Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
30 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
mixed
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
desirable
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
1 000 m
Frequently asked questions
Playa Manzanillo: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +27.0°C, warms up to +29.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Playa Manzanillo: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.6 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Playa Manzanillo: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 30 metres from the shore. Bottom — mixed. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Playa Manzanillo: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 1 000 metres.
Playa Manzanillo: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December. It ends in April. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Playa Manzanillo: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are unlikely. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Playa Manzanillo: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: mosquitoes, sandflies, sea urchins. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Playa Manzanillo: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Playa Manzanillo: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Playa Manzanillo: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Passion Bakery. Cuisines available: Cafe. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Playa Manzanillo: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Food, Towel, Swimsuit, Water shoes, Headwear, Mosquito repellent.
Playa Manzanillo: when is the best time to swim?
The best time to visit is the dry season (December–April). Morning water is calmer.
Playa Manzanillo: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swimming is not recommended due to lack of lifeguards. Caution, rocky sections. Keep the beach clean.
Playa Manzanillo: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Playa Manzanillo: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for seekers of solitude and nature lovers. Suitable for swimming and walks. Not suitable for families with small children due to remoteness and lack of lifeguards.
Playa Manzanillo: what makes this beach unique?
Playa Manzanillo on the Nicoya Peninsula is a hidden gem, located 15 minutes- drive from Santa Teresa. Due to its remoteness and poor roads, there are almost no tourists here, making it ideal for those seeking solitude.
Playa Manzanillo: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Very quiet and uncrowded beach, Wide sandy shore, Calm water, Picturesque rocks and tide pools, Snorkelling opportunities, Authentic atmosphere, Free access. Cons: Rocky shore in some places, No lifeguards, Very remote location, Limited infrastructure, Poor roads, 4x4 required, Mosquitoes and sandflies.
Playa Manzanillo: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Tide Pools, Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Playa Manzanillo: how do I get to the city of Santa Teresa?
The beach is located near the city of Santa Teresa. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the
city page for Santa Teresa.