Manuel Antonio is a Costa Rican jewel on the central Pacific coast. Near the charming fishing town of Quepos, the deep green jungle crashes right onto the stunning white-sand beaches. Renowned for its incredible mix of landscapes, it’s unrivaled with its abundance of wildlife. At it’s heart lies Manuel Antonio National Park, consistently ranked among the most beautiful in the world.
Whether you’re into wildlife watching, surfing, hiking, or simply relaxing by the sea, Manuel Antonio has something for everyone. From family-friendly adventures to romantic trips, a stop here is always a great choice.
Top Things to Do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
1. Manuel Antonio National Park
The park is small but teeming with biodiversity and natural wonder. You’ll walk well-maintained trails shaded by dense rainforest and often pass within feet of monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds. The trail leads to stunning beaches, such as Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur, which is perfect for a dip in the ocean or beachside relaxation after a hike.
2. Playa Espadilla
Stretching along the main road just outside the national park, Playa Espadilla is Manuel Antonio’s main public beach. Dotted with sunbathers and surfers alike, head here to enjoy a fresh coconut from a beach vendor or a quick bite with an ocean view. It also happens to be the home of some of the most consistently spectacular sunsets, so grab a drink and watch the show as the palette of colors spans shades of pink, orange, and purple!
3. Sunset Sailing Tour
Sunset catamaran tours offer a blend of relaxation and adventure, often featuring stops for snorkeling and serving dinner or snacks onboard. You’ll cruise past the Manuel Antonio coastline, spot wildlife, and watch the sun dip below the horizon with a drink in hand.
4. Wildlife Night Tour
Experience Manual Antonio National Park at night and see a completely different side of the rainforest, when many animals are most active. Guides help you spot elusive frogs, glowing insects, snakes, and more. It’s a unique, slightly eerie, and surprisingly peaceful activity that’s fun for the whole family.
5. Mangrove Kayaking in Damas Island Estuary
Just a short drive from Manuel Antonio, the Damas Island Estuary is one of the best places in Costa Rica to explore mangrove ecosystems. Glide through quiet waterways surrounded by twisted roots, dense vegetation, and spot wildlife like monkeys, herons, caymans, and even crocodiles. Kayaking is peaceful, but boat tours are also available for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.
6. Ziplining Through the Rainforest
Manuel Antonio’s surrounding hills are home to several zipline operators, offering adrenaline-pumping canopy tours. Expect multiple platforms, long cables, and sometimes extras like Tarzan swings or waterfall rappelling. It’s an exciting way to experience the jungle from above and a hit with families, couples, and adventure seekers.
7. Surf Lessons at Playa Espadilla
The mellow waves of Playa Espadilla are ideal for learning to surf. Several local schools line the beach and offer small group or private lessons complete with boards and rash guards. Catch your first wave in the glistening waters of the Pacific, surrounded by jungle.
Manuel Antonio Beaches Breakdown
Playa Espadilla (Espadilla Norte)
As a favorite for both locals and tourists, this is the main public beach in Manuel Antonio, located just outside the entrance to the national park. It’s a wide, sandy stretch with great waves for surfing, equipment rentals, and plenty of vendors selling cold drinks, snacks, and beach chairs. If you want a lively and social vibe, especially in the afternoons, this beach is a must.
Playa Manuel Antonio
Hidden within the national park, this beach is smaller and more secluded than Playa Espadilla, boasting calm, turquoise waters that are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Surrounded by lush jungle and wildlife, it feels like a hidden paradise. Expect to see monkeys, raccoons, and iguanas while lounging on the sand. You’ll need a park ticket and a short hike to reach it, but it’s worth every step.
Playa Biesanz
A bit of a hidden gem and accessible via a short trail, Playa Biesanz is tucked between rocky outcroppings in a quiet cove just north of the main town. Playa Biesanz is renowned for its calm waters, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling or swimming. Vendors rent gear and sell drinks, but the atmosphere here is far more relaxed than the other nearby beaches.
Weather in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio has a warm, tropical climate year-round, with daytime temperatures averaging between 80°F and 89°F (27 °C and 31°C). The dry season, from December to April, brings sunny skies and little rain, making it the most popular time to visit. Expect increased rainfall in the green season from May to November, particularly in the afternoons. Don’t let this deter you, though! In the green season, you’ll be rewarded with lush jungle scenery, active wildlife, and fewer crowds. Even during the rainy months, mornings are often clear, making early starts ideal for beach time or exploring the national park.
Food & Drink Scene in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio offers a blend of traditional Costa Rican cuisine and international flavors, from casual beachside eateries to stylish rooftop cafés. Café Milagro, a garden-rooftop staple in the heart of town, serves freshly roasted coffee, hearty breakfasts, and flavorful dinners before transitioning into a cocktail-and-craft-beer hotspot with live music at night. El Patio de Café Milagro, its open-air extension, serves Costa Rican-fusion dishes alongside local microbrews and signature cocktails.
For sunset drinks with ocean views, Agua Azul and Ronny’s Place offer cold beers, margaritas, and seafood bites in relaxed beachfront settings. If you’re in the mood for creative cocktails and craft beers in a social atmosphere, Ape Eclectic Social Bar delivers expertly mixed drinks and a lively, artsy environment. Throughout town, you’ll also find casual seafood spots—like El Avión, housed in a converted plane—for fresh catch dishes paired with guaro-based drinks.
Planning a Trip to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio has a bit of everything you want out of a trip to Costa Rica, from jungles and wildlife to tropical beaches and unique culinary experiences.
Our current itineraries that include time in Manuel Antonio can be found below, but our custom Costa Rica trip packages are always an option too!
- Family: Costa Rica Collection, Rainforest Escape, Rainforest to Beach
- Honeymoon: Romantic Tropical Paradise, Destination Weddings
- Adventure: Avid Explorer
- Corporate Event Planning
Whether you’re chasing adventure, looking to unwind, or want to experience Costa Rica’s unparalleled biodiversity and wildlife, Manuel Antonio is a must-visit destination.