17 Best Things to Do in Manuel Antonio + Must-Know Tips
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Tucked away in lush rainforest, along a pristine stretch of Pacific coastline, you’ll find (my idea of) tropical paradise: Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
Manuel Antonio easily sets the scene for the perfect sunswept getaway with its stunning beaches, luxe ecoresorts, abundant flora and fauna, and pura vida vibes.
From wildlife spotting in Manuel Antonio National Park and lounging on beautiful beaches, to ziplining through the jungle canopy, savoring fresh-caught seafood, and swimming in waterfall pools, there are so many unforgettable things to do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
While living in Costa Rica as a digital nomad, basing myself in Playa Negra and Nosara, I took a road trip to Manuel Antonio to discover if this little village and national park are worthy of all the hype. And despite the crowds, I was pleasantly surprised!
The abundant natural beauty and animal encounters I experienced here blew me away.
In this guide, I’ll cover 17 of the best things to do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica – along with must-know travel tips, the best places to stay, an essential packing list, and more. ¡Vamos!
Quick, Must-Know Tips for Manuel Antonio
- Manuel Antonio National Park is CLOSED on Tuesdays, so map out your Costa Rica itinerary accordingly.
- To experience the very best of Manuel Antonio, you should plan to spend two to three full days there. However, if relaxing at the beach or pool is your main goal, you could easily stay a whole week!
- This is Costa Rica’s most popular national park. It’s busy, so you should reserve your tickets and book your accommodation as soon as possible – especially for the high season (December through April).
- I recommend renting a car in Costa Rica for your entire trip to Costa Rica. Ideally, book a 4WD SUV; the bumpy dirt roads throughout the country are no joke! This is my favorite website for great deals on Costa Rica rental cars.
- Whether you go with a small group or privately, hiring an expert nature guide in Manuel Antonio National Park is 100% worth it. This is the small-group Manuel Antonio guided tour I went on.
1. Go on a Guided Tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
The best thing to do in Manuel Antonio is, of course, to visit Manuel Antonio National Park.
The park’s well-maintained hiking trails lead you through dense jungles, past abundant wildlife (from squirrel monkeys to sloths), to some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.
But specifically, going on a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park will be the highlight of your trip!
Why? Because this park is as much about wildlife spotting as it is about lazing on the sand and swimming. And your guide’s well-trained eye (and spotting scope!) will help you spot more mammals, birds, insects, and reptiles than you ever could on your own. It’s worth every penny.
The guided tour exceeded my expectations! My guide, José, pointed out SO much wildlife to our small group – including multiple sloths, a deer, an owl, capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, a Jesus Christ lizard, a snake, agoutis, iguanas, lots of cool insects and spiders, and best of all, rare and endemic squirrel monkeys! Plus, he shared all kinds of facts about the local flora and fauna.
Best Manuel Antonio Tours
Here are the three best tours to consider booking:
- 2.5-hour guided tour of Manuel Antonio, maximum of 8 guests in the small group – this is the tour I went on! It doesn’t include transportation, which I preferred, because we wanted to stay in the park longer. (Note: You have to purchase your national park ticket separately here.)
- 4-hour small group Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour – this tour includes transportation to/from the park and your national park ticket.
- 2 to 3-hour PRIVATE guided tour of the national park – this private tour is just for your group and includes transportation and your national park ticket.
2. Explore the Hiking Trails in Manuel Antonio National Park
Most of the guided tours of the park start at the main entrance and finish at Playa Manuel Antonio (Manuel Antonio Beach) – leaving all of the other trails undiscovered!
After your guided tour, you can’t miss two hiking trails: Sendero Miradores and Sendero Punta Catedral. Remember to keep quiet as you hike so you don’t scare any animals away.
Sendero Miradores leads you uphill through the jungle to two different viewing platforms with stunning Pacific Ocean views!
Meanwhile, Punta Catedral loops you around the park’s rocky peninsula (which is shaped like a whale’s tail) to three different viewpoints. Note: This trail is currently closed for renovations.
If you have extra time before leaving the park, stroll down the Sendero Catarata Estacional to see a small waterfall.
3. Relax on Manuel Antonio Beach
One of the best things to do in Manuel Antonio is to relax and swim at its stunning beaches. And there’s no beach more beautiful than Playa Manuel Antonio!
Once you’re done hiking, change into your swimsuit and choose a shady spot on the beautiful white-sand beach.
If Playa Manuel Antonio is a little too crowded (likely the case in high season after 11 AM!), then venture down to either Playa Espadilla Sur or Playa Gemelas – two other beaches within the national park!
Remember, only use natural, eco-friendly sunscreen to protect your skin and this precious ecosystem.
4. Spend the Day at Playitas Beach Club & Restaurant
How does a half-day of beachfront dining, cocktail-sipping, and beach-lounging at a beach club sound to you?
One of the best things we did in Manuel Antonio was relax at Playitas Beach Club & Restaurant.
