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Pride on the Beach 2026
Orgullo en la Playa, Manuel Antonio

Celebrate Pride on the Beach in the beautiful gay beach resort of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica's leading gay resort destination.

  • Event Dates

    From: Saturday, July 18, 2026
    To: Saturday, July 18, 2026

  • Key Highlights

    • Hot Locals
    • Pool Parties
    • Pride Parade
    • The Farewell Tea
    • Beautiful Beach's
    • Welcome Reception

Pride on the Beach 2026
Orgullo en la Playa, Manuel Antonio

Celebrate Pride on the Beach in the beautiful gay beach resort of Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica's leading gay resort destination. Events will run throughout the weekend featuring pool parties, sunset sails and one of the most unique pride parades in the world.

  • Visiting for Pride? Manuel Antonio has some amazing places to stay, from the charming apartments at Tico Tico Villas to the “Wonderful” rated Hotel Playa Espadilla. Both are close to the pride events and the gay beach.

The Pride Parade

  • Next edition: Saturday 18th July, 2026.
  • While many Pride events claim to be “By the beach”, Manuel Antonio's pride parade is actually ON the Beach!
  • At 11 am, groups make their way along Playa Espadilla in a sea of rainbows.
  • Post parade events take place in the nearby gay bars and hotels.

Circuit Parties, Pool Events and more

  • Friday to Sunday – Bravo hosts a weekend of events, pool parties and beach parties during the annual pride celebrations.
  • Parties take place at  Drunken Monkey – Located in Quepos, the Drunken Monkey club is a gay-friendly bar and has become a popular meeting point since it opened in 2022,  with beer, cocktails, dancing and drag shows.

Popular Venues during Pride

  • 2026 Program to be confirmed.
  • Enjoy a day at the Hotel Villa Roca with special pride activities planned during the weekend.
  • Enjoy a post pride dip in the pool at Hotel Teva on Saturday after the Beach March
  • The Farwell Tea at TICO TICO Villas on Sunday

Playa Espadilla

  • Playa Espadilla North is the longest and straightest of the two beaches that form Espadilla Beach, in front of where Manuel Antonio town is located.
  • This beautiful beach is open to the public, so that you do not have to pay entry ticket to the park to enjoy its wonderful landscapes.
  • The beach is easily accessible, making it a favorite spot for visitors staying in Manuel Antonio. It is just a short walk from the town's main road, where you can find various accommodations, restaurants, and shops.
  • Playa Espadilla is divided into two main sections. Espadilla Norte (North) is closer to the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park and is generally less crowded. Espadilla Sur (South) is the larger section and tends to be more popular, attracting more visitors.
  • The beach is well-equipped with basic amenities. You can find beach chairs and umbrellas for rent, as well as nearby restaurants and vendors selling refreshments and snacks.
  • Don't miss the sunsets over the Pacific Ocean. Many visitors gather on the beach in the evenings to witness the breathtaking spectacle.

Gay Manuel Antonio

  • Manuel Antonio is one of Central America's most popular gay destinations, famous for its unspoilt beaches, world-class hotels and fine food.
  • It also has a reputation as one of the most gay-friendly and welcoming beach destinations in the world with a very laid back scene, perfect for those who want to escape from it all but still enjoy the chance to mix and mingle with new friends.
  • For more, read our insider gay guide to Manuel Antonio.
  • Explore Quepos: The neighboring town of Quepos is close to Manuel Antonio and offers a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Here, you may find more diverse dining options, shops, and places to socialize.

Where to stay?

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action

Parador Resort,   Hotel Costa Verde,     Hotel Playa Espadilla,    Makanda by The Sea

Map of MIGUEL ANTONIO

2,7 km carretera a MA 60601 Quepos, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

The spectacular 360-degree panoramic view alone is enough to entice you taste buds.From the sunset tapas to the fresh, local tuna, each dish at La Luna is Inventive and prepared with the freshest of ingredients. The cuisine style combines cooking techniques and flavors from Asia, the Americas and Europe.

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Marina Pez Vella, Quepos 60601, Costa Rica

At Gabriellas Steakhouse, our goal is to deliver the best seafood and steakhouse experience. Oceanfront Gourmet Dining. At the beautiful Marina Pez Vela, Costa Rica

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Manuel Antonio 0078 Quepos, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

El Avión, the world famous, must-see and be-seen restaurant and bar in Manuel Antonio, has a colorful and fascinating history. The C-123 Fairchild cargo plane has been converted into a pub and a two level bar and restaurant has been built in, around and above the plane. Everyone agrees, El Avión has the best views in all of Manuel Antonio! Join our sunset crew – where the cargo cult meets the cocktail crowd. Enjoy informal dining, an extensive menu, a great bar scene and views of our most spectacular sunsets into the Blue Pacific Ocean below.

