Playa Manzanillo
The gateway beach into the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, with an offshore reef just out from shore.
Blue Flag beach Turtle nesting Protected area
Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Playa Manzanillo fronts the village of Manzanillo at the southern end of the coastal road, right at the edge of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Calm, clear water and an offshore reef make it a common put-in point for snorkeling and kayak trips into the refuge. Sections of this beach have held Bandera Azul Ecológica awards up to 5 stars.
Good for
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Boat launch
- Wildlife
Facilities
- Parking
- Restaurants
- Shade
Getting there
The coastal road from Puerto Viejo ends at Manzanillo village, about 13 kilometers southeast; the beach fronts the village directly.
Sea turtles
Species: Hawksbill, Green turtle
Nesting season: June to October, with hawksbill nesting most often reported July-October
Nesting is centered on Gandoca Beach further south, but hawksbills have been documented nesting directly on Playa Manzanillo.