Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio is where Costa Rica's Pacific rainforest runs straight into the sea.
A steep green ridge drops from the road above Quepos to a string of beaches, and in between, white-faced capuchins, squirrel monkeys and sloths go about their business within sight of the sunbathers. This guide covers the essentials: a guided walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, the long public sweep of Playa Espadilla, a boat or kayak through the Damas Island mangroves, a catamaran day or a sunset sail out of Marina Pez Vela, the zip-line canopy, a Savegre River rafting day, a small-group night walk to find frogs and snakes, and a sportfishing charter for the serious angler. It then matches you to a hotel, from a cliff-top rainforest resort to a hillside bargain, because here the road is steep, the park gate closes on Tuesdays and the hotel you pick decides how much of the day you spend in a taxi. The green season, from May to November, is quieter and cheaper, with showers that usually arrive in the afternoon.
Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour
Costa Rica's smallest and most visited national park packs rainforest trails, wildlife and coves into a few square kilometres above the Pacific. Go with a certified guide, book ahead and remember the park is closed on Tuesdays.
Damas Island Mangrove Boat Tour
A guided boat ride through the quiet channels of the Damas Island mangroves near Quepos, where the roots arch over still water and monkeys, herons and the odd crocodile show up. Easy, shaded and a good fit for all ages.
Ocean King Catamaran Sunset Cruise with Dinner
An afternoon catamaran sail from Marina Pez Vela that turns into a sunset dinner on the water, with snorkel gear, cocktails and hotel pickup. The easiest romantic evening in Manuel Antonio.
Damas Island Mangrove Kayak Tour
Paddle the quiet Damas Island channels by sea kayak with a guide, timed to the tide, in a small group of no more than twelve. A quieter, closer look at the mangroves for travellers who like to move.
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Costa Rica's smallest and most visited national park packs rainforest trails, wildlife and coves into a few square kilometres above the Pacific. Go with a certified guide, book ahead and remember the park is closed on Tuesdays.
A long, wide sweep of sand running along the road to the park entrance, backed by forest and lined with beach shacks. It is free, open to everyone and the easiest place for a swim, a surf lesson or a sunset.
A guided boat ride through the quiet channels of the Damas Island mangroves near Quepos, where the roots arch over still water and monkeys, herons and the odd crocodile show up. Easy, shaded and a good fit for all ages.
Paddle the quiet Damas Island channels by sea kayak with a guide, timed to the tide, in a small group of no more than twelve. A quieter, closer look at the mangroves for travellers who like to move.
A half-day catamaran sail along the national park coast from Marina Pez Vela, with snorkeling, a swim at Biesanz Bay, a grilled lunch and drinks. A relaxed way to see the park from the sea.
An afternoon catamaran sail from Marina Pez Vela that turns into a sunset dinner on the water, with snorkel gear, cocktails and hotel pickup. The easiest romantic evening in Manuel Antonio.
A half-day canopy tour with twin zip lines through the rainforest above Manuel Antonio, plus hanging bridges, nature walks, a traditional lunch and hotel transfers. One of the area's best-reviewed adventures.
A day on the Savegre River with Class II and III rapids, a safety kayaker, a waterfall stop and lunch, suitable from age six. The classic rafting day trip from Manuel Antonio.
A small-group walk of about two hours after dark with a guide, flashlights and a spotting scope, looking for frogs, snakes, spiders and sleeping sloths. A different, quieter side of the rainforest.
A private half-day or full-day sportfishing charter from Los Sueños Marina, with tackle, bait, captain, mate, drinks and hotel pickup included. Costa Rica's Central Pacific is famous for sailfish, marlin and dorado.
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Playitas Beach, Manuel Antonio
The splurge on this coast: a beachfront resort set in eleven acres of private rainforest reserve, with two beaches, two pools, two restaurants, a wellness centre and naturalists on staff. Free breakfast, and monkeys and sloths on the grounds.
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$$$$Punta Quepos, Manuel Antonio
A 130-room clifftop resort on the Punta Quepos promontory, with ocean-view pools, a children's pool, a spa, several restaurants and a sustainable tourism certification. The full-service choice for families and groups.
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$$$Manuel Antonio Road
The quirky classic of Manuel Antonio: 70 rooms on a cliffside of rainforest, three pools, four restaurants and a vintage Boeing 727 fuselage turned into a suite. Mid-range prices and a walk to Playa Espadilla.
Check rates →Punta Quepos and Biesanz
A small, quiet hillside hotel a four-minute walk from Biesanz Beach, with free buffet breakfast, a spa, a restaurant, an on-site winery and an adults-only pool. A calm, mid-range base on the Punta Quepos side.
Check rates →Manuel Antonio Road
The value pick: a small garden hotel on the Manuel Antonio road with free full breakfast, a pool, a spa, a garden cafe and a 9.4 guest score from a thousand reviews. A nineteen-minute walk to Playa Espadilla.
Check rates →What to book ahead, how to get around, how many days you need and how the park, beach, mangroves and boats fit together, including the Tuesday closure of the national park.
Which part of Manuel Antonio suits you: the Quepos waterfront, the beach strip on the main road or the quiet Punta Quepos hillside, with five hotels matched to each.
