Costa Rica Gay Map and Info

Manuel Antonio, Central Pacific Coast Gay & Lesbian Scene

Manuel Antonio has had a gay scene for more than 20 years which makes it unique in Costa Rica. But its star has faded a little over the years as overdevelopment has tarnished some of the cherised areas gays have always called their own, like the gay beach Playita which now shares its space with a straight hotel. But it's still the only area in the country outside the capital with a gay bar, with exclusively gay hotels and a gay beach so remains a must-see destination for gay travelers who want to meet others.

If you need transport from San Jose to Manuel Antonio or Quepos, there are four daily public express buses for about $6 leaving from San Jose at 6am, noon, 6pm and 7:30pm. Advance tickets are recommended for those buses as seats are reserved and this windey route is not one you want to be standing for. You can buy advance tickets for which include private airport pickup (or pickup from your San Jose or Alajuela hotel) as well as see other door-to-door options including shuttles and private transport on our transport planner.

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Playita Gay Beach
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The gay beach, called Playita (or little beach) by all, is often spoken of for what it once was: an isolated little beach, surrounded by nature, clothing optional, with cruising behind the beach. Since the 2007 opening of a hotel directly behind the beach, the gay beach is now a section at the end of the beach beyond the hotel and the hotel has been known to call the police when nudity is seen. Public access to this beach is to walk west (away from the park) along Playa Espadilla and cross the rocks. This crossing is not safe within several hours of high tide so check the tide tables before you go and plan your coming and go accordingly.

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Coyaba Tropical Bed and Breakfast
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A reasonably priced accommodations that can be used as a base camp to explore the Central Pacific region. Coyaba Tropical Bed and Breakfast provides a unique fusion of Jamaican and Canadian hospitality, in an ideal location close to everything, attractions, adventure tours, shopping, restaurants, and beaches.
see reviews on Tripadvisor

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Gaia Hotel and Reserve
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Adults only luxury boutique "5 star" hotel and resort. Terraced suites and villas offer views of lush and pristine wild surroundings. Gym, spa, pool, restaurant. Mixed clients. Gay owned.
see reviews on Tripadvisor

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Hotel Casablanca
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The first gay hotel to open in Manuel Antonio, more than 20 years ago, Casablanca has a convenient hillside location, pool, great views, pool and pool bar, rooms and suites. Exclusively for gays, lesbians and their friends.
see reviews on Tripadvisor

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Hotel Mandarina
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Gay friendly hotel with pool centrally located on the hillside in Manuel Antonio business district. Former Hotel Kekoldi location.
see reviews on Tripadvisor

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Hotel Villa Roca
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Gay-owned and exclusively for gays, lesbian and their friends. Clothing optional infinity pool with stunning views. Hillside rooms and apartments.
see reviews on Tripadvisor

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The Falls Resort
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This hotel is at the former La Plantación/Big Ruby's location. This listing is included only as a note that the La Plantación hotel no longer exists and while we have no info to suggest The Falls is gay-unfriendly, it is not being marketed to gay travelers at all.
see reviews on Tripadvisor
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Casa Nelda
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1 and 2 bedroom, fully furnished apartments, secure parking, pool. Telephone, cable and wireless internet available. cdnguy59@yahoo.com

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Latino Lounge
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The former Tutu Bar is now known at the Latino Lounge and is now mixed. This rooftop bar on top of the Hotel Gato Negro (neither the hotel or restaurant at Gato Negro have ever been known to be particularly gay friendly).

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Liquid Lounge
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New Gay Bar, Lounge and Dance club. In the old Buena Nota bookstore building.
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Barba Roja
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Restaurant and bar especially popular for spectacular sunset views and 4:30 to 6:30 happy hour. Mixed crowd except for Sunday's "Totally Gay" Tea Dance 4-8pm
see reviews on Tripadvisor
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Cafe Milagro
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Gay friendly coffee shop popular for an afternoon espresso as it is directly across the main road from the access road which leads down to Playa Espadilla and the gay beach Playita. Great for people watching.

Landmarks

Playita Gay Beach   

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The gay beach, called Playita (or little beach) by all, is often spoken of for what it once was: an isolated little beach, surrounded by nature, clothing optional, with cruising behind the beach. Since the 2007 opening of a hotel directly behind the beach, the gay beach is now a section at the end of the beach beyond the hotel and the hotel has been known to call the police when nudity is seen. Public access to this beach is to walk west (away from the park) along Playa Espadilla and cross the rocks. This crossing is not safe within several hours of high tide so check the tide tables before you go and plan your coming and go accordingly.

