Explore the national park
Follow shaded trails to hidden beaches while a naturalist guide spots wildlife you would walk right past.
Puntarenas
Manuel Antonio
18+ tours available
Overview
Beach meets jungle
Manuel Antonio packs Costa Rica into a single postcard: white-sand beaches framed by rainforest where sloths, monkeys and toucans live just steps from the sea. Its small national park is one of the most biodiverse and beloved in the country.
Highlights
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- White-sand beaches and warm water
- Sloths, monkeys and tropical birds
- Catamaran and snorkel tours
- Sunset views over the Pacific
Manuel Antonio
Watch the experience
Things to do
Relax on Playa Espadilla
Spend the afternoon on the long main beach, perfect for swimming, bodyboarding and sunsets.
Catamaran and snorkel cruise
Sail the coastline, snorkel over reefs and watch for dolphins on a half-day tour.
Spot sloths and monkeys
Capuchin, howler and rare squirrel monkeys are easy to see along the park and roadside trees.
Sea kayak or paddleboard
Glide through mangrove estuaries teeming with birds, crabs and reptiles.
Dine with a view
Quepos and the hillside road are lined with restaurants overlooking the ocean.
Best time to visit
December to April is dry and sunny. The green season (May to November) brings lower prices, fewer crowds and lively afternoon showers.
Getting there
Roughly a 2.5 to 3 hour drive southwest of San José via Quepos. Private transfers and domestic flights into Quepos airport are both easy to arrange.
Travel tip
Enter the park early and never feed the monkeys or raccoons — keep food sealed, as they are bold and quick.
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