The Ultimate Manuel Antonio Travel Guide: 20+ Best Things to Do in Costa Rica’s Beach & Jungle Paradise

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Few places in Costa Rica pack as much beauty and adventure into one destination as Manuel Antonio. This was our last stop on our one month journey through Costa Rica, and my honest opinion is that if you can only visit one place in Costa Rica, make it Manuel Antonio. In Manuel Antonio lush rainforest meets golden beaches, and wildlife seems to be around every corner. Add in endless opportunities for adventure, and you’ve got one of Costa Rica’s most beloved destinations.

This guide will take you through everything you need to plan your trip: how to get to Manuel Antonio, the best areas to stay (with hotels for every budget), the top 20+ things to do including the best day trips, practical tips, and the best time to visit.

Top Things to Do in Manuel Antonio

I’ll jump straight to all the fun stuff, namely the top things to do in and around Manuel Antonio. If you need more practical tips, like how to get there, which areas to base yourself in and when to visit, just scroll further down for everything you need to plan your trip.

Manuel Antonio

Go on a Wildlife tour

This is probably why you’re heading to the area in the first place, but I have to add it. This is my favorite national park in Costa Rica and the place I saw the most wildlife.

I still feel it needs to be said that spotting animals, especially sloths isn’t as easy as one might think. From social media and many blogs I was expecting to almost see sloths at every corner, but I’ve been to Costa Rica twice and on my first visit I actually didn’t see a single one. However, if you do a guided tour, you’ll most likely see one, even if it’s through binoculars.

Hiring a naturalist guide in the national park makes all the difference because the guides carry telescopes and know exactly where to spot sloths, frogs, and camouflaged iguanas. Many tours also include transportation from your hotel. I highly recommend doing a guided tour to increase your chances of spotting animals.

Guided wildlife tour in Manuel Antonio

Relax on Playa Manuel Antonio or Playa Espadillo Sur

Both these beaches are located inside the Manuel Antonio national park and you need to pay an entrance fee to the park and walk a bit to reach them. However, they are both absolutely stunning! Many people enter the national park just to hit the beach and you’ll probably see lots of animals, especially monkeys on the beach as well. At least we did.

Playa Espadillo Sur

Hike to the Lookout points in Manuel Antonio

Inside Manuel Antonio National park you’ll find a hiking trail that goes in a loop with lots of amazing lookout points along the way. It’s at the end of the national park after the beaches. It seemed most people skipped this because it’s not a part of the guided tour, but I highly recommend doing the hike as well. There are less people here and you get some amazing views of the area. It’s also packed with capuchin monkeys playing around.

Lookout points along the hike in Manuel Antonio national park

Relax on Playa Espadilla

This is the main public beach in Manuel Antonio, stretching for nearly 2 km. It has to be said that it’s not nearly as nice as the ones inside the national park, but it does the trick if you want to have a relaxing day without paying the entrance fee. On Playa Espadilla it’s also possible to rent beach chairs to relax in and you’ll find many vendors selling fresh coconuts and snacks along the shore for a quick bite.

Take a Catamaran Cruise

One of the best ways to spend the day is with a cruise along the Pacific coast. There are lots of different options to choose from, some include snorkeling or dolphin spotting with lunch, and some start later so you can enjoy dinner and a stunning sunset. So pick what suits you, and enjoy!

Try Surfing

Playa Espadilla and nearby beaches are great places to learn surfing, with gentle waves perfect for beginners. Several surf schools offer lessons and board rentals. For more advanced surfers, head to Playa Hermosa near Jacó. I didn’t try this myself because I didn’t feel I had time for it, but if you’re staying for a while and want to learn, I’ve heard this is a great spot for it.

Visit Playa Biesanz

A hidden gem, Playa Biesanz is a small cove tucked between jungle-covered hills. The water is calm and perfect for kayaking or snorkeling, and local vendors rent out chairs and sell cold drinks. Head here for a relaxing day at the beach for free.

