Photo 1 of 3. Click to view slideshow.
The beach at Manuel Antonio, walking towards the Playita Gay Beach. Photo by BlueZZZ

The Gayest Beach Scene in Central America

Manuel Antonio is a cherished area that gays have always called their own. It is still the only area in the country outside the capital with a gay bar, an exclusively gay hotel, numerous gay villas, and gay beach areas. Gay people regularly hang out on the main beach before the large rock, just before crossing the rocks to Playa Playita, and on Playita itself. Manuel Antonio regularly has gay parties at various locations, especially in the high season.

Looking for info on other Central Pacific Coast towns such as Dominical, Jaco or Puntarenas? See our Central Pacific Coast page.

If you need transport from San Jose to Manuel Antonio or Quepos, there are regular buses, shuttles and turboprop flights. You can see all the transport options between any two points in Costa Rica on our transport planner.

Sort by: Category | Recommended | Alphabetic

Cafe Milagro

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.
 View on map

Casa Bosque Verde

Very modern and beautifully designed home located in the heart of Manuel Antonio, just off the main road between Quepos and the National Park. Inside its two stories contain three large bedrooms, a living room and dining room open to the second floor, and a fully equipped kitchen. Through the home's large windows discover a large roofed deck, patios and tropical gardens surrounding a very private pool. You can walk to restaurants, bars, shopping, and the beach.
 View on map

Casa Nelda

1 and 2 bedroom, fully furnished apartments, secure parking, pool. Telephone, cable and wireless internet available. cdnguy59@yahoo.com
 2777 3870 / 8814 6241
 View on map

Club Karma Lounge

The newest gay bar in Manuel Antonio, great jungle view and close to everything. The only licensed nightclub/disco in Manuel Antonio which allows them to now stay open until 2:30AM. Current Hours are 8pm to 2:30am Tuesday through Sunday. Closed on Monday.
 2777 7230
 View on map

Contempo Manuel Antonio

Five star exclusively gay hotel located adjacent to and the same owners as the gay-friendly La Mansion Hotel. Tucked in the hills of Manuel Antonio in the midst of the tropics, with spectacular views and surrounded by troops of monkeys and other wildlife. Pool, lounge.
 2777 5012
 View on map

Coyaba Tropical B and B

Newly renovated Adults Only bed and breakfast in a Spanish Colonial style building. With five rooms and a pool and a convenient location to explore the Central Pacific Coast. Gay owned, with a blend of Jamaican and Canadian hospitality.
 2777-6279, 8705-0368
 see reviews on Tripadvisor
 Average room rate: $140
 View on map

Gaia Hotel and Reserve

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.
 2777 9797, 1-800-226-2515
 see reviews on Tripadvisor
 View on map

Hotel Mandarina

Gay friendly hotel with pool centrally located on the hillside in Manuel Antonio business district. Former Hotel Kekoldi location.
 2777 5205
 see reviews on Tripadvisor
 View on map

Hotel Villa Roca

Gay-owned and exclusively for gays, lesbian and their friends. Clothing optional infinity pool with stunning views. Hillside rooms and apartments.
 2777 1349, 2777 2335
 see reviews on Tripadvisor
 View on map

Mogambo

Where the guys meet up for an evening drink. Located on the 2nd floor of Raphael's Terrazza Restaurant, Mogombo's is busy for sunset - great view - and also from 8 to 11 at night.
 View on map

Paraiso Vista al Mar

Apartments with a beautiful view to the sea, with the best prices in the area of $40 for 2 people, $110 for 5 people, special rates for groups. Fully furnished, wi-fi, pool with view, close to super markets, pharmacies, typical restaurants a Affordable rates, typical, Mexican, falafel, bars with beautiful sea view, gay bars at 50 meters. 5 minutes from Manuel Antonio beach and the park, easy access by bus from San Jose.
 2777-7616
 Average room rate: $40
 View on map

Peace of Paradise

Gay and lesbian house rentals, straight friendly. Completely furnished two bedroom houses. Two bathrooms, kitchen equipped with plates, pots, coffee maker, etc. Internet, cable tv, beautiful balcony with ocean view. Six units all unique. Massages, yoga and more.
 2777 4557
 View on map

Playita Gay Beach

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.
 View on map

Prana Rainforest Retreat

A private and romantic retreat catering to only one couple at any time offering all of the attention of a world class resort. Gay owned.
 2777-6724
 see reviews on Tripadvisor
 View on map

Tico Tico Villas

Tico Tico Villas flexible stay studio apartments are unique in offering transitional, inspired, comfortable options for short to long term stays in Manuel Antonio, Cost Rica.
 8717-6012
 View on map