dhswor

Can anyone tell me about the beaches in MA? Which are the safest, which are the prettiest? Are any both safe and pretty??

faithie

The beaches INSIDE the park at Manuel Antonio are calm . Known to be safe .Beach number 2 and 3 are very beautiful . Others are more informed about different beaches .

poss

I agree that beaches 2&3 are the nicest in the area (handsome and calm), but they don't hold a candle to the best beaches in the Caribbean islands or in Australia or in Hawaii (especially Kauia). It doesn't matter, in our view, that CR beaches aren't among the world's best-- there are so many other wonderful aspects of that country-- but I do think it helps to understand that in advance.
A neat thing about the MA beaches, though, is to have the national park right there (as at St John, e.g., though St John has much more spectacular beaches). We enjoyed having the trails (we were on a guided tour-- very good), and being able to see the wonderful flora and fauna. Missed the fact that there is no good snorkeling in MA, but it was neat to see all the unusual (for us) animals. Main thing that bothered us about MA beaches was all the warning signs everywhere, both at the beach and all over our hotel (Makanda). We're simply not accustomed to having to watch our stuff in that manner-- to not being able to go into the water together for instance. (I'm not sure what you meant by "safe"; but for the reason I described, we didn't much like the "atmosphere" at the MA beaches.) We also prefer beaches that have easier access/parking (though the other kind of thing-- trekking-- can be fun too) and that have good shade and comfortable chairs (for luxurious hours of reading, e.g.) Or that are great long beaches for hours'-long walks along the surf. Another thing on the "plus" side, by the way: the water is deliciously warm, unlike the Pacific along California for instance (though the California beaches in our opinion are more stunning).
In short, as many people have mentioned elsewhere on this board, if one wanted the best beach kind of vacation, one probably shouldn't choose Costa Rica. On the other hand, we didn't mind the fact that the beaches weren't superior; there was so much else that was beautiful and fun in CR.
Let me know if you have any other specific questions.

dhswor

Thank you both for your replies. I really was meaning beaches safe for my kids to swim in. I do realize that they are small and not for a "beach" vacation. But, I didn't realize you had to keep someone with your stuff all the time while on the beach. Oh well. We really are going to CR for all the other wonderful things. The kids will be happy to go to the beach at least a day or two!

BulldogUKLF

The beaches inside MA are safe from the reputed rip tides on some of the beaches out side of the park. as for the security of your personal items it's not just petty theft that might be the problem but some of the White Faced Monkeys have been known to take your bags. The have the ability to open even zips looking for food and throwing the rest of your possesions on to the jungle floor.

faithie

I do not think you have to guard your belongings so much inside the park , at the public beach , perhaps yes . We had no trouble inside the park , everyone was leaving their things alone with no trouble , EXCEPT , for theiving monkeys , racoons , and the odd sniffing deer . The beach outside the park , treat it like any other public beach in a tropical destination , watch your things , never happened to us , but you never know !!!! Safe for your kids also ! Poss what were the warning signs about at Makanda , and at the beach ( public? )?? I must have been in La-La land , Oh !! Wait ...... I WAS !!! LOL Faith .

faithie

Think I am still in La La Land ! Meant to say , inside the park it is safe for the kids , it is not known for rip -tides , also do not want to give the impression that you can take off on a hike and leave your things . Nothing has ever happened to our stuff , and we do leave it alone , but never say never right !! Faith .