Manuel Antonio: Private Beach Day & Chair Rental with Pickup

Summary

Quiet stretch of Manuel Antonio beach with monkeys overhead and chairs waiting

You’ll settle into your own shaded chair on a quieter stretch of Manuel Antonio beach, with monkeys above and fruit on hand. Enjoy included games or try boogie boarding while your local guide helps with anything you need. Expect gentle waves, friendly faces, and those small moments you’ll remember long after you brush off the last grains of sand.

What’s the experience like?

Someone was waving at us before we even stepped out of the van—turned out to be our beach concierge (I didn’t even know that was a thing). He set us up under an umbrella, right where the sand felt cool enough to dig my toes in. The air had that salty-thick smell I always forget about until I’m actually near the ocean. Not much noise except the soft thump of paddle balls and this distant laughter from a group playing cornhole nearby. We were maybe a five-minute drive from our Airbnb in Manuel Antonio, but it felt like another world compared to the main beach further down—way less crowded, just a few vendors drifting by with bracelets or fresh mangoes (I caved and bought one; sticky hands but worth it).

Our guide—Luis, I think?—kept pointing out birds overhead. Scarlet macaws are huge up close, almost cartoonish. He laughed when I tried to pronounce “Cacha” like a local; I probably butchered it. There were monkeys too, just dropping down from the trees behind us as if they owned the place (they kind of do). At some point I realized I’d been sitting there for an hour just listening to waves and not really thinking about anything important. That doesn’t happen often back home.

I grabbed a boogie board for a bit—the water was warm but not hot, more like slipping into tea that’s been sitting out for a while. When we got hungry, Luis pointed us toward this little spot up the road (he made sure to say they’re not connected to the tour). We checked prices first—good call—and sat in damp swimsuits eating fried plantains while watching surfers wipe out in slow motion. Not every moment was perfect (the sun found its way under my umbrella once or twice), but honestly, I still think about that easy feeling from time to time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Relax on Manuel Antonio beach

• Pickup from local hotel or Airbnb
• Travel to Manuel Antonio's 'Cacha' beach
• Settle into premium beach chair
• Enjoy watching monkeys and scarlet macaws
• Use beach concierge for surfboard rental or lessons

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Manuel Antonio beach day?

Yes, pickup from your hotel or Airbnb in Manuel Antonio is included.

Are lounge chairs and umbrellas provided on this tour?

Yes, premium lounge chairs with umbrellas and tables are set up for you.

What activities are available during the beach day?

You can use boogie boards, play games like cornhole or frisbee, or just relax by the sea.

Is lunch included in this beach experience?

No lunch is included; your guide can recommend local spots nearby but you pay separately.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Unlimited fruit and water are included—bring your own refillable bottle to help reduce waste.

Can children join this Manuel Antonio beach day trip?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages—even infants and small children in strollers.

Is this part of Manuel Antonio wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces used on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

Will there be vendors on the beach?

The section is public so you may see independent vendors offering snacks or souvenirs.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or Airbnb in Manuel Antonio by air-conditioned van, shaded lounge chairs with umbrellas and tables on a quieter section of beach, unlimited fresh fruit and water (just bring your own bottle), access to boogie boards and classic beach games like cornhole or frisbee—all looked after by a friendly local guide ready to help whenever you need something.