Manuel Antonio is home to Costa Rica’s smallest national park and holds a certain magic that draws those who want to lean into a more local way of life. Located less than 160km (100 mi) from San José, it provides a calm contrast to Costa Rica’s more developed side. Manuel Antonio’s shoreline with the tropical Pacific Coast showcases dreamy, soft-sand beaches while the inlands give rise to rainforest peaks and raft-worthy rivers.
The concentration of Costa Rican wildlife here is second to none, with Hoffman’s two-toed sloths, howler monkeys and the critically endangered grey-crowned squirrel monkey — all inhabitants of this captivating spot.
Things to do in Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica is known for its incredible wildlife but there’s a lot more to do in Manuel Antonio than spotting sloths. But you should start there nonetheless, with a wildlife-watching visit to the beautiful and bio-diverse Manuel Antonio National Park. There’s a beach for every day of the week too, whether you want to sunbathe, snorkel or surf.
To stay solely on Manuel Antonio’s dry land would do Costa Rica’s wildlife a huge disservice; the Park extends well into the Pacific Ocean, so the surrounding waters have plenty of animals to see too. Scuba dive, fish, or whale-watch your way into the waters to see the incredible marine ecosystems in action.
And, there’s no better way to feel the fabric of a place than through its food. As well as a strong drinking and dining scene, there are plenty of fascinating food tours and tastings in the area. Some take in working ranches or cacao plantations, while others go into medicinal herbs or lively produce markets.
Manuel Antonio National Park
It may be small but Manuel Antonio National Park packs a lot into its seven square miles, with a concentration of Costa Rican wildlife that ensures this pocket of paradise has one of the highest rates of biodiversity in the world. Howler monkeys, spider monkeys. and both two- and three-toed sloths inhabit the treetops, while coatis, iguanas, and boa constrictors are found on the ground below.
The best way to see Manuel Antonio National Park is on foot, with a range of well-worn trails you can follow to find soft-sand beaches or treetop lookouts. The main trail is leisurely and flat, linking up the beaches, while the Punta Catedral loop contains more adventurous terrain. This isthmus provides the park’s centrepiece — a tombolo with two idyllic beaches and plenty of panoramic, Pacific Ocean views.
For its own environmental protection, the Park’s capacity is limited to 1,200 people per day and it’s open every day from 7am til 4pm, except Tuesdays. Given its popularity, it’s advisable to arrive early to get ahead of the crowds. If you visit as part of a tour, your entry fee is most likely included in your tour price but be prepared to pay upon entry if you’re visiting independently.
Manuel Antonio beaches
Beaches are in abundance in Manuel Antonio, with the Pacific Ocean to its west and the pristine shoreline providing a paradise-like stretch between the two. From simply sunbathing to surfing hotspots, you can take Manuel Antonio’s beaches as actively or as chilled as you choose.
Playa Manuel Antonio
Set within Manuel Antonio National Park, golden sands and protection from the Pacific’s swell make this a great beach for gentle swimming and sunbathing. You can spot sloths and monkeys in the surrounding trees before snorkelling the coral reef just off shore.
Playa Espadilla
As this beach is located outside of the actual Manuel Antonio National Park, it’s accessible after 4pm and bars are located right by the sands. This makes it a great spot to kick back with a beer over sunset after you’ve worked up a thirst with a surf lesson or parasailing session.
Playa La Macha
Situated between Quepos and Manuel Antonio, Playa La Macha is often less crowded than nearby beaches, and a good place to venture to see iguanas and capuchin monkeys. The lush vegetation that surrounds it offers some shade to relax in too.
Playa Espadilla Sur
Just a half-hour hike from the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park, Playa Espadilla Sur is as idyllic as the area’s beaches come. Soft white sands sweep into crystal clear waters, with a lush tropical forest as backdrop. Keep an eye on the currents when it comes to swimming here.
Things to do in Manuel Antonio National Park
Get to the heart of Costa Rican culture with a Manuel Antonio tour or two. Take a trip into Manuel Antonio’s farmlands and food scene, or join a naturalist-led tour of the National Park. From fast-paced pursuits to slower sightseeing excursions, there are so many ways to weave into the local way of life.
White water rafting
White water rafting is available all year round in Manuel Antonio, although there are more options over the green season when rainfall is higher. The Naranjo River offers class III and IV experiences, while the Savegre River has a slightly slower pace (class I and II+), with tubing available too.
Sportfishing
Quepos is one of the best places on the planet for big-game fishing – it’s been dubbed the ‘Sailfish Capital of the World’. Malin, mahi-mahi, dorado, snooks and more all swim in the Eastern Pacific, so head out on a tour from Marina Paz Vela if blue-water fishing floats your boat.
Whale watching
Alongside a healthy dolphin population, humpback whales migrate through the area from June to September. Book onto a boat tour to see these amazing mammals in real time.
Damas Island Mangroves
You can get to know the winding waterways of Isla Damas with a boat or kayaking tour through its maze of mangroves. The island is home to monkeys, sloths, snakes and crocodiles. Your best chance to spot them is with a naturalist guide, who can bring the area — and its intricate ecosystem — to life.
Local flavours
Some of the world’s favourite foods and flavours grow on Manuel Antonio soil, including chocolate, coffee, vanilla and sugarcane. Take the chance to trace these treats right back to their roots with a food tour or tasting. Or, get to know Costa Rica’s traditional cuisine with a market tour and cooking class.
Manuel Antonio restaurants and dining
You’ll find eating and drinking well in Manuel Antonio both easy and enjoyable, with a variety of lively local spots to choose from, be them by the beach or high up on a hillside. From cozy cafes to high-end restaurants, there are options to suit your taste — and budget.
Emilio’s Café
With a menu of Mediterranean influences, you can enjoy Emilio’s Café’s fresh seafood and juicy steaks with a generous side of sweeping sea views.
Agua Azul
A natural waterfall and lush tropical gardens provide the backdrop to a menu of Mediterranean and Costa Rican cuisine at Agua Azul.
Ronny’s Place
Head here for some seriously spectacular sunset scenery, alongside an internationally inspired menu and specialty seafood.
Vegan Varuna
The place to go for simple, delicious and nourishing plant-based food and drink, including zoodles, raw cakes and ceremonial-grade cacao.
El Avión
Dine, drink and see the sunset from El Avión’s unusual setting – an old Fairchild C-123 cargo plane converted into a pub and a two-level bar and restaurant.
Weather in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s dry season runs from December to April, when it’s straight up hot and sunny. These months are the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities in Manuel Antonio, such as hiking, fishing, snorkelling, wildlife spotting, and spending lazy days on one of Manuel Antonio’s beaches.
The rainy season in Costa Rica falls between May and November, when the landscapes are as lush as they come. It’s the prime whale-watching season and increased rainfall means higher water levels — perfect if you’re heading to Manuel Antonio for whitewater rafting. This time of year is less crowded, with lower prices.
