Hi,
We plan to chill out for a couple of days at the beaches in Manuel Antonio. Can anyone recommend a place to get some lunch and a beer close by? Can we go in and out of the park? Also, which beach in the park has some waves?
Thanks, Jayne

Well , there are actually all kinds of little spots just outside the park , I never actually took note of names .... (sorry ) and yes , you can go in and out of the park . Actually for the biggest waves , it's the public beach "before" you enter the park ( Playa Espadilla or Beach One ). Once inside the park , the first beach you see just after the toll booth sometimes has good body surfing waves . ( Playa Espadilla Sur or Beach 2 )

Thanks Faith!! Do you go to the public beach or do you prefer the beaches inside the park? We're staying at Villa El Parque and I read somewhere you can walk (or hike) down the back of the hotel to a beach. Do you know anything about that beach?

Check out the Blue Marlin...there is a row of small shopes/restaurants and it is in the middle. We went almost everyday for their raw tuna...so good and so reasonable. They also have a good happy hour from 4p-6p I think. Most spots were good. Have a great time wish I was going.

We usually go inside the park with the kids so they can actually swim . From Villas D. P. you would have to walk "down" the road that takes you to Makanda , La Mariposa , El Parador etc. Eventually you come to a fork in this road , going RIGHT takes you to Biesanz Beach on the right side of the punta ( Punta Quepos ) . If you take the fork to the LEFT you will eventually end up walking out by Natures Beachfront Hotel at the end of the public beach ( Playa Espadilla or Beach One )On the left side of Punta Quepos .This is the end " away " from the park , so it's a good walk to the other end , but doable for sure .

I've eaten at Marlin's several times - great food, great prices, great people watching. Plus the bus stops right in front, so as you see it go by (in the other direction) you know you have a couple minutes before it turns around and picks you up.

Jennifer and Tully, thanks for the info on Blue Marlin!! Sounds awesome!

Faith,
Thanks again for the tips about the beaches! Gosh, can't wait to go!!!
Jayne