Manuel Antonio is located about 45 minutes south of Jaco and offers a beautiful beach setting surrounded by lush jungle. It’s a popular spot for beginner surfers thanks to its laid-back vibe and soft waves. The beachbreaks tend to come alive with swells from the South and South-West, making it a practical choice for those just starting out or looking for a more relaxed surf session.

The surf at Manuel Antonio usually works best with chest-high to slightly overhead waves (about 1.2 to 2.1 meters). It mainly features a mix of beach and point breaks, with waves breaking left and right over a sandy bottom and some scattered rocks. Conditions are generally easy to navigate, making it a good spot for beginner to intermediate surfers. The preferred wind directions are North-East to East, and it can handle swells between 4 to 7 feet (1.2 to 2.1 meters) quite well. Mid to high tides are usually ideal for catching the best waves here.

Access to the beach is convenient, with plenty of guarded parking near the National Park entrance. To find bigger surf, it’s a good idea to walk a bit north. While the local vibe is mellow, it's wise to be respectful of the local surfers, who often stick to the nearby Playitas area, which has more bodyboarders and peaks. Overall, the scene is friendly, so it's a great spot to enjoy a day on the waves.