Riptides in Manuel Antonio?

Question

I'm pretty sure I can get out of one, but are riptides (current going directly away from the coast as water seeks to filter back into the ocean) a serious problem at Manuel Antonio? Do a lot of people drown? What about undertows? Thank you for any info =)

Answer 1

while there is not a big problem with rip currents here as with any ocean in the world there are currents here.  If you find yourself caught in one remember to swim PARALLEL to the shore as currents are usually no more than a couple yard wide.  Yes we do have drownings here, most are due to lack of parental supervision, especially during the holidays when people are here drinking.   And yes there are a lot of boats here but you are so small and hard to see  on the water that you cannot rely on being saved by fishermen or tour boats.  Think about it our head is the size of a small watermelon imagine trying to see let alone find it on the water.   When in doubt stay where all the other people are.  Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

Answer 2

I have never heard of a true rip tide at Manual Antonio.  

But they do have a lot of drownings there.  The water can be rough and deceptive, strong currents move along the coast, often without the usual clues.

There are few trained lifeguards in the area and they are not well equipped or trained for pullouts.

ON the other hand there are a lot of boats in and around the area.  If you find yourself adrift and leaving the shore, relax, someone will eventually pull you out.