Manuel Antonio Beach
Central Pacific Coast
Province of Puntarenas, Quepos
Area: 16 km2
Manuel Antonio Travel Guide
Manuel Antonio is a popular coastal village surrounded by lush jungle and pristine white sand beaches and famous for the Manuel Antonio National Park. This park was created in 1972 and encompasses an area of around 682 hectares of primary and secondary forests. Its white sand beaches, mangroves and islands host 109 species of mammals, including the endangered squirrel monkey, titi monkey and the capuchin monkey; 184 species of sponges, crustaceans and fishes. Manuel Antonio stretches over a hill with fantastic ocean views, and is a few minutes away from the town of Quepos. The town of Quepos is well known throughout the country as a fishing town where you can enjoy activities such as canopy tours, horseback riding, kayaking, rafting, and surfing.
Things to do in Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park
Known for its excellent climate and scenic beauty, the park caters to as many as 150,000 visitors annually, and is well known for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails. Although Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica's smallest national park, the diversity of wildlife in its 6.83 km2 (3 sq mi) is unequaled with 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds.
Catamaran Adventure
Set sail and cruise the bordering coastal waters. After touring the coastline, the captain will set anchor at Biesanz Bay where you can snorkel, slip down the waterslides or simply rest onboard and soak up some sun.
Ocean Kayak and Snorkeling
Paddle your kayak past tiny islands and observe marine birds and their nesting grounds. Visit Biesanz Bay, a hidden beautiful inlet where you can snorkel and explore the coastline. Water’s visibility will vary depending on the season, and there will be opportunities to spot parrotfish, starfish, angelfish and maybe even a sea turtle. Easier than river kayaking; this Manuel Antonio tour does not require previous experience.
Canopy Tour
An adventure full of adrenaline across the rainforest. You will zip line on 11 cables from platform to platform over the lush treetops below. Enjoy the wildlife scenery this primary and secondary rainforest offers.
Manuel Antonio Tours to other destinations nearby
Savegre River Whitewater Rafting
Experience III class rapids, a combination of calm paddling and some white-water thrills. You will have the opportunity to admire exuberant flora and abundant fauna around you, floating down and even hopping off your rafting to swim in calmer waters.
Damas Island Mangrove
Located approximately 25 minutes from Manuel Antonio Park. The mangrove ecosystem is a habitat that hosts a large amount of wildlife such as the white-faced monkeys, anteaters, boa constrictors, iguanas, crocodiles, turtles, crabs and countless numbers of bird species.
Nauyaca Waterfall
Located approximately 1 hour from Manuel Antonio National Park, the Nauyaca Waterfalls is a fantastic and epic scenery. A 30 minute hike (easy for all ages) will take you to the waterfall to enjoy a refreshing swim.
Carara National Park
Scarlet Macaws flying overhead in formation, bursts of red, blue and yellow, possibly one of the most beautiful sights you will experience during your visit to Carara National Park. This transitional forest allows for rich biodiversity, housing approximately 48% of Costa Rica’s bird species. Bird watching enthusiasts will have the opportunity to observe Scarlet Macaws, Aracari, Toucans, Herons, Egrets, Tinamous, Vultures and more.
Location and Map
Located in the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is home to the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park. This small national park has impressive landscapes and several coves with many white-sand beaches and lush foliage amidst great mountains and tropical forests.
Manuel Antonio is 3 hours away from the Juan Santamaria International Airport, 160 km / 100 miles via Carretera Pacífica Fernández Oreamuno/Costanera Sur/Route 34.
