Costa Rica Area Info: Central Pacific Coast: Manuel Antonio/Quepos: Things to Do

Beaches Outside Manuel Antonio National Park

Playa Espadilla, the gray-sand beach just outside the park boundary, is often perfect for board surfing and bodysurfing. At times it can be a bit rough for casual swimming, but because there's no entrance fee, it's the most popular beach with locals and visiting Ticos.

Some shops by the water rent boogie boards, beach chairs, and beach umbrellas. A full-day rental of a beach umbrella and two chaise longues costs around $10. (These are not available inside the park.)

This beach is actually a great spot to learn how to surf. There are several open-air shops renting surfboards and boogie boards along the road fronting this beach. Rates run between $5 to $10 per hour, and around $30 to $40 per day. If you want a lesson, check in with Burro at Burro's Surf Shop (tel. 777-1413) in Quepos, or the Manuel Antonio Surf School (tel. 777-4842), which has a roadside kiosk on the road to Manuel Antonio.