget to take the short hike up to Cathedral Point, where you will get a breath taking view of the entire National Park, surrounding Rain Forest and Pacific Ocean,

Espadilla Sur is located on the Northern side of Manuel Antonio National Park. The first difference that you will note between this beach and Manuel Antonio is that Espadilla Sur has much darker sand and the water tends to be rougher. Here you also lose a sense of being surrounded by nature. This beach is backed by the rainforest; however it looks over the southern part of Quepos and the parking lot for the National Park. You will also notice less wildlife on this beach as well, due to the fact that it is not as deep into the rainforest.

One important thing to note is that because this is a National Park, there is an entrance fee as well as hours of operation. The Manuel Antonio National Park entrance fee is US$10 per person. Children under 12 are free. Hours: 7am. To 4pm, and is closed on Mondays.