At a glance
- From Santa Teresa
- About 20 minutes north on the dirt coast road, past Playa Hermosa
- From the airports
- San José airport (SJO): about 6 hours via the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry. Liberia airport (LIR): 4½–5½ hours. Cóbano airport (ACO): about 50 minutes
- Swimming
- Swim at mid to high tide; at low tide rocks show. Playa Arío, a 10-minute walk north, is better for swimming. Keep away from the river mouth
- Best for
- Couples who want quiet and a sunset; walkers and snorkelers; families with older kids
- Facilities
- A tiny village with a few places to eat; no hotels (one small lodge). Shops and services in Santa Teresa
- Getting there
- North from Santa Teresa on the dirt and gravel road. Beyond Manzanillo the coast route fords rivers: dry season and 4x4 only
- Surf
- Usually mellow; the reef break needs a big swell
What’s Manzanillo like?
The white-sand beach is lined with old almendro trees on one side and blue-green Pacific on the other. On land, you can take long walks along the shore or settle in for some serious sunbathing, then stay for a quiet sunset.
Can you swim at Manzanillo?
Time it with the tide. Swim at mid to high tide on calm days; at low tide the rocks come up, and that’s when you can walk out to a reef-protected lagoon for some of the best snorkeling on this coast, with plenty of colorful tropical fish. Mornings are usually clearest.
For an easier swim, walk about 10 minutes north across the Río Manzanillo to Playa Arío, part of a small refuge where sea turtles nest. Keep away from the river mouths: Manzanillo is one of the places where crocodile warning signs are going up.
Are there beaches beyond Manzanillo?
Yes. Keep walking north and you’ll reach more isolated beaches. Most have no road access and hardly any houses, so you’ll rarely see another person. By car, the coast road north crosses rivers with no bridges; it’s passable only in the dry season, with a high-clearance 4x4. See the Coyote coast for what lies beyond.
The surf is usually mellow here, but the reef can pick up during a big swell.
Where to stay nearby
Playa Hermosa, just south, is the closest place to stay. Where to stay in Playa Hermosa
Want to compare the other beaches first?
More about Beaches in and around Malpais
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Manzanillo beach?
Yes, at mid to high tide on calm days. At low tide the rocks show, which is the time to snorkel instead. For a better swim, walk 10 minutes north across the Río Manzanillo to Playa Arío, and keep away from the river mouth itself.
Are there tide pools at Manzanillo?
At low tide you can walk out to a reef-protected lagoon that's good for snorkeling, especially in the morning. Wear water shoes on the rocks.
Are there crocodiles at Manzanillo?
Crocodiles live in some river mouths on this coast, and Manzanillo is one of the places where Costa Rica is putting up crocodile warning signs (announced in July 2026). Swim away from the river mouths, especially at dawn and dusk, and follow the signs.
How far is Manzanillo from Santa Teresa?
About 20 minutes north, on the dirt coast road past Playa Hermosa. Beyond Manzanillo the road crosses rivers and is passable only in the dry season with a high-clearance 4x4.
Is Manzanillo good for sunsets?
It's one of the quietest places on the coast to watch one: west-facing, with almost nobody on the sand. Bring a flashlight for the drive back, as the road is dark.
Where should we stay near Manzanillo?
There are no hotels in the village, just a small lodge. The closest choice is Playa Hermosa, just south. See where to stay in Playa Hermosa.