Manuel Antonio Beaches - Playa Playitas

Esteban Acedo • Jun 03, 2023

Manuel Antonio Beaches - Playa Playitas

Playa Playitas is one of Manuel Antonio's most exclusive beaches because getting here requires a fair walk or a 4x4 vehicle. While it is designated its own beach, you will learn that its really an extension of Playa Espadilla and could also be classified as Playa Espadilla Norte. Playa Playitas has by far the best surfing waves and will normally host fewer visitors. Love is love at Playa Playitas, so expect to see colorful flags and many same sex couples.

Surfing Playa Playitas

Playa Espadilla is a great beach for beginner surfers, as the waves tend to be medium sized and the beach floor is mostly soft sand. Surf camps can be found spread out in multiple areas down the beach and can normally accept surfers throughout the day depending on the tide. Surf board rentals are also available and normally run $15-$20 for an hour or two rental. Surf lessons normally run for around $65 per person and include water, snacks, a 1.5 hour lesson and a 2 hour board rental. The surf instructors are some of the coolest and best surfers in the area.

Book A Surf Lesson
Vendors on Playa Playitas

If you're visiting Playa Playitas, don't miss out of some of the best passing vendors in Costa Rica. Some of these vendors sell souvenirs and jewelry, while others sell cigars, hammocks or art. Our favorite vendors sell delicious snacks that should not be passed up on.  An ice cold and fresh ceviche is regularly available and should be tried by all beach visitors. There is just something incredibly special about eating fresh and delicious seafood while your skin is salty and your toes are in the sand.  If you want to give back and support the local community, while also receiving a delicious snack or taking home some souvenirs, don't miss out on this opportunity and purchase from these kind vendors.

Manuel Antonio Travel Guide

5 Things We Love About Playitas

  • A great surf break
  • Parking on the beach (4x4 only)
  • Love is Love
  • Soft sandy bottom beach
  • Incredible rock formations
How to get to Playa Playitas

By Bus

To get to Playa Playitas by bus, you simply catch the Quepos>Manuel Antonio bus from the Quepos central bus station or any bus stop in Quepos or Manuel Antonio. This bus travels solely on Manuel Antonio's main road and goes from central Quepos to Manuel Antonio's national park and back all day long. This bus is in service from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. every 15 minutes and from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. every 30 minutes. To get to Playa Playitas, get off at the igloo Hotel and put your toes in the sand. From the beach in that area, you will need to walk North to arrive at Playa Playitas.


By Car

If you're driving to Playa Playitas, take the main Manuel Antonio road (618) toward Manuel Antonio National park. Take a right before Plaza Vista Manuel Antonio. Continue to Playitas rd. (a dirt road around 1.5km down on your left).  Playitas road is best traveled only by vehicles with 4x4 as this is very steep road made of dirt and rock. Playitas road ends at Playa Playitas. Park either before you hit the beach or on the beach itself. Only take your car on the beach if you have a good 4x4 car. The tide will come up pretty high so make sure to park high enough on the beach.

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