| Beach | Where | Cost | Swimming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playa Manuel Antonio | Inside the park | Park ticket | Calmest, sheltered bay. Best for swimming. |
| Playa Espadilla Sur | Inside the park, other side of the tombolo | Park ticket | Open to the surf. Walk and photos; swim with care. |
| Playa Gemelas | Inside, south, by trail | Park ticket | Two small coves, few people. |
| Playa Espadilla | Outside, public, starts at the park gate | Free | Rip currents. Lifeguards 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
| Playa Biesanz | Outside, short forest trail off the hill road | Free | Small sheltered cove, calm water. |
Rip currents. If one pulls you out, swim parallel to the shore until it lets go, then swim in. Swim where other people are.
The park ticket ($18.08 adult) is valid all day, so the best plan is a guided walk in the morning and the inside beaches after. Guided tour from $30. The park is closed on Tuesdays: use Espadilla or Biesanz.
Which Quepos beaches are free?
Playa Espadilla, Playa Biesanz and the beaches of Quepos town are free. The three beaches inside Manuel Antonio National Park need the park ticket.
Where is it safe to swim?
Playa Manuel Antonio inside the park and Playa Biesanz outside are the calm, sheltered ones. Playa Espadilla has rip currents.