Most would park at Manuel Antonio and walk the 100yds or so north past the big rock to this rocky cove. Better access is turning off of Manuel Antonio road at the hotel Mariposa and following this little dirt road down the mountain where you can park on the beach.
Med-high to high tide is best. At this tide however some nasty rocks that are exposed at lower tides are hidden. Check the place out at low tide to get a fix on the obstacles. ideal for longboarding
Overview
Atmosphere
This place has incredible scenery. It's one of those spots that you don't mind a lull in the surf, because it gives you time to burn the surroundings into memory. The locals were cool Some ripped and some were lame just like at home. Occassionaly you'll find a real kook in the lineup. That'll be the disrespectful 20 year old from Florida. Feel free to drop in on him. If you dawn patrol you'll be alone or with a few (no more) locals. If you've got a decent budget I can't recommend the Hotel Si Como No highly enough. Beautiful landscaping that blends naturally into the surroundings, killer architecture and a super-friendly staff.
General
If you're hard-core, this is not the wave for you. I found it perfect for me in that I could dawn patrol with my buddy (often the only two out) and be back at our hotel by 8:30 or 9:00 to hook up with the waves and do other activities. If you're travelling with a wife or girlfriend and you want to surf, but it's not the whole purpose of your trip, and you're satisfied with surfing decent-but-not-great waves in an absolutely beautiful environment, then Manuel Antonio and Playitas are a good call
Surfing Playitas
I've had some awesome sessions at this break, and the locals have all been great. When it gets big, it gets really big, and you can surf it at any tide. But when it is small you have to wait to mid-going to high tide to get any surf. Don't be deceived by how the rest of Manuel Antonio is breaking. If Manuel is small, then there is something is breaking at playitas, but if manuel is big, then Playitas can be huge. I've also been wrecked on the rocks a few times, if you check the break at mid-low tide you can see exactly where they are, 'cause they're sticking dry out of the water.
comment by anonymous, 2005-09-01 19:05:34
Fun Spot
Stoped here on my last trip and I enjoyed this spot to surf. I would say that it is not easy to find and at high tide anyone can surf it...
comment by Anonymous, 2006-06-29 15:02:40