carlos rosario beach

My husband and I went here on two different days. The first time we went, the waves were too intense and the water too churned up to be able to do any half decent snorkeling. So, like the person mentioned below, do pay attention to the weather before you go (though why anyone would give this beach a 2/5 rating for their lack of planning is beyond me). If the winds are high and there are surf-quality waves at Playa Flamenco (a rare occurrence, I'm told, though people were surfing at Flamenco on this particular day), you may want to hold off on making the trip. Also, the beach is quite narrow, so going during high tide is probably not recommended. The second day we went, our experience was vastly different. This was two days later after our first trek over. The water had settled by then and you could really see through it quite clearly. It was incredible! For the best snorkeling, swim out through the channel and then over either to the right or to the left (I went right), and through the corral to see the best tropical fish/reefs (I have attached a screen shot to show what I mean). This was such an incredible experience I would recommend to anyone! Do be sure to pay attention to where you're at, because you will have to swim back through where you came in to go back (you can't swim straight back to the shore, because the corral is too close to the surface of the water in some places). And please don't walk on the corral. I did see this happen once. It's upsetting- we want this to be preserved for generations to come. As far as the trail, like all the others said, it's not bad if you're moderately fit (or mildly fit). Just bring water/snacks, and take everything with you when you leave. Wear good shoes on the way over. Some of the trail was really muddy on our way over, so keep that in mind.

The unique snorkeling here is the amount of coral and various types of coral. Here is where I saw the sea turtles, and there is several types of fish as well. I found it surprising that there was hardly anybody at this beach.

We traveled here last year on a guided kayak trip from Tamarindo Beach. We anchored the kayaks and snorkeled from the sea. Last month we stayed at Tamarindo so walked to this beach. It took two tries to find the "path" to the beach. Once there it is lovely sand but you need to search for a sandy spot to enter the water without disturbing the coral. Once in - enjoy!

Had a great time seeing Coral Reefs and lots of colorful fishes. Would go any time again, it's great.

We were really looking forward to Carlos Rosario for snorkeling. It was pretty easy to get through the fence and a 15-20 minute walk down a well-trodden path was easy to follow and the beach was at the end (so no worries about missing it). Unfortunately, we had not bothered to get advice regarding time of day, tides, weather etc. When we got there early in the morning, the tides were so high that there was very little beach and the waves were crashing in, which was too intimidating. I tried to find the sign which some had indicated in their reviews marks the channels to go out so one doesn't damage the coral beds but I could not find the sign. We were the only people around and didn't think it was safe to try to snorkel given the conditions. We ended up swimming at Tamarindo Grande Beach (about few minutes away on the path). In retrospect, it would have been good to get some local advice and/or to go on a snorkeling tour so there would be someone with a boat to watch our backs (literally). We met a family as we walked back to Flamenco Beach that had booked a snorkeling tour for that morning that was cancelled due to the waves (or wind? It was sunny and quite comfortable outside). Of note, the fence was locked when we came in the morning but it was easy to slip through or over the chains. When we return 1.5 hrs later the gate was unlocked and wide open. The path is initially very flat and in the early morning shaded making for a pleasant walk as long as you have decent shoes. When you get about half-way there you can look down on the water on the other side and you realized that you have to go down (and back up when you are done). I was a little worried about slipping in parts but probably most reasonably able people would be able to make it. I was a little out of breath on the way back up but once the path evened out it was fine. People with knee problems or difficulties with ups/downs might find discomfort but otherwise the path would be doable for most.

This beach was worth the effort to get there. You have to climb under a restricted gate (sliding on your tummy on the gravel) and then hike 20 min in the hot sun, but this secluded, gorgeous beach is so worth it! (Don't worry--the visitors info attendant at Flamenco beach told us to go under the fence, and we saw some other hikers go that way too). You park at Flamenco beach and then hike in to Carlos Rosario. We took our snorkel gear and spent several hours exploring a huge, healthy reef with a wide variety of fish and coral. A wonderful day, and only one other family and one fishing boat on the beach. Gorgeous!

You DO NOT have to go through the fence or over it!I saw people getting injured ripped clothing and frustrated.They must have re locked the gate because unless you are Harry Houdini you are not easily getting throughGo to the left of the locked gate about 50 feet and there is an opening.An employee at the beach showed me it.Go through it and go to the right and you will meet up with the main trailThe walk is about a mile and is no problem for those in good shape.Please stay off the coral when we were there we saw people climbing on the reefit is the most beautiful and largest variety of coral I have ever seen

Hidden paradise to get away from the people in Flamenco beach. You will feel like you are in your own private beach. It was beautiful!!!!Nice reefs- we were scared to go far so we just traced the edges of the reef. Saw a baby sting ray which somehow surfaced couple hours later to where the water was just below my waist.20 mins hike from Flamenco beach parking- gate is chained and says danger but the path is on the island map that hotels give away so it's not really trespassing. The path will take you to Tamarindo Beach first- continue until path ends when you reach the water. Go all the way to the right where you see nice blue waters surrounded by a reef.

We came here as an addd bonus to our day trip,from fajardo and I am so happy we did. We saw a bunch of sea turtles and that just mad our day. Also a stung ray next to a turtle and a few fish but not many.

The 15-20 minute walk from Flamenco is totally worth it, just be sure to carry your snacks and drinks. If you like snorkeling here you will see a wide variety of fish.

There's a locked half open fence with a big sign that reads: "Danger". That's where the path starts. You have to climb thru the gate and walk about a mile up and down hill each way. Bring water, if you can. There're no vendors, no facilities, just beautiful beach. The coral was really pretty, but the beach was kinda rocky and we were fighting the current for most of our snorkeling time. The water is clear and the beach is just gorgeous! Grand Tamarindo beach is also on this path.

We hiked from Flamenco beach (thru the gate at the back of the parking - despite the warning sign, we stayed on the trail and didn't run into any of the unexploded mines the US government left behind). Its a long hike through wet & dry vegetation, but well worth it for the undisturbed beauty you'll find.

Go to Flamenco Beach (in the parking lot), find the fence with the locked gate, the sign reads "danger, no trespassing, explosives", that's where you enter. Take the trail and hike for about 25 minutes. You will then come to a beautiful beach. Great snorkeling, crystal clear water.

Loved the hike and the sparsely occupied beach! Snorkeling was wonderful here. But for the love of god people, don't stand on the reef!!!

Best snorkeling ever!!!! Easy and nice even for kids. Wonderful coral reef and plenty of tropical fish around!A must!