Visit Manuel Antonio National Park
Wander easy trails through lush forest leading to secluded beaches, all while encountering sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds. The mix of dense jungle and sandy coves offers prime wildlife viewing.
Manuel Antonio & Quepos
Coastal Rainforest, Beaches & Wildlife
Why Visit Manuel Antonio & Quepos?
Manuel Antonio & Quepos offers an incredible coastal rainforest blend, with white-sand beaches, abundant wildlife, and vibrant local culture. Ideal for families, honeymooners, and adventurous solo travelers, it combines beach relaxation, national park exploration, and delicious seaside dining in one unforgettable destination.
It is the easiest place in Costa Rica to see wildlife without effort. Sloths, capuchins, howlers and coatis all live within a few hundred metres of the park entrance, and the four marked trails are short and largely flat — which is why families with small children and travellers short on time end up here.
Top Activities in Manuel Antonio & Quepos
Beach Time at Espadilla & Playita
Espadilla Beach provides swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, while nearby Playita offers quieter waters and intimate coastal views.
Damas Island Mangrove & Wildlife Tour
Kayak or boat through mangrove estuaries near Quepos and spot crocodiles, raccoons, and herons in their natural habitat.
Sea Kayaking & Snorkeling
Explore hidden coves and vibrant reefs off Manuel Antonio by kayak or snorkeling tour. You’ll likely encounter rays, tropical fish, and possibly dolphins.
Sport Fishing from Quepos
Join a half-day or full-day fishing charter in one of the world’s top sportfishing destinations. Marlin or dorado, fishing enthusiasts are in for a treat.
What to Do? Featured Tours
RecommendedGuided Manuel Antonio National Park Tour
A certified guide leads you through trails, pointing out wildlife and sharing conservation insights. Includes beach stops for rest, photos, and swimming.
RecommendedDamas Island Mangrove Boat/Kayak Tour
Navigate mangrove channels via boat or kayak, spotting crocodiles, raccoons, iguanas, and a variety of birds in peaceful surroundings.
RecommendedSunset Sail or Catamaran Cruise
Set sail from Quepos at dusk to enjoy tropical drinks, music, snorkeling, and a breathtaking Pacific sunset.
RecommendedSea Kayak & Snorkel Combo Tour
Paddle to hidden coves, then explore reefs on foot snorkel—often spotting rays, turtles, and colorful fish.
RecommendedQuepos Sport Fishing Charter
Hit the open ocean with experienced captains targeting marlin, sailfish, dorado, and tuna.
Best time to visit Manuel Antonio & Quepos
Manuel Antonio experiences warm, coastal tropical weather year-round.
- Dry Season (Dec–Apr): Offers sunshine and calm seas for beach activities and wildlife spotting.
- Green Season (May–Nov): Expect lush vegetation, fewer crowds, and heavy—but often afternoon—showers.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg High (°F) | 82 | 83 | 85 | 86 | 85 | 83 | 83 | 83 | 82 | 81 | 81 | 82 |
| Avg Low (°F) | 65 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 68 | 67 | 66 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| Precip. (in) | 2.8 | 1.8 | 2.5 | 6.6 | 15.4 | 17.0 | 18.0 | 18.8 | 20.8 | 25.4 | 15.3 | 6.7 |
How to Get to Manuel Antonio & Quepos?
Manuel Antonio is roughly 3 hours south of San Jose Airport (SJO) via Route 27 and Route 34, and a 25-minute drive from Quepos. Hotels line the single road that runs from Quepos down to the park entrance, so ask which end of that road your hotel sits on before booking.
Rental Car:
Drive about 3 hours from San José via Route 27 and Route 34—best for explorers.
Shared Shuttle Services:
Affordable group transport from major hubs—comfortable and air-conditioned.
Private Shuttle Service:
For door-to-door comfort and flexible timing. Click here for private transportation information.
Best Travel Tips for Manuel Antonio & Quepos
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen and swim-friendly shoes for beach and snorkeling tours.
- Bring a light rain jacket during the Green Season—afternoon showers are brief but common.
- Book park tickets and tours in advance, especially during Dec–Apr.
- Carry local currency for small vendors and tips.
- Plan visits early to avoid midday heat and peak national park crowds.
Top Restaurants in Manuel Antonio & Quepos
Emilio’s Café
Ocean views and cozy seating, loved for fresh seafood, vibrant dishes, and live music.La Luna Restaurant at Gaia Hotel
Upscale dining with gourmet fusion, spectacular sunset views, and elegant ambiance.Falafel Bar Manuel Antonio
Authentic Middle Eastern fare and fresh smoothies in a casual beach-town setting.El Avión Restaurant
Set around a real cargo plane overlooking Playa Manuel Antonio, offering an unforgettable atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions about Manuel Antonio & Quepos
Is Manuel Antonio National Park closed on Mondays?
Yes. The park operates Tuesday through Sunday and closes every Monday for trail recovery. Plan your park day accordingly — if Monday is your only day here, use it for the Damas Island mangroves, a catamaran tour or the beaches at Espadilla and Playita instead.
Do I need a guide for Manuel Antonio National Park?
Not to enter, but a guide with a spotting scope changes the visit completely. Sloths sleep high in the canopy and are almost invisible to the naked eye. Guides work the same trails daily and know where individual animals are resting that morning, which is why guided groups see several times more wildlife than solo visitors.
When is the best time to visit Manuel Antonio?
The dry season, mid-December to April, has the most stable weather and calmest sea. September and October are the wettest months but also the quietest and best for wildlife — rain typically arrives in the afternoon, leaving mornings clear for the park.
How far is Manuel Antonio from La Fortuna?
About 5 to 6 hours by road, so it is not a day trip. Most itineraries pair the two as separate stops with a private transfer between them, often breaking the drive at the Tarcoles crocodile bridge. Several of our multi-day packages link Arenal and Manuel Antonio directly.
Which beach in Manuel Antonio is best?
Playa Manuel Antonio, inside the park, is the most sheltered and best for swimming. Playa Espadilla, just outside the entrance, is longer and livelier but has a real rip current — swim near the lifeguard stand. Playita is the quietest of the three and reachable on foot at low tide.
Manuel Antonio & Quepos Reviews
Stunning Park
“Manuel Antonio Park was stunning—easy trails, monkeys, and secret beaches. Beaches were equally amazing.”
L
Laura Perez
Verified traveler • CA
Peaceful Mangroves
“Kayaking through Damas mangroves was peaceful and full of wildlife—worth every penny.”
J
John Clark
Verified traveler • USA
Sunset Magic
“Dinner at La Luna with that sunset view was pure magic. Kind of pricey but unforgettable.”
R
Rachel Green
Verified traveler • Canada
Quirky & Fun
“El Avión was quirky and fun—the plane bar is something else!”
D
David Hill
Verified traveler • TX
