Discover the best things to do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. From the famous national park and pristine beaches to wildlife tours and adventures, this is your complete 2025 guide.
Located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, about 3.5 hours from San José, Manuel Antonio is one of the country’s most iconic beach destinations, and for good reason. Home to Costa Rica’s smallest yet most visited national park, this region blends white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, lush rainforest, and abundant wildlife into a perfectly balanced tropical escape.
Forbes has named Manuel Antonio National Park as one of the most beautiful parks in the world, and it’s easy to see why. Sloths lounge in the treetops, squirrel monkeys leap overhead, and iguanas bask in the sun along jungle-lined beaches.
This destination offers an ideal mix of adventure, relaxation, and pure nature, paired with luxury eco-resorts, boutique hotels, and excellent dining. Whether you’re a family, honeymoon couple, or passionate nature lover, Manuel Antonio provides the perfect coastal paradise: where every day begins with ocean breezes and ends with unforgettable sunsets.
Planning Your Manuel Antonio Visit
Best Time to Visit
- Dry Season (Dec–Apr): Sunny skies, ideal swimming and hiking, peak visitor season.
- Green Season (May–Nov): Lush landscapes, afternoon rain showers, fewer crowds, lower prices.
- Best Whale Watching: August–September (migrating humpback whales).
- Insider Tip: November is a sweet spot before peak season begins.
Important: Manuel Antonio National Park is CLOSED on Tuesdays.
Plan your itinerary accordingly.
How Many Days Should You Stay?
- Minimum: 2 days (one for the park, one for beaches/activities).
- Ideal: 3–4 days for a balanced and relaxed experience.
- One week: Perfect for those prioritizing pool and beach relaxation, as well as nature day trips.
How to Get to Manuel Antonio
- By Car: ~3.5 hours from San José on paved roads.
- By Domestic Flight: To Quepos Airport, just 10 minutes away.
- By Shared Shuttle: Comfortable and efficient from major destinations.
- By Public Bus: From Terminal Tracopa in San José (budget-friendly).
- Rental Car is recommended for flexibility and day trips.
Getting Around
- Quepos–Manuel Antonio Bus: Every 15–30 minutes (very convenient).
- Taxis & shuttles are widely available.
- The main road is steep and winding — walking is not ideal.
- Many tours include hotel pickup.
Manuel Antonio National Park
The highlight of the region — a must-visit.
How to Plan Your Visit
- Reserve tickets online in advance (SINAC official site).
- Sells out quickly in high season.
- Closed Tuesdays (critical!).
- Hours: 7 AM – 4 PM
- Admission: ~$18 USD + tax
- No food allowed inside (only reusable water bottles).
Guided Tour vs. Self-Guided
| Option | Pros | Cons |
| Guided Tour (~$50–80 USD) | Spot more wildlife, use high-powered scopes, learn ecology | Higher cost |
| Self-Guided | Flexible timing, cheapest | Hard to spot animals without trained eyes |
Recommendation:
Take a guided tour first, then stay to enjoy the beaches afterward.
Wildlife You’ll Likely See
- Sloths (two- and three-toed)
- Squirrel monkeys (endangered, only found here & Osa)
- White-faced capuchins
- Howler monkeys
- Coatis, agoutis, iguanas
- Over 180 species of birds
Best Time: Early morning for maximum sightings.
Trails
- Main Trail: Easy access to main beaches.
- Miradores Trail: Beautiful lookout points over the Pacific.
- Cathedral Point Trail: Scenic loop (check current status).
- Waterfall Trail: Short and refreshing (seasonal).
Beaches Inside the Park
- Manuel Antonio Beach: Iconic white-sand bay.
- Espadilla Sur: Larger, quieter, stunning.
- Playa Gemelas: Small and secluded.
Arrive before 11 AM for shade and calmer conditions.
Beaches Outside the Park
Espadilla Norte (Public Beach)
- Free access, long sandy beach.
- Perfect for sunset walks, swimming, surfing.
- Vendors offering drinks, parasailing & jet-skiing.
- Note: Follow posted flags for currents.
Biesanz Beach (Hidden Cove)
- Calm waters, ideal for families & snorkeling.
- Chair & kayak rentals available.
- Access via a short jungle path.
La Macha Beach
- Lesser-known local beach.
- Quiet, great for beginner surfers.
- More natural and undeveloped.
