Things to do in Manuel Antonio

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park packs tropical rainforests, white-sand beaches, and abundant wildlife into a compact area. Covering approximately 6.82 square kilometers, it is one of the smaller yet most popular national parks in Costa Rica. The park is home to hundreds of mammal and bird species: white-faced capuchins, squirrel monkeys, and howler monkeys leap through the canopy; brown-throated three-toed sloths and Hoffmann's two-toed sloths move slowly while hanging from high branches; and toucans, iguanas, and coatis often appear along the trails. The animals here are accustomed to human presence, so the chance of encountering monkey troops along the trails during the day is quite high. The park is best experienced through a combination of hiking and beach time. The main trail is flat and easy to walk, connecting several beaches surrounded by rainforest. Among them, Manuel Antonio Beach has calm bay waters, making it suitable for swimming. The Cathedral Point loop leads to a highland that was once an island, now connected to the mainland by a natural tombolo. Along the way, multiple observation decks offer views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby small islands. Near the entrance, there is an elevated mangrove boardwalk called El Manglar, which is approx. 784 m long and easy to traverse. Additionally, sloths and squirrel monkeys are well-camouflaged; if you want to spot more animals, it is recommended to slow down and keep an eye on the canopy.

El Santuario Canopy Adventure Tour

Paddle 9

Amigos Del Rio

Manuel Antonio Beach

This is a wide beach surrounded by dense tropical rainforest. The water is crystal clear and the waves are gentle, making it an ideal spot for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. It is also a great place for diving and snorkeling, where visitors can see a wide variety of marine life, such as sea turtles, fish, and coral.

Parque Nahomi

Playa Biesanz

This is a small, quiet beach with calm waves, ideal for boating and swimming.

Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio Nature Reserve & Wildlife Refuge

Espadilla Beach