One of the closest calm-water swimming beaches to San Jose, so it fills with weekend day-trippers.
Turtle nesting
Playa Mantas is a wide cove of gray sand about 20 minutes north of Jacó, fronting part of the Punta Leona resort property, with calm, mostly gentle waves that make it a favorite for families and paddleboarding. Its turquoise water in dry season and thick jungle backdrop draw heavy weekend crowds from San Jose, since it is one of the closest scenic beaches to the capital. All beaches in Costa Rica are public, so visitors can use it without staying at the resort, though the access road parking lot charges a fee.
From the Costanera Sur north of Jacó, turn onto Calle Vieja (the old road to Punta Leona) just before the main Punta Leona entrance; a paid parking lot sits at the end of the access road, a partly unpaved 4x4-friendly track.
Species: Olive ridley
Nesting season: July to December
Punta Leona's conservation program patrols and relocates olive ridley nests here, though less often than at neighboring Playa Blanca.
Featured
Herradura
Sailing Los Sueños offers fully private catamaran and yacht charters from Los Sueños Marina, serving Jacó, Villa Caletas, and Playa Hermosa. Trips include half day coastal sails, full day tours to Tortuga Island, and sunset cruises with snorkeling, paddle boarding, meals, and drinks. Every charter is exclusive to a single group.
Herradura
A yoga operator offering sunset classes at the Los Sueños Beach Club in Herradura, open to all levels with mats provided. A relaxed, drop-in option for visitors staying around the marina.
Herradura
Blue Marlin Sportfishing books a range of charter boats out of Los Sueños Marina, from mid-size sportfishers to offshore vessels over 40 feet. Charters target blue marlin, sailfish, dorado, and roosterfish on both offshore and inshore trips. Boats come with bilingual crews and tournament-grade tackle.