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Things to do in Manuel Antonio

Our most recommended things to do in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio or Quepos: Manuel Antonio National Park Tour

1. Manuel Antonio or Quepos: Manuel Antonio National Park Tour

Discover Manuel Antonio National Park, a small biological island established in 1972 by the Costa Rican government to preserve its precious wildlife. Though Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest park in the country, it’s also the most visited due to its charming combination of rain forests, beaches, coral reefs, and wildlife. After being picked up from your hotel by your excerpt driver-guide, get ready to explore a diverse range of fauna spanning 109 species of mammals and 184 birds. As you explore, look out for raccoons, coatis, agoutis, sloths, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, and the famous Titi monkey, an endangered subspecies unique to the park. Be led by your guide on a breathtaking walking tour through the jungle and experience the secrets and wonders of this amazing ecosystem. See kingfishers, the yellow crowned night heron and many more bird species. Benefit from assistance taking high-quality nature photos using your own digital camera combined with professional telescopes provided on the tour.

Manuel Antonio: KSTR Wildlife Sanctuary Guided Tour

2. Manuel Antonio: KSTR Wildlife Sanctuary Guided Tour

Pay a visit to KSTR Wildlife Rescue, the only official Rescue Center and Sanctuary in the area of Manuel Antonio. The sanctuary's mission is to rescue every animal in need and give them a second chance. During your tour, learn about Costa Rica’s native wildlife and the mission of the organization. Discover the work the sanctuary has been carrying out over the last 20 years and learn about their special projects, including reforestation projects, and rescuing and rehabilitating displaced animals. Enjoy a guided stroll through the rainforest sanctuary that is home to diverse animals that are not fit to be released into the wild. Meet sloths, monkeys, coatis, parrots, and more. Learn the stories of these unique animals and the care they receive from your dedicated guide. After the tour, enjoy some freshly cut fruit and homemade juice. Feel free to stay as long as you like after the tour and make use of the sanctuary's facilities, including a swimming pool and restaurant.

From Manuel Antonio: Mangrove Boat Tour

3. From Manuel Antonio: Mangrove Boat Tour

The mangrove forest is one of the most vital and astounding ecosystems in the world. Damas Island, located just 10 minutes from Manuel Antonio is currently one of the most important remaining mangroves in Costa Rica. Covering thousands of acres of protected forest, this amazing biodiversity is home to a large number of birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects. Our experienced guides will take you on an unforgettable boat tour through the channels of the mangrove forest, far away from civilization. You can discover an abundance of species native to the area such as white-faced monkeys, anteaters, boas, iguanas, birds and thousands of colorful crabs. Our boats have the capacity to hold 12 passengers and are fully equipped for your comfort and security.

From Manuel Antonio: Rainmaker Conservation Park Night Tour

4. From Manuel Antonio: Rainmaker Conservation Park Night Tour

This rainforest night tour is operated in the amazing Rainmaker Park. Rainmaker is one of the most important and impressive rainforest ecosystems in Costa Rica, this is where the extinct harlequin frog reappeared and was rediscovered thus becoming an important field of research and scientific studies for herpetologists worldwide. This night walk takes about 2-hours to 2.5-hours and is led by a professional and expert certified guide. During the expedition you may see bats, Jesus Christ lizard, spiders, owls, high varieties of frogs, snakes and many interesting insects. You will use special equipment for the night and a flashlight for a better appreciation during the activity to help you see the jungle life more clearly.

Manuel Antonio: Rainmaker Park Bridge & Waterfall Tour

5. Manuel Antonio: Rainmaker Park Bridge & Waterfall Tour

Get picked up from your hotel in Manuel Antonio or Quepos and set off for the Rainmaker Park. Begin your experience with a walk through the rainforest in search of all kinds of native birds, insects, and amphibians. Then, cross over a network of suspension bridges through the mountains that hang above the primary forest. Hike to the top of the mountain, for the opportunity to marvel at an incredible view of the sea. After this, continue to walk along the trail network until you arrive at the Canopy Bridge system section - a network of suspension bridges, built to U.S. engineering standards. The 6 sections total 250 meters, spanning from platforms attached to massive hardwood trees to create the most impressive canopy walk in Costa Rica. The design permits minimal forest impact, giving participants an opportunity to explore the majesty of the forest canopy from an unobtrusive bird's eye view. Gaze down at the jungle below and admire views of the beautiful pristine river of Rainmaker Park. Use the handrails and easy-to-follow footpaths, making stops at the observation platforms that allow you to observe the waterfalls. Capture incredible photographs of the rich biodiversity this unique site has to offer. Towards the end of this walk, arrive at a pristine waterfall pool where you are welcome to enjoy a refreshing dip. End the tour with an outstanding and delicious typical Costa Rican lunch served in the Rainmaker Park Restaurant. Finally, get transferred back to your hotel in Manuel Antonio or Quepos where your memorable tour will finish.

From Manuel Antonio: Nauyaca Waterfalls Tour with Lunch

6. From Manuel Antonio: Nauyaca Waterfalls Tour with Lunch

Be picked up by your guide from your accommodation in Manuel Antonio. Sit back and relax as you enjoy the breathtaking views on the drive while your tour guide provides you with some historic information. Hike for about 25 minutes, and see different species of birds and other animals as you move through the lush vegetation. Have a refreshing dip at Nauyaca Waterfall  and walk up to observe the impressive falls from the top. Snap some amazing photos of the jaw-dropping scenery and marvel at the deep turquoise water amid the jungle greenery. Stop for a nice lunch on the way back to Manuel Antonio.

