Manuel Antonio National Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

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.

Manuel Antonio: Off-Road Rainforest and Waterfalls ATV Tour

3. 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 area. Our ATV tour combines adventure with nature because, on this memorable adventure, we will take you to one of the most impressive rainforests of the Manuel Antonio Park area. 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 for enjoying the biological corridor of the Manuel Antonio National Park. At the end of this impressive experience, we will take you to our typical ranch for enjoying a delicious typical Costa Rican meal.

From San José: Manuel Antonio Day Trip

4. From San José: Manuel Antonio Day Trip

Admire the unique flora and fauna of the Manuel Antonio National Park on this guided day trip. Stop purchase a local lunch and take in ocean views on the ride in a spacious and climate-controlled bus from San José. Take a guided walk to a breathtaking beach and have free time to swim or explore.  Enjoy the convenience of pickup in the morning from select hotels. Relax aboard a comfortable bus on the drive through the mountains that surround the central valley. Pass along the main road that connects the capital with the coastal area. Stop at a restaurant where you can purchase a delicious typical Costa Rican breakfast in the Pacific area. Take the Costanera Sur highway into the park, enjoying beautiful views of the ocean, African palm plantations, and picturesque towns. Reach the Port of Quepos and from there continue to the National Park. Go for a walk in the rainforest along a nature trail of the national park until you reach the beach. Have free time to swim or go on a hike on one of the trails where you can spy monkeys, raccoons, iguanas, birds, and sloths. Spend some free hiking to Punta Catedral to capture pictures of the spectacular view. After having enjoyed the national park, walk back to the restaurant where a delectable lunch awaits your before taking bus back to the city.

Manuel Antonio National Park Combo Tour from San Jose

5. Manuel Antonio National Park Combo Tour from San Jose

Expereince the stunning beauty of the Manuel Antonio National Park on this day trip from San Jose. Visit Crocodile Bridge and Tarcoles Beach. Discover the abundant wildlife on the park’s rainforest trails and eat breakfast and lunch at local restaurants.  Enjoy being picked up from the comfort of your accommodation in the San Jose area. Travel aboard an airconditioned coach on the way to have breakfast in a local restaurant located next to the biggest fruit market in the country.  Visit the market to observe a large variety of tropical fruits. Continue your journey with a stop at the popular crocodile bridge where you will have the chance to observe one of Costa Rica’s biggest crocodile’s populations.  Search for scarlet macaws in their natural habitat on Tarcoles Beach where they like to gather. Stop at the Jaco Bay lookout point and take pictures of Costa Rica’s most popular coastal town.  Travel to the Manuel Antonio National Park, hike the rainforest trails with your guide for about and hour and search for monkeys, sloths, toucans, and agoutis. Spend some free time relaxing on the park's pristine beaches or hiking to along rainforest trails. Savor a delicious lunch of local cuisine in a restaurant that provides great jungle and ocean views. Lunch is served in the early afternoon around 2 PM, after which you will be taken back to your hotel in San Jose.

Manuel Antonio: Rainmaker Park Bridge & Waterfall Tour

6. Manuel Antonio: Rainmaker Park Bridge & Waterfall 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. End the tour with an outstanding and delicious typical Costa Rican lunch served in the Rainmaker Park Restaurant. Finally, get transferred back to your hotel in Manuel Antonio or Quepos where your memorable tour will finish.

From Quepos: Wooden Sail Yacht Cruise with Snorkeling & Food

7. 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.

Manuel Antonio National Park Tour

8. Manuel Antonio National Park Tour

The park alone offers 3 unique hiking trails that differ in level from smooth and flat to quite sharp and steep. On this tour you will have the best nature guides with you who will help you understand the environment. The track you’ll take is actually smooth and charming and is around 2 miles long. During the walk your guide will describe the species you’ll see, and you’ll be able to take beautiful pictures or simply enjoy the scene. Among the best parts of this excursion is that the Manuel Antonio National Park hosts 3 of the 4 current monkey species of Costa Rica. Half way through the hike you’ll enjoy a relaxing break at the 3rd Beach situated on the southern part of the national park. You’ll have around twenty minutes to relax on the beach or in the calm waters of the bahía. During the hike it is very possible to see birds, reptiles, and sloths, as well as plants and insects such as orchids and butterflies. Your guides use Pentax and Swarovski telescopes that you can use to view wildlife and take photos under an alternative point of view. Transportation back to your lodging will be provided after you concluded the tour.

Quepos: Horseback Riding to the Shaman Waterfalls

9. Quepos: Horseback Riding to the Shaman Waterfalls

During the 40-minute drive to the town, your guide will share interesting information about the history of Quepos and the area in general. Once you reach Londres, you will set foot on a picturesque property, where you can find restrooms, stables, a corral and an open-air waiting area. You will receive riding instruction, safety tips, and also get some practice time before heading out to explore the Costa Rican rainforest. This tour allows you to learn the exotic secrets that lie within primary rainforests, riding at a maximum altitude of 600 meters (1900 ft). The ride lasts about 2.5-hours (round-trip) and will be highlighted by amazing valley views, verdant vegetation and numerous wildlife species such as birds and reptiles. At the end of the trail there is the beautiful Shaman waterfall where you will be able to rest for about 30 minutes. Lie on the grass or take a swim, or even both! After the break, you will return riding the same trail. At the end of your horseback riding tour you will be taken back to the riding center, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch made with local ingredients and enjoy a little conversation before heading back to your hotel.

All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure with Lunch

10. All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure with Lunch

Cruise along Costa Rica's Pacific coast, keeping an eye out for whales, dolphins, and seabirds. Anchor in a protected bay and explore the area above and below water, using the snorkel equipment, waterslides, and trampoline provided onboard.  Pickup starts from Quepos and Manuel Antonio approximately 30-45 minutes prior to departure. Hop aboard and enjoy a 3.5-hour cruise through clear waters and past lush jungle and dramatic rock formations.  Stop for swimming and snorkeling and take advantage of the waterslides and trampoline. A gourmet lunch will be served on board along with coffee and a selection of fresh fruits and natural fruit juices.

Add dates

Manuel Antonio National Park

All activities

26 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 2

Immersive experiences

Go beyond Manuel Antonio National Park

Explore all

Other Sightseeing Options in Manuel Antonio National Park

Want to discover all there is to do in Manuel Antonio National Park? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Manuel Antonio National Park

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 298 reviews

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.

Amazing tour. The guide was very funny and made the experience worthwhile. Highly recommend