Manuel Antonio

Go Ziplining Through the Jungle

Costa Rica is famous for its ziplines, and Manuel Antonio has some of the best. Fly through the treetops, rappel down waterfalls, and cross hanging bridges while surrounded by rainforest and wildlife. If you like a bit of adventure, you should definitely add it to your itinerary.

Explore Damas Island Mangroves

Take a boat or kayak tour through the mangroves of Damas Island. You’ll glide past tangled roots while spotting monkeys, crocodiles, and tropical birds. I did a boat tour, but can imagine that the Kayak tours are even more peaceful.

Boat tour to Damas Island

Take a Whitewater Rafting Trip

Several rivers near Manuel Antonio offer rafting tours, from beginner-friendly Class II rapids to adrenaline-pumping Class IV runs. The Savegre and Naranjo Rivers are the most popular options. I went rafting in Rio Cangrejal in Honduras so I skipped it here to prioritize other things, but it’s a fun activity to add to your list!

Spot Wildlife at Night

A night walk in the rainforest is a thrilling experience. Guides will take you along jungle trails after dark to spot frogs, snakes, insects, and nocturnal mammals you’d never see during the day. It’s honestly a bit creepy walking around in the dark, but also so much fun to see and explore nature like this.

Nightlife in Costa Rica

Take a Cooking Class

Learn to cook Costa Rican favorites like gallo pinto, plantains, and ceviche in a hands-on cooking class. Many take place in local homes, giving you an authentic cultural experience.

Go Horseback Riding

Ride through rainforest trails, along rivers, or up into the hills for ocean views. Horseback tours often include swimming stops at waterfalls or rivers. I’m not a big fan of horse back riding so I skipped this, but for those who are I can’t imagine a more beautiful spot to go horseback riding.

Eat in a Plane at El Avión

One of the quirkiest dining experiences in Costa Rica is found in Manuel Antonio at El Avión, a restaurant built inside a refurbished C-123 Fairchild airplane. The aircraft is today perched on a cliffside serving up fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and casual Costa Rican plates.

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See Crocodiles at Tarcoles Bridge

On the way to Manuel Antonio, most travelers make a quick stop at Tarcoles Bridge, where dozens of enormous crocodiles bask on the riverbanks below. Pull over at the parking area before the bridge, walk out onto the bridge, and look down. If Google Maps tells you to drive of the main road, just ignore it. That’s what happened to us and we went on a very off road and unnecessary detour. Just follow the main road and you’ll definitely spot it.

Crocodiles at Tarcoles bridge on the way to Manuel Antonio

Visit Rainmaker Conservation Project

About 30 minutes from Manuel Antonio, Rainmaker is a private reserve with hanging bridges, waterfalls, and lush trails. It’s less crowded than the national park and a great place to spot frogs and butterflies. It’s pretty similar to the hanging bridges you can find in Monteverde and Fortuna so if you’re headed there, you honestly don’t need to add this, but if Manuel Antonio is your only stop in Costa Rica, then its a great spot to check out.

Exploring wildlife in Costa Rica

Hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls

Located about 1.5 hours away, Nauyaca Waterfalls are some of the most spectacular in Costa Rica. A steep hike takes you to two massive cascades, where you can swim in the natural pools below. I had looked forward to this and we drove all the way only to learn they had closed the ticket sales for the day. So learn from my mistake and come early. It takes about 2-3 hours to hike both ways, so even though it says it’s open until 15PM make sure to come at least a couple of hours before. Or book a guided tour as the one below.

Take a daytrip to Uvita

Not technically in Manuel Antonio, but just a short drive away is the cute town of Uvita and its famous Whale tale beach. Other than the Whale tale beach I didn’t think there was that much to do in Uvita, so in my opinion a day trip to the beach here is enough if you’re short one time, otherwise it’s worth a night. You can also book a whale watching excursion if you’re visiting during the right season (Dec - Mar and Jul - Oct). Both times I went to Costa Rica it was outside whale season so I have yet to experience it, but it gives me good reason to come back!

Uvita

How to Get to Manuel Antonio

On my first visit to Costa Rica I didn’t have a drivers license yet and therefore based myself in San Jose and did lots of day trips to the different areas around. It’s absolutely possibly, but I honestly don‘t recommend it. It’s very time consuming and expensive.

For my second visit to Costa Rica I spent so much time figuring out how to travel around Costa Rica both with and without a car and how to make it as budget friendly as possible. I realized that the best way to experience Costa Rica is by renting a car. Often times it’s more budget friendly to travel around with public transport and shuttles, but that’s not the case for Costa Rica.

Sloth in Manuel Antonino

Best Areas to Stay in Manuel Antonio

The town of Manuel Antonio isn’t anything special in itself and mostly caters to tourists. It doesn’t really have a town center, so where you base yourself depends on whether you want easy access to the beach or immerse yourself in the jungle. Staying near Playa Espadilla gives you direct beach access with lots of opportunity for water activities. It’s also closer to the national park. For jungle vibes and great views base yourself in the hillside of Manuel Antonio.

Many people also choose to base themselves in the nearby town called Quepos. It’s a short drive from Manuel Antonio, but a nice spot to base yourself if you’re on a tighter budget.

Best budget friendly stays in Manuel Antonio

Hostel Plinio ($60 per night)

A rustic hillside hostel with ocean views, a pool, and a relaxed jungle vibe just minutes from Manuel Antonio.

Wide Mouth Frog Quepos ($90 per night)

A laid-back, eco-friendly hostel with a pool and garden in Quepos.

La Posada Jungle Hotel ($160 per night)

A charming jungle-bungalow retreat that borders Manuel Antonio National Park, just a 3-minute walk from the beach, with lush gardens, a pool, and daily wildlife visits from monkeys, sloths, and birds.

Best Mid-Range Hotels to choose in Manuel Antonio

Hotel Playa Espadillo & Gardens ($220 per night)

Set in lush gardens just a few steps from Espadilla Beach and only 200 m from the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park with lots of tropical wildlife visiting the grounds.

Hotel Costa Verde ($290 per night)

Famous for its jungle-view rooms and converted airplane suite, surrounded by monkeys and sloths.

Shana by the Beachfront ($330 per night)

A chic resort perched on lush hills overlooking the Pacific, with modern ocean-or garden-view rooms, two pools (including an adults-only option), a spa, and a private nature trail down to the beautiful Biesanz Beach. 

Best Lyxury stays in Manuel Antonio

Hotel San Bada Resort & Spa ($450 per night)

Located right by the park entrance and beach, with comfortable rooms and a rooftop bar for sunset views.

Parador Nature Resort & Spa ($860 per night)

A sprawling property with ocean-view pools, lush gardens, and elegant rooms.

Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort ($1.000 per night)

A sustainable luxury resort with private beach access, infinity pools, and world-class dining.

Manuel Antonio

Can you do a Day Trip to Manuel Antonio?

Yes, you can do a day trip to Manuel Antonio from San Jose if you just want to see the national park, however I think it’s too far away to recommend doing just as a day trip. If you can, you should spend at least a couple of nights here. However, if you’re only on Costa Rica for a weekend and want to see some wildlife, then a day trip is of course better than nothing. Below you’ll find the most popular day trips to Manuel Antonio from San Jose.

Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio

Best Time to Visit Manuel Antonio

Dry Season: December–April

The best weather with plenty of sunshine, perfect for beaches and outdoor activities. This is also peak tourist season so expect higher prices and bigger crowds.

Rainy and Green Season: May–November

We went in May and you can expect afternoon showers, but mornings are often clear. Wildlife is active, and the rainforest is lush. September and October are the wettest months.

Final Thoughts: Top things to do in Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most enchanting destinations, blending beach bliss with jungle adventure in one unforgettable package. Whether you’re hiking through the national park, spotting monkeys from your hotel balcony, or sipping a cocktail as the sun sets over the Pacific, it’s a place that makes you slow down and savor the beauty of nature. No matter how long you stay, Manuel Antonio has a way of staying with you long after you leave.

I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Manuel Antonio. If you have any questions about Manuel Antonio or visiting Costa Rica in general, don’t hesitate to reach out to me on social media. I would love to connect and help you out!

-Ingrid

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