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618 Playa Espadilla, Provincia de Puntarenas, Manuel Antonio, 60601

The Buena Vista Beach Club Bar & Grill is located at Playa Espadilla, on Manuel Antonio Beach. Check out our open air restaurant and dine on the beach and enjoy great drinks from our Tiki bar. Experience some of the best informal food and drink in Manuel Antonio! At night our staff will even provide your very own barn fire on the beach while you eat. It’s the only place in all of Manuel Antonio you can experience very delicious food right on the sand steps from the beach.

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Manuel Antonio 60601 Quepos, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

Emilio's Cafe! a unique atmosphere, breath taking views, delicious desserts, perfect option for a delicious breakfast, a healthy and tasty lunch, and a romantic dinner!
Daily specials based on the best our market can offer: catch of the day, free range chicken, seasonal fruits and veggies, best meat cuts...all of it with Emilio special touch... come and experience why we are the locals favorite restaurant

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Manuel Antonio 60601 Quepos, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

The relaxing La Alberca Restaurant is the perfect setting for casual poolside dining in a fun tropical atmosphere. Surrounded by the rainforest.

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On the road to Manuel Antonio Ntl. Park 6350 Quepos, Puntarenas Province, 

Providing Costa Rica’s finest coffees when the sun goes down, kick back with craft beer We feature LIVE MUSIC 7 nights a week

Mixed gay and str8

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Manuel Antonio Quepos 60601 Quepos, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica

Karma Disco Lounge is Manuel Antonio's Discotheque / Lounge / Nightclub for Everyone! Manuel Antonio's latest bar where the party goes until 2:30 a.m.!
Karma Lounge / Club Karma, the gay (and straight friendly) bar of Manuel Antonio!

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This secluded, white-sand beach is reached via a winding footpath that begins in the local town of the same name.

It’s part of a beautiful national park which not only boasts unspoilt scenery, but native wildlife such as iguanas, capuchin monkeys and three-toed sloths. For this reason, you’ll need to pay a small fee to access Manuel Antonio.

A golden-sand stretch between two rocky outcrops, Espadilla Sur forms the smaller section of Espadilla. You’ll need to pay a small entrance fee to access the beach, since it’s located in the protected area of Manuel Antonio National Park.

Those looking for an all over tan should consider Playa La Mancha west of Playitas (beyond the rocky point, take care during high tide).

It is the most secluded beach in all of Manuel Antonio. The beautiful Gaia resort hotel is close to this beach

Meaning ‘little beach’ in Spanish ,Playitas Beach is the most popular gay beach  as it is slightly more secluded than the Playa Espidalla. Located on the Western side of Espadilla beach, gay tourists tend to gather at the far end at the cove during low tide.

Access to this white-sand beach is closed off for roughly two hours before and after high tide, when waves block entry to the shore. Shana by the Beach residence is close to this beach.

Playa Espadilla is the main beach at the end of the main road through Manuel Antonio, and the most popular with tourists. You will find most of the gay boys in front of the surfing area. The western edge is bordered by the Manuel Antonio National Park, offering spectacular scenery.

Stay in the Espadilla Gardens 3 Star to be close to this beach.

Quepos-Manuel Antonio, Km 2.7, 60601 Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica 

Surrounded by spectacular rainforest and wildlife, Gaia Hotel and Reserve is located near Manuel Antonio Beach, 7 minutes' drive from the coast in Costa Rica and offers chic accommodation. The luxury hotel features a luxury spa, gym, pool and one day tours.

The air-conditioned rooms are beautifully decorated in neutral tones, with wood and wicker furnishings. They enjoy views over the tropical rainforest and come with a flat-screen TV.

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in front of Hotel Mono Azul, 60601 Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Busy gay resort, close to all the action.

Set in Manuel Antonio, 2.6 km from Playitas Beach and 2.7 km from El Santuario Canopy Adventure Tour, Tico Tico Villas - Adult Only offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, an outdoor swimming pool 

The units come with tiled floors and feature a fully equipped kitchenette with a microwave, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, and a private bathroom with shower and free toiletries. There is also a fridge, toaster and a coffee machine.

