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.

From Manuel Antonio: Mangrove Boat Tour

2. 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.

Rainmaker Conservation Park Night Tour

3. 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: Off-Road Rainforest and Waterfalls ATV Tour

4. Manuel Antonio: Off-Road Rainforest and Waterfalls ATV Tour

The ATV tour is definitely an experience that we all want to enjoy while we are on vacation in the Manuel Antonio Park surrounding areas. Our ATV tour combines adventure with nature because, on this memorable adventure, we will take you to one of the most impressive rainforests. Our tour starts with pickup at any hotel in the Manuel Antonio Park area. We will take you to the place where we have the ATVs. The guide will give you an important explanation about the activity (safety and security instructions), which everyone should listen to very carefully. The guide speaks perfect English and is also a professional naturalist with an ICT certification. During the tour, we will take you on an extensive ride through the forests, palm plantations, and small rural towns. You will appreciate the excellent views and can take pictures of the beautiful landscapes. During this tour, we visit a beautiful virgin forest in which we take you on a nature walk to appreciate the rainforest, observe birds and photograph all kinds of animals. During this nature walk you'll have the chance to enjoy some beautiful waterfalls, where you can have a refreshing deep in the middle of the rainforest. This is definitely the best ATV tour in Manuel Antonio. At the end of this impressive experience, we will take you to our typical ranch for enjoying a delicious typical Costa Rican meal.

Rainmaker Park Tour (Bridges & Waterfalls Tour)

5. Rainmaker Park Tour (Bridges & Waterfalls 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. Finally, get transferred back to your hotel in Manuel Antonio or Quepos where your memorable tour will finish.

Quepos: Mangrove Kayaking Tour

6. Quepos: Mangrove Kayaking Tour

As you quietly watch this unique environment your guide will describe everything concerning the flora and fauna found in this amazing area. This tour goes throughout the mangrove wetlands and offers a great chance to observe migratory marine birds. The Damas Island kayaking tour takes you through the natural canals and provides an ideal opportunity to observe many birds such as herons, kingfishers, ospreys, and frigates birds.This Manuel Antonio tour lasts about 2 hours, and refreshing Costa Rican meals are arranged before or after the excursion, depending on the tides. This tour does not require prior experience. Single or double kayaks are available. Youngsters should be at least 8 years old to paddle their own kayak alone. This tour is According to high tide day.

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. 

Manuel Antonio: KSTR Wildlife Sanctuary Guided Tour

8. 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.

Manuel Antonio: Volunteer for a Day at a Wildlife Sanctuary

9. Manuel Antonio: 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.

From Quepos: Wooden Sail Yacht Cruise with Snorkeling & Food

10. From Quepos: Wooden Sail Yacht Cruise with Snorkeling & Food

Sail with us on Brisa Elegante, a 100' wooden sail ship. Brisa Elegante is a one-of-a-kind luxurious two-mast Gulet, built by world class craftsmen in 2010 in Turkey. Built and maintained to provide charter guests exquisite comfort and a unique sailing experience. And, YES, WE SAIL. Featuring two expansive teak decks, grand banquet tables, bar, multiple spacious lounge areas and a selection of water toys. This is a shared family cruise for up to 46 guests in a calm and relaxing environment. We leave Marina Pez Vela to start the cruise past Parque Nahomi, setting sails, and following the coastline along Manuel Antonio beach with an extraordinary view of the untouched National Park rainforest (2 hours). We anchor near Playa Biesanz for swimming, snorkeling, and jumping into the water (1 hour). Enjoy the sea, coastline, and wildlife views while sitting in our comfortable chairs or lying on our lounge beds. Included are one welcome cocktail, soft drinks, water, coffee, fresh fruit, early lunch/dinner freshly prepared on board by our chef, we offer fish, chicken, vegetarian and vegan options. The use of our water sports equipment like kayaks, SUPs, and snorkeling gear. Our specialty is "Walk the Plank." Other alcoholic beverages can be purchased at our wet bar, our bartender is here to serve you. You can spot dolphins, turtles, manta rays, frigate birds, pelicans, brown boobies, and humpback whales (seasonal) during the cruise. For the morning cruise: After lunch, we lift the anchor and slowly return to the marina. For the sunset cruise: After dinner, Brisa Elegante will sail into the sunset and shortly after sunset return to the marina.

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What people are saying about Manuel Antonio

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 96 reviews

Blanca provided great information and answered all our questions. Was wonderful to see the work they are doing rescuing different animals and providing for those animals who unfortunately are unable to return to the wild. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about the local animals and birds they help. My husband and I certainly learned a number of new Things.

A great solid tour around Manuel Antonio national Park. I would not recommend going to the park without a guide as they are looking for a wildlife for you the entire time. We also had a slight break to go swimming at the beach so I would recommend bringing a swimsuit as I did not.

Fantastic time walking through this beautiful park with our guide Edgar. He was knowledgeable about everything related to the park and animals. He could spot even the smallest insect from a distance that amazed us. Highly recommend!

Our guide was super! He knew about all the animals in the park and helped us watch a lot of them. He was pasionated about nature and told us lot of interesting things.

The driver who picked me up was friendly, professional and punctual. The tour was well organized. The tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly.