Manuel Antonio
Can't decide if you want to spend your Costa Rican vacation exploring the magical flora and fauna of the rainforest or relaxing on pristine white sand beaches? Manuel Antonio has it all, so you don't have to choose.
Located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is a hot spot for vacationers due to its diverse and enchanting landscape. Tucked into the misty mountains along the Pacific Ocean, this district has something for everyone from the beach bum to the thrill seeker.
Dazzling Beaches
Though the smallest national park in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is celebrated as one of the most beautiful parks in the world. Its spectacular beaches are excellent for sunbathing, surfing, snorkeling, and swimming - as well as taking a stroll along the unique land bridge between Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio. The dazzling turquoise waters will be calling your name.
Unparalleled Wildlife
Manuel Antonio’s jungles are teeming with fascinating wildlife, from the white-faced capuchin monkeys to the iconic scarlet macaws. As you trek along the Manuel Antonio Park Tour, you’ll be delighted to encounter some of the 109 species of mammal and 184 types of bird found throughout the park.
Near Damas Island, a swampy mangrove forest provides an eerily beautiful perspective of Manuel Antonio. Take a boat ride among the tropical trees and flowers to set your eyes on the sleepy sloths of the forest. Your guide can even point out skittering basilisk lizards and powerful boa constrictors amidst the rainforest plants. And you’ll never forget the soft yet curious touch of a capuchin monkey swinging onto your boat and climbing onto your head!
Endless Adventure
Adventure seekers will also be right at home partaking in Class III, IV, or V whitewater rafting. Experience the famous “Devil’s Mouth” of the Savegre River as you float by the lush forest with an in-water view. If you’re even more daring, paddle through El Chorro past lofty waterfalls and formidable rocky cliffs. Or pair a half-day rafting trip with a cruise around the one-of-a-kind landscape on an exhilarating ATV tour.
To get the absolute most thrill out of a stay in Manuel Antonio, Adventure Tours’ 10 in 1 Canyoning and Rappelling Adventure offers it all. Ziplining through the rainforest canopy will give you a view of the jungle that is breathtaking in more ways than one! Waterfalls and canyons await adventurers who want to add a bit of challenge to their day. Swimsuits are a must when you round out the adventure with a go on the Waterfall Tarzan Swing, dropping you into the refreshing river pool below.
Dining in Manuel Antonio
Whether you are looking for a hearty meal or a snack and drink for happy hour, Costa Rican fare is at its finest among the matchless restaurants and cafes in Manuel Antonio. Many boast open-air seating and a laid back atmosphere, welcoming tourists to indulge in both delicious bites and the surrounding beauty of nature.
The city is located near some of the best fishing grounds in the world, so make sure you complete your Costa Rica adventure with the catch of the day as you take in the surreal views of the Pacific Ocean from your table. You’ll definitely be in vacation paradise sipping a tropical drink at a local bar, listening to local musicians play live music, and treating yourself to a coconut flan for dessert.
Whether you desire a laid-back beach getaway or a trip full of new sights and thrilling adventures, Manuel Antonio is a destination that will fulfill your every dream.
Explore Featured ADVENTURES
Naranjo Rafting
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Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Los Sueños, Costa Rica
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Whitewater Rafting
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Half Day Starting From $89
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Challenging
Per Person (2 person minimum)
Savegre Rafting
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Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Los Sueños, Costa Rica
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Whitewater Rafting
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Full Day Starting From $99
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Moderate
Per Person (2 person minimum)
Manuel Antonio Zipline Canopy Tour
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Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
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Canopy
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2 Hours Starting From $85
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Moderate
Per Person (minimum 2 people)
Monkey Mangrove
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Manuel Antonio, Jaco, Los Sueños, Costa Rica
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Wildlife
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2 Hours Starting From $59
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Easy
Per Person
Explore Related HOTELS
The Gaia Hotel and Reserve
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Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
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Hotels
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Starting From $339
Per Night/ 2 people (+ sales tax)
Frequently Asked QUESTIONS
Will we see animals on the [Manuel Antonio, Monkey Mangrove, Crocodile, ATV, Zipline, Carara, etc.], tour?
While we do not guarantee that you will see animals on any of the tours we offer, our tours have been designed to maximize your chances by putting you in the right place at the right time. The animals you might see on the tours we offer are wild. Although we make no direct promises, we enjoy a rich variety of wildlife in Costa Rica, so seeing animals and/or rare birds while you are in the rainforest is subject to the whims of nature. This applies to our tours of Manuel Antonio National Park, The Monkey Mangrove tour, Crocodile tours, ATV's, Zipline Canopy tours and any other tours that offer the chance to see flora and fauna in the wild.
What is there to do in Manuel Antonio?
Manuel Antonio is a beautiful destination with plenty of activities to keep you busy. You can tour Manuel Antonio National Park, which boasts breathtaking beaches, hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife including sloths and monkeys. The area also provides opportunities to explore the lush rainforest canopy on a zipline tour or enjoy a morning or afternoon sunset sail on a catamaran. You can go kayaking, horseback riding or rappelling in Manuel Antonio. A nearby white-face monkey habitat can be visited on a mangrove tour. Jungle night hikes in Manuel Antonio provide visitors with a rare opportunity to see nocturnal animals in the rainforest. The area is also home to three rafting rivers of increasing difficulty - the class III Savegre, class IV Naranjo, and the class IV and V El Chorro. [View Full Blog Post]
Where should I stay in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica?
