Punta Catedral

Punta Catedral is a rocky, forested headland inside Manuel Antonio National Park, wrapped by a walking loop with several coastal lookouts. It used to be an island; a natural strip of sand and mineral deposits now joins it to the mainland. I’d keep it in a beach day if you want a short walk and a changing run of ocean views.

The loop is roughly 1.2–1.4 km, and about an hour is a good allowance if you stop at the lookouts. Join it from Playa Espadilla Sur or connect across from Playa Manuel Antonio. This is a walk for forest and views more than a swim: the beaches around the rocky point are generally too rough for swimming.

The outlooks open toward the Pacific, rocky offshore islets, Playa Espadilla Norte and the developed coast around Manuel Antonio. The angle changes as the loop circles the point, so walk past the first opening and use the different clearings to frame the islands and coast.

Punta Catedral was once an island. Over time, sand and other mineral deposits built a tombolo—a narrow natural bridge—to the mainland. You can walk across that connection between beaches before following the forested point around the water.

The park cafeteria, toilets and outdoor showers are by the central junction near Playa Manuel Antonio, a separate stop from the headland loop. There is no vehicle parking inside the park, so plan to reach Punta Catedral as part of your visit on foot.