Adventure Activities in Manuel Antonio
Ziplining
- One of the top canopy destinations in Costa Rica.
- Tours include 11–15 cables, Tarzan swings, nature interpretation.
- Cost: $65–80 USD
- The Sanctuary boasts one of the longest ziplines in the country.
ATV Jungle & Waterfall Tours
- Ride through rainforest, rivers, and mountain viewpoints.
- Often includes swimming under waterfalls.
- Half and full-day options available.
White Water Rafting
- Savegre River: Family-friendly Class II–III.
- Naranjo River: More intense Class III–IV.
- Includes transportation and lunch.
Parasailing
- Launch from Espadilla Norte.
- Incredible aerial views of the coast and national park.
Nature & Wildlife Tours
Night Jungle Tours
- Rainforest comes alive after dark.
- Spot frogs, snakes, tarantulas, owls, and kinkajous.
- Cost: $65–85 USD (often includes dinner).
Damas Island Mangrove Tour
- Peaceful kayaking or boat tour through winding canals.
- Perfect for spotting squirrel monkeys and crocodiles.
Ocean Kayaking & Snorkeling
- Paddle the coastline and snorkel around rock formations.
- Best conditions in dry season.
Catamaran Sailing
- Sunset cruises are especially magical.
- Dolphins common; humpbacks in August–September.
Sportfishing
- Marina Pez Vela in Quepos is world-famous.
- Sailfish, marlin, tuna, dorado — offshore & inshore trips available.
Day Trips
| Destination | Distance | Highlight |
| Nauyaca Waterfalls | 1 hour | Massive two-tier falls, swimming pools |
| Uvita & Marino Ballena NP | 1 hour | Whale Tail beach & whale watching |
| Caño Island (via Uvita) | Full day | Best snorkeling in the region |
| The Campesinos Ecolodge | 45 min | Hanging bridges & waterfall pools |
Food & Dining
Best Ocean View Restaurants
- Ronny’s Place
- Agua Azul
- Rafaeles Las Terrazas
- El Avión (built into an old plane!)
Local Flavor
- Sodas in Quepos for affordable casados and fresh seafood.
Don’t Miss
- Falafel Bar — no ocean view, but unforgettable.
Where to Stay
| Budget | Options | Notes |
| Luxury ($300+) | Tulemar, Gaia, Arenas del Mar, Parador | Perfect for honeymoons & families |
| Mid-Range ($100–250) | Costa Verde, La Mariposa, Si Como No | Ocean views & pools |
| Budget ($50–100) | Hostels & cabins in Quepos | Easy bus access |
Sample Itineraries
2 Days (Essentials)
- Day 1: National Park (guided) + beach afternoon + sunset dinner
- Day 2: Zipline or rafting + sunset at Espadilla
3–4 Days (Ideal)
Add:
- Nauyaca Waterfalls or
- Mangrove Kayaking + beach club afternoon
1 Week (Relaxed & Complete)
- Mix national park, pool days, adventure tours & day trips.
Budget Guide
- Park ticket: $16+
- Guided tours: $50–80
- Adventures: $65–120
- Meals: $8–60
- Lodging: $20–600+
Expect:
- Budget: $60–80/day
- Mid-Range: $150–250/day
- Luxury: $400+/day
What to Pack
- Biodegradable sunscreen
- Swimsuits & quick-dry clothing
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Mosquito repellent
- Small water-only daypack for the park
- Binoculars for wildlife
Key Insider Tips
- The park is closed on Tuesdays.
- Book park tickets early — they sell out fast.
- Arrive by 7 AM for best wildlife viewing.
- Hire a guide — every traveler agrees it’s worth it.
- Don’t leave belongings unattended on beaches.
- Watch signs for currents & crocodile warnings near rivers.
Plan Your Manuel Antonio Trip with CR Nomads
Ready to explore one of Costa Rica’s most amazing coastal destinations? We help travelers plan custom Manuel Antonio itineraries, including the best wildlife guides, booked-ahead adventure tours, and accommodations that match your travel style and budget.
We can also help you combine Manuel Antonio with:
- Uvita
- Jaco
- Monteverde
- La Fortuna
- Guanacaste beaches
🌿 Let us create your perfect Costa Rica trip!
👉 Explore more: The 7 Best Hotels In Manuel Antonio // Manuel Antonio Day Tours from San José