Playa Blanca
Playa Blanca: A Pristine Paradise in Puntarenas
Playa Mantas: A Tranquil Cove in Puntarenas
Discover Playa Mantas in Puntarenas: A serene beach escape with calm waters, perfect for families and swimming, near Jaco and Playa Blanca.
Playa Mantas is a picturesque beach located in Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica, known for its calm turquoise waters and lush jungle backdrop. Popular with locals and families, it offers a relaxing escape with opportunities for swimming and exploring nearby Playa Blanca.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Playa Mantas
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Puntarenas Province, CR
Other nearby places you may find interesting
Explore places near Playa Mantas
Getting There
Driving
From Jaco, take Highway 34 north for approximately 15-20 minutes. Look for the turnoff to Punta Leona; Playa Mantas is just before the main entrance. Turn onto Calle Vieja, a road that turns to dirt. Follow the road to the parking area near the beach. Parking costs vary; the main lot charges around 10,000-20,000 colones per car depending on the day. An alternative dirt lot is available, with informal attendants accepting tips (2,000-3,000 colones). Be aware that parking fills up quickly on weekends.
Public Transport
From San José or Quepos, take a bus to Jacó and disembark at the Quebrada Ganado / Punta Leona stop on Route 34. From there, take a taxi or ride-share (Uber/DiDi) for the remaining 5km to Playa Mantas; this should cost approximately $15. Alternatively, a taxi directly from Jacó to Playa Mantas costs $20-$30.
Local tips
✓
Arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a parking spot and enjoy a less crowded beach experience.
✓
Visit during the dry season (December to April) for the clearest turquoise waters.
✓
At low tide, walk to neighboring Playa Blanca for snorkeling and white sand.
✓
Bring water shoes, as some areas have pebbles, shells, and sea coral.
✓
Pack food and drinks, though there is a convenience store and pizza restaurant near the entrance.
Discover more about Playa Mantas
Playa Mantas, situated in the Puntarenas Province of Costa Rica, is a charming cove renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty. The beach features a wide expanse of gray sand, flanked by rocky outcroppings and verdant vegetation. The calm, turquoise waters are ideal for swimming, making it a favorite destination for families with young children.
During the dry season (December to April), the water clarity is particularly stunning. At low tide, visitors can walk to the adjacent Playa Blanca, known for its white sand and snorkeling opportunities. The south end of Playa Mantas features rocky formations that create tide pools, perfect for exploration.
While Playa Mantas offers a serene escape, it's also conveniently located near the bustling town of Jaco, providing easy access to amenities and activities. The beach's popularity among locals means it can get crowded on weekends, so arriving early is recommended. Despite its popularity, Playa Mantas retains a sense of natural beauty and offers a relaxing experience for those seeking a peaceful beach getaway.
A brief summary to Playa Mantas
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about Jaco
Discover Jaco, Costa Rica's vibrant beach town with stunning shores, thrilling adventures, rich wildlife, and lively nightlife. Perfect for surfers, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts.
Tell me more about Jaco