1 comment  

Hotels

Coyaba Tropical Bed and Breakfast    2777-6279, 8705-0368   

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A reasonably priced accommodations that can be used as a base camp to explore the Central Pacific region. Coyaba Tropical Bed and Breakfast provides a unique fusion of Jamaican and Canadian hospitality, in an ideal location close to everything, attractions, adventure tours, shopping, restaurants, and beaches.

see reviews on Tripadvisor  Add comment  

Gaia Hotel and Reserve    2777 9797, 1-800-226-2515   

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Adults only luxury boutique "5 star" hotel and resort. Terraced suites and villas offer views of lush and pristine wild surroundings. Gym, spa, pool, restaurant. Mixed clients. Gay owned.

see reviews on Tripadvisor  Add comment  

Hotel Casablanca    2777 0253   

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The first gay hotel to open in Manuel Antonio, more than 20 years ago, Casablanca has a convenient hillside location, pool, great views, pool and pool bar, rooms and suites. Exclusively for gays, lesbians and their friends.

see reviews on Tripadvisor  Add comment  

Hotel Mandarina    2777 5205   

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Gay friendly hotel with pool centrally located on the hillside in Manuel Antonio business district. Former Hotel Kekoldi location.

see reviews on Tripadvisor  Add comment  

Hotel Villa Roca    2777 1349, 2777 2335   

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Gay-owned and exclusively for gays, lesbian and their friends. Clothing optional infinity pool with stunning views. Hillside rooms and apartments.

see reviews on Tripadvisor  Add comment  

The Falls Resort    2777 1332   

View on map

This hotel is at the former La Plantación/Big Ruby's location. This listing is included only as a note that the La Plantación hotel no longer exists and while we have no info to suggest The Falls is gay-unfriendly, it is not being marketed to gay travelers at all.

see reviews on Tripadvisor  1 comment  

Vacation Rentals

Casa Nelda    2777 3870 / 8814 6241   

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1 and 2 bedroom, fully furnished apartments, secure parking, pool. Telephone, cable and wireless internet available. cdnguy59@yahoo.com

Add comment  

Bars

Latino Lounge   

View on map

The former Tutu Bar is now known at the Latino Lounge and is now mixed. This rooftop bar on top of the Hotel Gato Negro (neither the hotel or restaurant at Gato Negro have ever been known to be particularly gay friendly).

1 comment  

Discos/Dance Clubs

Liquid Lounge    2777 5158   

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New Gay Bar, Lounge and Dance club. In the old Buena Nota bookstore building.

1 comment  

Restaurants

Barba Roja    2777-0331   

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Restaurant and bar especially popular for spectacular sunset views and 4:30 to 6:30 happy hour. Mixed crowd except for Sunday's "Totally Gay" Tea Dance 4-8pm

see reviews on Tripadvisor  Add comment  

Coffee Shops

Cafe Milagro   

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Gay friendly coffee shop popular for an afternoon espresso as it is directly across the main road from the access road which leads down to Playa Espadilla and the gay beach Playita. Great for people watching.

Add comment  

Additional comments from our visitors about Gay and Lesbian Manuel Antonio, Central Pacific Coast

What are people saying about us?New 5 Star Resort in Manuel Antonio     Dennis from Manhattan, New York City     January 16, 2010

There is a new super luxury 5 star resort in Manuel Antonio called Los Altos Resort and Spa. It opened the end of Oct. It is right across the street from Cafe Milagro. It consists of 24 3 bedroom condos -2400 sq ft plus outdoor space and 4 4 bd penthouse. It is on 23 acres and has its own private beach. It is designed like a luxury loft in NYC, very clean, modern lines! Great amenities, gym, infinity pool, beautiful restaurant, beach club, etc. Very hi end with modern Balenese furnishings. FOR THE GAY CUSTOMER WHO IS LOOKING FOR LUXURY AND NOT THE USUAL GAY B AND B'S-doesn't apppeal to everyone. It is definately the most luxurious resort in Manuel Antonio. You should contact the manager to see if he is OK with you listing the resort as "gay friendly" on your website. I am sure he will-I have already had a conversation with him telling him to market to the high disposal income gay clientele. An apt sleeps 6 people and the penthouse 8. His e mail address is manager@losaltoscr.com and the website is www.losaltosresort.com.