Manzanillo Beach is among the most beautiful white sand beaches in Costa Rica. It is two crescent shaped beaches that run, in total, 8 miles along the Caribbean coast. In addition to white sand, beautiful blue sky and scenes of small restaurants on the opposite side of the highway, palm trees are plentiful and provide shade when you've had enough sun. The last time we were on Manzanilla Beach (2017), it was virtually empty. This year, was quite different. The beach was populated by thousands of people with their sun tents, barbeques, volleyballs and other beach equipment. They'd settled in for a serious day in the sun. What we learned later was that this volume of people directly related to the holidays (Christmas/New Year) when the populations of San Jose virtually leaves the city and heads for the two coasts for their two week holiday. We were happy to hear this and not that this was a usual day-to-day situation resulting from tourism expansion. I should say that the development of new restaurants on the other side of the highway is clearly resultant from tourism which is good for the community and its economy. Assuming you're well protected with the right SPF sun protection, this is a great beach for those long, relaxing and even romantic walks, for chatting, meditating or just letting your thoughts leave your head so you fully relax. Equally, it's a great place to swim, play in the sand and get some sun whether you're a child building sand castles or the adult helping. Manzanillo is about 25 minutes by car south of Puerto Viejo. Don't miss it ... you won't be disappointed.

Clean calm water but during April there are a lot of seagusam/seaweeds .sandy sea shores and seashells so take your picnic basket and swim suit and enjoy the sunshine ☀️