La Playita
Beach · Manuel Antonio Playa Espadilla Norte
La Playita lies beyond a small cove at the northern end of Playa Espadilla. Gay travellers have been meeting here for decades, with jungle right behind the sand.
- Gay beach
- Access at low tide
- Jungle backdrop
- No nudism
- Location
- Northern end of Playa Espadilla
Manuel Antonio - Entry
- free
- Crowd
- queer mixed, many gay travellers and locals, busier at weekends
- Getting there
- Bus from Quepos towards Manuel Antonio, taxi or ride-hailing app
- Best time
- at low tide, otherwise the way around the cove is difficult
What makes La Playita stand out
You walk north from Playa Espadilla and around a small cove. That’s only easy at low tide; at high tide the path narrows and you have to climb over rocks. Beyond it lies a quieter beach with a green backdrop.
La Playita used to be a nudist beach. Since a hotel was built there in 2014, nude bathing is no longer allowed, and according to scene sources the beach has become quieter. There’s hardly any infrastructure on site; you can get loungers, snacks and drinks at Playa Espadilla.
Atmosphere and crowd
La Playita is still considered a popular, gay-friendly beach in the area. Queer guests usually gather at the far end, and it’s busier at weekends.
A good fit if you …
- want beach and jungle in one place
- are looking for a quieter spot than the main beaches
Not ideal if you …
- are looking for a nudist beach
- need a beach bar with loungers right on site
Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Sources: Queer in the World, Queerly Beloved Travel. Access and use may change, please check before visiting.
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