Located on the sand at the Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, the service there was excellent. And since it was low season, we had the entire place to ourselves! Although… a few capuchins and a sloth showed up too…
Alongside some cocktails, for lunch, I ordered patacones for a starter and the ahi tuna steak burger, with pickled onion and spicy pineapple chutney. Delicious!
Even if you’re not staying at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, you can still hang out there and sip beachy cocktails… Just make sure to reserve a table in the high season (December through April).
5. Swim & Kayak at Biesanz Beach
Biesanz Beach is a beautiful, calm, sandy cove nestled into the northern side of Quepos Point.
To get there, follow the directions on Google Maps and park on the main road. As usual, a local will request payment (about 2,000 colones) to “watch your car.”
Then, follow the rocky path through the jungle (for about 5 minutes) down to the beach.
My advice? Get there first thing in the morning to get a great spot. This is the perfect place for a beach day.
Some locals have even set up shop, renting umbrellas and beach chairs, and selling drinks and snacks. However, there are plenty of trees offering free shade as well!
You can also rent kayaks and explore the rocky coastline. A must! Kayak rentals are $20/hour – but maybe less if you’re better at haggling than I am!
6. Go on a Day Trip to Nauyaca Waterfalls
Want to visit the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica? Yes. Yes, you do!
Located 1 hour from Manuel Antonio, this half-day trip to the breathtaking Nauyaca Waterfalls is well worth your time.
Even though these waterfalls are a must on everyone’s Costa Rica itinerary these days, I have a feeling, they’ll exceed your wildest expectations! Swimming in the huge lower pool of this two-tiered, 200-foot waterfall is nothing short of a magical experience.
If you have a Costa Rica rental car, you can easily drive yourself there. However, before you set off, you need to research and decide which experience you want to have! There are two different entrances to the park – this Nauyaca Waterfalls entrance and this second Nauyaca Waterfalls entrance; each is owned by a separate private company and offers a different experience. They’ll both get you to the same waterfalls and natural swimming pools, but the prices, trails, and shuttle options (if you don’t want to hike) are different.
Otherwise, go for the convenient option! You can book this half-day guided tour to Nauyaca Waterfalls from Manuel Antonio, which includes a guide, transportation, the waterfall entrance fee, lunch, snacks, and water.
7. Go Ziplining Through the Rainforest
Zip-lining through the rainforest canopy is a bucket-list experience in Costa Rica – so of course, it’s also one of the best things to do in Manuel Antonio!
We had SO much fun zipling, which included a bonus Tarzan swing and rappelling experience at the end. We also saw a three-toed sloth hanging down low on the trail above us… so special!
Click here to book your ziplining adventure!
8. Dine with Ocean Views
There are plenty of restaurants in Manuel Antonio featuring stunning ocean views! Make it your goal to dine at least one.
A traditional meal over an incredible rainforest view at El Avion is an easy choice. The atmosphere is pretty cool too, considering it’s built into/atop an old airplane! I came here twice during my trip – once for a quick gallo pinto breakfast before my guided tour (they open at 6:30 AM) and once for dinner.
Some other options include Ronny’s Place, Rafaeles Las Terrazas, Agua Azul, El Lagarto.
9. Sunset Stroll at Playa Espadilla Norte
The main beach in Manuel Antonio town, North Espadilla Beach, is a lovely beach for a sunset stroll!
Watch out for crocodiles, though – and no, I’m not kidding! The freshwater brook at the southern end of the beach features caution signs.
10. Go on a Night Jungle Tour in Rainmaker Conservation Park
Going on a nighttime Manuel Antonio Jungle tour is one of the best (read: creepiest!) things you can do in Manuel Antonio!
The tour explores the trails of Rainmaker Park at night in search of nocturnal animals, which includes a traditional Tico dinner and transportation.
In the rainforest at night, you can hope to see colorful snakes (like pit vipers!), all kinds of tropical frogs, scorpions, kinkajous (“honey bears”), bats, tarantulas, owls, spiders, interesting insects, sleeping birds and mammals (like sloths!), and more.
Click here to book your night tour in Manuel Antonio!
When I lived in Costa Rica, I went on night tours in La Fortuna and Monteverde, so I didn’t go in Manuel Antonio. I saw SO much wildlife in the daytime, that, under a blanket of darkness, I imagine the jungle teems with the activity of nocturnal animals.
11. Have Lunch at Falafel Bar
Okay, this one’s a little random, but hear me out. You HAVE TO eat lunch at Falafel Bar.
I mean it when I say, this is one of the freshest, most delicious meals I’ve had in a long time. Not only is the falafel so good, but Falafel Bar makes its tahini from scratch (you can watch the machine grinding the sesame seeds!), and the abundant self-serve salad bar is full of fresh lettuce, veggies, herbs, pickles, and sauces to dress up your falafel plate to your liking!
Amazing.
12. Parasail over Manuel Antonio
Ready for an adrenaline rush – and a bird’s eye view over Manuel Antonio? Then this beach parasailing tour is for you!
13. Go on a Chocolate Tour
A classic Costa Rica activity, at least once, you have to go on a chocolate and coffee farm tour to learn how cacao and coffee beans are cultivated and processed! Why not in Manuel Antonio?
