Manzanillo

A tranquil village at the end of the coastal road within the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Its pristine beaches, clear snorkeling waters and jungle trails offer a peaceful escape from busier towns.

Things to do

• Snorkel the coral reef — Manzanillo's clear waters shelter one of Costa Rica's few living coral reefs, best explored on a guided snorkel tour from the beach.
• Hike the Gandoca-Manzanillo trail — Follow the coastal jungle path from the village to hidden coves like Punta Mona, watching for sloths, monkeys and toucans.
• Relax on Playa Manzanillo — This calm, palm-fringed beach at the end of the road is ideal for swimming and quiet sunbathing.
• Kayak to Punta Mona — Paddle along the protected coastline to reach the remote Punta Mona point and its mangroves.
• Dolphin-watching boat tour — Local guides run boat trips to spot bottlenose, tucuxi and Atlantic spotted dolphins offshore.
• Visit the Gandoca lagoon — Explore the mangrove estuary where leatherback and green sea turtles nest seasonally.

Food to try

• Rice and beans — The Caribbean staple cooked in coconut milk, distinct from the Central Valley's gallo pinto and often served with stewed chicken.
• Rondón — A hearty Afro-Caribbean seafood and root-vegetable stew simmered slowly in coconut milk.
• Patí — A spicy meat-filled turnover of Jamaican origin sold as a portable snack around the village.
• Fresh grilled fish — Locally caught snapper or lobster served with coconut rice at the small beachside sodas.
• Agua de sapo — A refreshing ginger and tapa dulce (raw sugar) drink with lime, popular along the Caribbean coast.

Local customs & good to know

• Embrace the slow pace — Manzanillo runs on relaxed Caribbean time, so expect unhurried service and few opening hours after dark.
• Respect the wildlife refuge — You are inside a protected area, so stay on trails, don't touch coral, and never feed the monkeys.
• Bring cash — There are no ATMs in the village, so carry colones or dollars for meals, tours and small shops.
• Hire local guides — Afro-Caribbean and Bribri guides support the community and know the reef and forest best.

Nearby

• Punta Uva — 4 km
• Playa Cocles — 9 km
• Puerto Viejo de Talamanca — 11 km
• Cahuita National Park — 21 km