Things to Do in Manuel Antonio

It’s no surprise that Manuel Antonio’s picture-perfect setting - lush rainforest meeting soft sands that spill into the Pacific Ocean - is also a wonderful place to enjoy some of Costa Rica's signature activities.

The crown jewel of Manuel Antonio is the national park, Costa Rica's smallest, yet most well-known, and - to many travelers - most beautiful. It's the perfect introduction to the glorious nature of Costa Rica.

Guided hikes through the Manuel Antonio National Park lead you down verdant rainforest trails to encounter monkeys, sloths, and iguanas. Powdery beaches abound in the park, offering refreshing ocean swims and shady respite to relax.  

Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica's adventure centers, offering almost as much to do as Arenal with the added bonus of being by the sea. 

Zip line canopy tours, hiking and biking, diving and snorkeling trips, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, surfing, and sport fishing are just a few of the things to keep you active in this beautiful part of Costa Rica. 

In the mornings, be the early bird and head into the national park before the purple-crowned fairies, turquoise-browed motmots, and fiery-billed aracari awaken. Later, wind down with a catamaran tour: an afternoon of snorkeling followed by wine and hors d’oeuvres aboard at sunset.

That's the beauty of Manuel Antonio in a nutshell. Mornings can be packed with all sorts of adventure and afternoons can be languid, slow affairs relaxing on beaches or beside the pool of your Manuel Antonio hotel.

Evenings can also be active with nighttime jungle tours to check out the variety of nocturnal life in these parts. And if you seek another type of nightlife, Manuel Antonio isn't short of excellent dining options and spots for sunset cocktails.

Manuel Antonio is well worth visiting and is one of Costa Rica's most popular places for a reason. With some of Costa Rica's best hotels, most beautiful beaches, and a plethora of activities, what's not to love? And then there’s the wildlife. Everyone who visits Manuel Antonio sees nature up close and personal, especially monkeys. Your kids will adore this place and so will you!

There's no set amount of time. Many travelers come to Manuel Antonio and spend their entire vacation here! With so many activities plus plenty of opportunities to relax on the beach or poolside, it's an easy thing to do. That said, we recommend splitting your time between Manuel Antonio and elsewhere to really get the most out of Costa Rica. Most of our itineraries have four or five days in Manuel Antonio.

Manuel Antonio is generally safe. You shouldn’t expect violent crime, but there are many people, so petty crime can happen. Leave jewelry back home and if you have a car, keep it locked and don't ever leave any valuables in it. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially on the beach. 

There’s plenty to do for free in Manuel Antonio. You can explore the village or the nearby town of Quepos or go birdwatching.There's a beautiful beach, Playa Espadilla, outside the national park to enjoy. Waterfall hikes, swimming, and sunbathing are also fabulous and free activities in Manuel Antonio. 

Manuel Antonio is most well-known for its national park, the smallest in Costa Rica, but widely considered the most beautiful. It's easy to interact with nature in Manuel Antonio and oftentimes monkeys will visit your hotel balcony and iguanas will lounge by your pool.