14. Go White-Water Rafting
Ready for an adventure? Go on this white-water rafting adventure (featuring class II and III rapids) on the Savegre River!
15. Take a Surf Lesson
Want to learn how to surf? Serious surfers don’t consider Manuel Antonio one of Costa Rica’s hotspots (check out Playa Negra instead). But it’s great for beginners. Click here to book Manuel Antonio surf lessons!
16. Go on an ATV Adventure
Go off-roading on this ATV adventure through the jungle and local villages. Then, hike to a stunning waterfall and take a dip in the natural pool. One of my favorite adventures in Costa Rica!
17. Kayak through the Mangroves at Damas Island
One of Costa Rica’s most important mangrove ecosystems is just north of Quepos: Damas Island. On this kayak tour, you’ll peacefully drift through the mangroves in search of wildlife – from aquatic birds to crocodiles. But remember, nature sightings are never guaranteed! Click here to book your Damas Island kayak experience.
Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Now that we’ve covered the best things to do, let’s quickly talk logistics!
Quepos is the main town near Manuel Antonio National Park (15 minutes away); this is where most locals live. However, there’s also a smaller village, known as Manuel Antonio, right next to the park.
Aim to stay in on the peninsula known as Quepos Point (where the best resorts are) or in Manuel Antonio village. This is where you’ll find all of the best restaurants, cafés, shops, etc.
Best Hotels in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
- Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort ($$$$): This beautiful resort offers direct beach access, swimming pools, and jungle walking trails. To me, it’s the perfect beachside stay in paradise! Click here to book Arenas Del Mar Resort.
- Makanda by the Sea – Adults Only ($$$$): A stunning boutique 5-star resort that you will never forget. Really… It’s that good. Incredible rainforest-to-sea views, infinity pools, plush guest suites, and jungle-chic design are a few reasons why! It’s not beachfront, though. Click here to book Makanda by the Sea.
- Tulemar Resort ($$$): In 2019 and 2022, TripAdvisor named Tulemar the #1 hotel in the world! Nestled onto 33 acres of private rainforest, you can stay in a luxurious casa or a beachy bungalow to soak up the resort’s epic ocean views. Click here to book Tulemar Resort.
- Riverside Villas ($$): The spacious guest rooms at Riverside Villas have everything you need. Close to the secret El Salto Waterfall trailhead and just a 12-minute drive to the national park’s entrance. Click here to book Riverside Villas.
- Glamping Tomaselli ($$): Glamorous camping in paradise? Why not? I stayed here, and while it was a little rustic (that’s Costa Rica for you!), there was an awesome outdoor shower, air conditioning, a mini-fridge, and a comfy bed. Click here to book Glamping Tomaselli.
How to Get to Manuel Antonio
Getting to Manuel Antonio from popular destinations like San José Airport, Liberia Airport, La Fortuna, Nosara, and Monteverde is pretty easy. Especially if you have a 4WD SUV rental car in Costa Rica!
Depending on your route, though, you may encounter rough dirt roads; they’re common in this country.
As I mention in all of my Costa Rica guides, I highly recommend booking a rental car—specifically a 4WD SUV. This will make your trip better overall – more convenient, more affordable, and more fun!
If you prefer to travel by shared or private shuttle, you can find bookable Manuel Antonio shuttle routes here!
MORE COSTA RICA TRAVEL INSPIRATION
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica: Travel FAQs
For nature lovers, Manuel Antonio is absolutely worth visiting. This paradise beach village is home to Costa Rica’s most popular national park, for a reason! Memories of the beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park will stick with you forever. That said, it’s important to visit the park first thing (at 7 AM) to avoid the intense crowds. It’s also a great idea to visit in the off-season – that’s what I did! Beyond the national park, there are so many other amazing things to do in Manuel Antonio! Between kayaking to Damas Island, going ziplining, exploring more beautiful beaches, dining at some amazing restaurants, and taking a half-day trip to Nauyaca Waterfalls – your trip to Manuel Antonio will be well worth it!
You should plan to spend at least two full days in Manuel Antonio. You need between a half day to a full day in the national park alone. That night, you could go on a night tour of the Manuel Antonio jungle. During your second day, you’ll have to take your pick between some of the best activities in Manuel Antonio, like ziplining or kayaking, or day-tripping to Nauyaca Waterfalls. That said, you could easily spend one week in Manuel Antonio if you want to spend more time relaxing poolside or at the beach.
Manuel Antonio National Park is the crown jewel of Costa Rica’s national parks for its incredibly abundant wildlife, beautiful white-sand beaches, and kilometers of well-maintained hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints. The nearby village of Manuel Antonio has a lot to offer as well, including luxury resorts, great cafés and restaurants, and lots of fun eco-adventures to embark on!
Yes, you need a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park if you want to have the best possible experience! With your guide’s well-trained eye, wealth of knowledge, and high-tech spotting scope, you will see much more wildlife than you could on your own – and learn so many interesting facts! I recommend booking this small-group Manuel Antonio guided tour.