Manuel Antonio: Catamaran Cruise to Biesanz Bay with Lunch

7. Manuel Antonio: Catamaran Cruise to Biesanz Bay with Lunch

Discover the beauty of the Manuel Antonio National Park from the water on this catamaran cruise. Search for dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife as you cruise past tropical islands and white sand beaches. Enjoy lunch, fresh fruit, and soft drinks and fruit juice as you sail.  Be picked up from select hotels in a comfortable bus and transfer to a spacious catamaran that is equipped with bathrooms, waterslides, beach chairs, and snorkeling gear.  Set off on your cruise and discover interesting facts about Quepos and the Manuel Antonio park from the Costa Rican crew members that are eager to show you the best of Costa Rica. Look for spotted dolphins, humpback whales migrating, sea turtles, and manta rays.  Gaze out at mysterious islands, craggy cliffs, and unusual rock formations as you travel along the Manuel Antonio National Park's coastline. Keep an eye out for pelicans, boobies, and ibises which have breeding grounds here.  Be fully engaged as your guide answers your queries, points out interesting sites, and provides a brief overview of the area's history. Anchor in a safe location within the picturesque Biesanz Bay. Where you can snorkel thorugh schools of colorful fish.  Come back on board once you've finished snorkeling and savor an exquisite lunch which includes grilled fish brochettes with onion and green pepper, pasta salad with vegetables, fresh tropical fruits, and natural fruit drinks.  Conclude with a return trip to the Quepos marina and the opportunity to witness a dramatic tropical sunset on the way to the harbor (during summer afternoon tours). Transfer back to your pickup point by bus. 

Volunteer for a Day at a Wildlife Sanctuary

8. Volunteer for a Day at a Wildlife Sanctuary

Join the KSTR Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteer for a Day experience to immerse yourself in the life of a zookeeper. Enjoy a tour of the sanctuary, help to clean the enclosures, and prepare meals for sloths, monkeys, parrots, and more. A buffet lunch is included. Start the day with a tour of the sanctuary to get to know all the animals that you’ll be working with for the rest of the day. Meet sloths, monkeys, coatis, parrots, and more. Learn about the stories of these unique animals and the care they receive from your dedicated guide.  During your tour, learn about the mission of the organization. Discover the work the sanctuary has been carrying out over the last 20 years and learn about their special projects, including reforestation and rehabilitation projects. You will also learn how you can help to conserve the rainforest. Afterward, help the zookeepers to clean out the enclosures or provide mental and physical enrichment activities to the animals. Stop for lunch at La Vaca Azul Restaurant, where you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet-style lunch and take some time to cool down by the pool before going back to work. After your own lunch, help to prepare lunch for the animals, including chopping vegetables and making sure each animal has their own bowl. Once the prep is complete, walk with the zookeeper and get the chance to food each of the animals and check they are eating properly.

Monteverde: Transfer to Manuel Antonio

9. Monteverde: Transfer to Manuel Antonio

Avoid the stress of finding transportation with a pre-booked transfer from Montverde to your accommodations in Manuel Antonio. Choose between shared and private options. Get picked up from your hotel in Montverde and get transferred to your hotel in San Antonio in an air-conditioned van. For a more affordable option, choose the shared shuttle service. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the free Wi-Fi as you move between destinations in comfort.

From Manuel Antonio: Los Suenos Adventure Park Day Trip

10. From Manuel Antonio: Los Suenos Adventure Park Day Trip

This full-day adventure from Manuel Antonio is a fantastic choice for a those looking to combine nature and adventure. To start the tour, you will be picked up from your accommodation at 8:00AM at which point you will head north to the coasted area of Jaco and Los Suenos. Once you arrive at the property, you will be able to choose your first adventure from the following options: • 2-hour ATV tour with waterfalls • Horseback riding with waterfalls • Zipline canopy adventure • Surfing lessons • Chocolate experience tour At noon, enjoy an amazing buffet lunch at the Vista Los Suenos Jungle Restaurant. There you will enjoy natural drinks with free refills, with coffee and dessert also included. Following lunch, you will continue on your second adventure, and by 3:30PM you will be on your way back to Manuel Antonio.

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What people are saying about Manuel Antonio

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 96 reviews

I decided to change the date of my visit. It was very disappointed that I was not able to do so... something to consider. But unfortunately, because of the strikes, the castle was closed, again very disappointed! But we got to view the magnificent gardens. Well worth the visit

Edgar was an excellent guide on our Mangrove Boat Tour. The trip was informative and fun, especially when a troupe of monkeys boarded the boat. Explored all kinds of wildlife in the estuary including herons & ibis, all at a leisurely pace. Highly recommend this tour!

Michelle was an amazing guide and so knowledgeable. The tour was so much fun all the sounds and treasures of animals we found it was awesome!

Real good! The best guide i ever seen! Love this great sensation. Everything is perfect! Pascal & Noémie

It was very instructive and interesting and the guide was very competent