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Main Road to Manuel Antonio, 3 Kilometers, 60601 Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Offering an outdoor swimming pool and a restaurant, Makanda by The Sea Hotel Adults Only is located in Manuel Antonio. Full breakfast is provided for free. The property is 200 m from the private beach.

The suites here will provide you with a TV, air conditioning and a balcony. Complete with a microwave, the dining area also has a refrigerator. Featuring a shower, private bathrooms also come with a hairdryer. Some suites have a sea view and a garden view. The studios also include an iPod dock

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Punta Quepos, Manuel Antonio, 21000 Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

The resort is located on the Punta Quepos promontory in Costa Rica, surrounded by 12 acres of wildlife-rich tropical rainforest with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio. This eco-luxury resort features 3 swimming pools and 3 restaurants.

Each bright, air-conditioned room at the Parador Resort and Spa has a balcony with ocean, garden or jungle views. All accommodation has cable TV, a minibar and coffee maker. All rooms have free Wi-Fi.

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Playas de Manuel Antonio, Km 5, Costa Rica., 00011 Manuel Antonio,

Populargay friendly hotel close to the bars and restaurants.

The resort is located on the Punta Quepos promontory in Costa Rica, surrounded by 12 acres of wildlife-rich tropical rainforest with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio. This eco-luxury resort features 3 swimming pools and 3 restaurants.

Each bright, air-conditioned room at the Parador Resort and Spa has a balcony with ocean, garden or jungle views. All accommodation has cable TV, a minibar and coffee maker. All rooms have free Wi-Fi.

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Manuel Antonio 200 metros oeste del Parque Nacional, 60601 Manuel Antonio, 

Just a 1-minute walk from Playa Espadilla Beach in Quepos, this hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, free breakfast and a tour desk. Hotel Playa Espadilla also has tennis courts.

Each air-conditioned room at this property features a cable TV and a private bathroom with a shower and toilet. The deluxe junior suite features a large spa bath.

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Playas de Manuel Antonio, 60601 Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

The La Vela Boutique Hotel it is located just 300 m from the Manuel Antonio National Park.

The rooms featuring anatomical mattresses and bedding made with Egyptian cotton, air conditioning, plasma TV, Internet WiFi, safe with size for telephoto and laptop, minibar, coffee capsule, bathrooms with shower , hairdryer, amenities, beach towels and free parking is also available.

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Next to Manuel Antonio National Park Entrance, 60601 Manuel Antonio, 

Gay friendly popular hotel.

Located at the entrance to the Manuel Antonio National Park, this hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and spa. Manuel Antonio Beach is just 2 minutes’ walk away.

All rooms at Hotel San Bada offer ocean or park views. They feature hardwood floors, air conditioning and a ceiling fan. Each is equipped with a 32-inch LCD TV, free Wi-Fi, a mini bar and a safe.

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Recommended Hotels in Manuel Antonio

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Manuel Antonio that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars

Makanda by The Sea
5 Star, Luxury

Makanda by The Sea Hotel Adults Only
Booking.com
  1. 5-star luxury, private beach.
  2. A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
  3. Balcony, kitchen, sea views.
  4. Offers luxurious adult-only accommodations with private beach access, perfect for a serene and romantic getaway.

Parador Resort & Spa
5 Star, Readers Choice

Parador Resort and Spa
Booking.com
  1. 5-star, wildlife-rich rainforest.
  2. A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
  3. Bright, balcony, panoramic views.
  4. Nestled in a tropical rainforest, this eco-luxury resort offers stunning ocean views and an immersive nature experience.

Hotel Costa Verde
3 Star, Great Value

Hotel Costa Verde
Booking.com
  1. 3-star, three outdoor pools.
  2. A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
  3. Kitchen, balcony, air-conditioned.
  4. Provides great value with multiple pools and fully-equipped rooms, ideal for a comfortable and relaxed stay.

Hotel Playa Espadilla
3 Star, Location

Hotel Playa Espadilla
Booking.com
  1. 3-star, near Playa Espadilla.
  2. A short taxi ride to the gay bars.
  3. Cable TV, private bathroom.
  4. Located just steps from the beach, offering easy access to natural beauty and hotel amenities like tennis courts

Video Guide to Gay Costa Rica

The Traveling Gays Guide

Makanda By the Sea Manuel Antonio

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