There are accommodation options available in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica ranging from economy to luxury, so travelers on any budget can find a place to stay during your vacation. Luxury resorts include Arenas del Mar Beachfront and Rainforest Resort, Makanda by the Sea, and Hotel Parador Resort & Spa. Boutique hotels include Gaia Hotel & Reserve, Hotel La Mariposa, and Hotel California. Budget hotels include Hotel Villa Roca and Hotel Playa Espadilla. Backpackers will find hostels in the area, including Selina Manuel Antonio, Hostel Plinio, and Backpackers Manuel Antonio. In addition, vacation rental homes, condos and villas are also available in the area.
Is Manuel Antonio safe?
Manuel Antonio and the surrounding areas are generally considered safe for tourists. Costa Rica is known for its friendly people and its commitment to eco-tourism, and the park is a major tourist attraction that is well-maintained and well-patrolled. The town of Manuel Antonio has an active police presence. We recommend using trusted transportation and accommodations, practice situational awareness and avoid displaying cash or wearing expensive jewelry while traveling. Vacationers will only need to take the usual safety precautions during their time in Manuel Antonio. [View Full Blog Post]
How many days should I stay in Manuel Antonio?
The number of days you should spend in Manuel Antonio National Park depends on how much time you have available and what you want to do during your visit. A minimum of two to three days is recommended to fully explore the park and the surrounding areas, but you can also spend more time if you want to relax and soak up the beautiful scenery or take part in more outdoor activities.
Where is Manuel Antonio?
Manuel Antonio is a coastal town located on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the province of Puntarenas. It is situated just south of the town of Quepos.
How big is Manuel Antonio National Park?
As the smallest national park in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park covers an area of approximately 1983 ha or 4900 acres. Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular national parks in Costa Rica, known for its beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests, and abundant wildlife. It is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including monkeys, two and three toed sloths, coatis, toucans, and iguanas. In 2011, Forbes named Manuel Antonio among the top 12 most beautiful parks in the world. [View Full Blog Post]
Do you need a guide for Manuel Antonio National Park?
While Manuel Antonio National Park is open to the public, arranging an organized tour ahead of time will truly enhance the experience. In addition to providing access to essential wildlife spotting equipment you might not otherwise have, one of the many benefits of visiting the park on a tour include accompaniment from a dedicated naturalist guide. Naturalist guides are highly educated and have expert knowledge of the trails, plants and animals inside the park. A guide can not only provide you with in depth information about the flora and fauna you see, they can answer your questions, tell interesting stories, and provide valuable insights. In the wild, animals can be difficult to spot if you are not familiar with where to look. A naturalist guide can show visitors how to navigate the park and spot animals hidden in the canopy. In addition, entrance tickets to the park are purchased in advance of your arrival when you take part in a park tour. This invaluable service can shave a considerable amount of time off of gaining entrance to the park. (View Full Blog Post)
Where is Manuel Antonio National Park?
Manuel Antonio National Park is located on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, about 82 miles southwest of San Jose. It is situated in the province of Puntarenas, near the town of Quepos.
Can you surf in Manuel Antonio?
Yes, you can surf in Manuel Antonio. The beach at Manuel Antonio is called Espadilla Beach. The waves at Espadilla are not always consistent and the beach can be crowded with swimmers, but beginners will generally find the southern end of the beach during high tide most suitable. Advanced surfers will find bigger waves and greater challenges on the northern end of the beach. It is important to note that Espadilla can have strong currents and undertows. Surfers should be aware of their surroundings and always take the necessary precautions. [View Full Blog Post]
How far is Manuel Antonio from San Jose Airport?
The distance between San Jose International Airport (SJO) and Manuel Antonio is approximately 160 kilometers (99 miles) and it takes approximately 3 hours to travel by shuttle or car.
How do I get from San Jose to Manuel Antonio?
There are several transportation options for getting from SJO airport to Manuel Antonio. The fastest and most convenient option by far is a private transportation service. This method avoids the hassle of public transport and car rentals. Late model private transport vehicles are air-conditioned, comfortable, and provide bilingual professional drivers. A slightly cheaper method is to use a shared shuttle service. These shuttles usually leave at scheduled times each day and make stops at various hotels along the way, so you should expect a longer travel time. Renting a car is another option. You will also want to consider the distances you will be traveling, the difficulty of the drive, the cost of fuel, and any mandatory insurance you may be required to purchase before determining if a rental car is your best option.
How far is Monteverde from Manuel Antonio?
Monteverde is approximately 4 hours north/northeast of Manuel Antonio. The distance is approximately 114 miles between these two towns. The route to Monteverde does have mountainous roads along the way, so it is important to account for up to an hour of additional travel time in order to properly anticipate your arrival in Monteverde.
How far is Manuel Antonio from Tamarindo?
Approximately 188 miles separate Manuel Antonio from Tamarindo. Tamarindo is located in the Guanacaste province on the northern part of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, while Manuel Antonio is located in the Puntarenas province on the central part of the Pacific coast. Driving time is approximately 5.5-6 hours between the two destinations, but factors like traffic, winding roads, and stopping to rest should be considered. A good rule of thumb while traveling between these two destinations is to anticipate an additional 1-2 hours of travel time in order to correctly anticipate your arrival.
How far is Manuel Antonio from Arenal Volcano?
Arenal Volcano is located near the town of La Fortuna in the Alajuela province of Costa Rica. The drive from Manuel Antonio to La Fortuna is approximately 5-6 hours. With factors like mountainous roads, tolls, and traffic, a good rule of thumb is to anticipate an additional 30 minutes to one hour of travel time for the trip between these two locations. The total distance between Manuel Antonio and La Fortuna depends on the route taken, but the fastest route using Carr. Pacífica Fernández Oreamuno, Costanera Sur, Route 34 and Route 702 is approximately 136 miles.
