Oceanman Guanacaste

Along the volcanic coves of Costa Rica's Papagayo Peninsula, the Pacific settles into a sheltered basin framed by tropical dry forests. OCEANMAN Guanacaste is an open water swimming race held in the sea off CC Papagayo, situated along the scenic coast of Guanacaste in Costa Rica. Organized by OCEANMAN, the gathering brings together swimmers seeking open Pacific courses within the tranquil sanctuary of the gulf. Every December, the event sets out an expansive ladder of distances designed for every level of swimmer, ranging from a 500-meter sprint to 1,500, 2,000, 4,000, 5,000, and marathon-distance 10,000-meter courses. Swimmers step into remarkably warm tropical water beneath balmy coastal skies, where moving through the gentle salt water feels effortless from the very first stroke. Even when shifting coastal weather brings changes in the breeze across the bay, participants report finding an absorbing, steady rhythm where every stroke remains an enjoyable experience.

Two days in the Gulf of Papagayo

OCEANMAN Costa Rica returns on 12 and 13 December, with the Gulf of Papagayo as the venue of the competition. In the 2026 programme of OCEANMAN Costa Rica the 5 km and 10 km open water races fill the first day of competition. On the second day of OCEANMAN Costa Rica the programme moves to the 2 km distance and the 500 m relays. The Costa Rican athlete Jason Rojas won the 2025 edition of Oceanman, which was held on the beaches of Guanacaste. The Gulf of Papagayo has a maximum depth of approximately 100 metres.

Papagayo Peninsula: volcanic geology and sheltered Pacific bays

The distinct coastal shape that cradles the swim was born of ancient geological forces. The Papagayo Peninsula was formed by volcanic activity and sculpted over thousands of years by marine and weather erosion. Across its 15-mile coastline, this winding headland reveals 31 distinct beaches, each set into natural bays and coves along the Pacific margin. To the north, the prominent mass of the Elena Peninsula acts as a massive buffer, shielding the waters of the Papagayo Peninsula from heavy open-ocean swell. The surrounding hills and headlands remain pristine, safeguarded by a strict government mandate requiring that 70% of the peninsula's land remains preserved in its wild, natural state. Forming part of the coastline of Santa Rosa National Park, Bahía de Santa Elena is almost completely enclosed by land, connecting to the ocean through a narrow passage measuring roughly one kilometer that opens toward the north.

Iguanita Wildlife Refuge: mangroves, coral reefs, and nesting turtles

About five kilometers from the race area, the Iguanita Wildlife Refuge protects 115 hectares of diverse habitats encompassing beaches, quiet estuaries, mangrove swamps, and coastal forests. At the edge of the refuge, a 1.5-kilometer grey sand beach rests quietly between towering sea cliffs. Mangrove forests cover fully 89% of the refuge area, weaving dense underwater thickets of red, black, and white mangrove species. This submerged network acts as a rich, safe nursery that provides crucial habitat and nutrients for regional fish and prawns. Within the refuge's marine waters thrive 24 species of mollusks, 22 species of fish, 13 species of crustaceans, 5 species of coral, and 3 species of echinoderms.

Playa Panama: calm waters, black volcanic sand, and coastal dry forest

The waters at Playa Panama are renowned for being remarkably calm, allowing swimmers to sight easily and hold their line without fighting heavy surf or turbulence. Just beyond the sand, the grounds transition into native tropical dry forest where local wildlife can often be spotted moving through the trees. The sheltered cove makes the shoreline a relaxed staging area, offering effortless access to warm-up activities such as stand-up paddleboarding and ocean kayaking. Boating life on the peninsula gathers on the southwest side, where the Papagayo Marina opened in 2009 with 180 slips for vessels. After long hours out on the courses, swimmers gather on the beach at Vistas del Golfo, dining alfresco while looking out across lush coastal gardens.