Best Things to Do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio may be best known for its national park, but there's much more to experience in this part of Costa Rica.

Within a single vacation, you can hike through tropical rainforest, look for monkeys and sloths, spend an afternoon on a Pacific beach, raft a river, zipline through the jungle, head offshore for a day of fishing or simply relax beside a private pool.

The hardest part may be deciding what to do first.

Here are some of the best things to do in Manuel Antonio—and a few tips for deciding which experiences belong on your Costa Rica vacation.

1. Explore Manuel Antonio National Park

If you're visiting the area for the first time, Manuel Antonio National Park deserves a place near the top of your list.

The park brings together several of the things people travel to Costa Rica to experience: tropical rainforest, wildlife, hiking trails and beautiful beaches.

As you explore, watch for monkeys, sloths, iguanas, tropical birds and other wildlife. Some animals are surprisingly easy to miss, even when they're nearby.

That's one reason a guided nature tour can be worthwhile. An experienced guide knows where to look and may have a spotting scope that lets you see animals high in the canopy.

But wildlife isn't the park's only attraction.

The trails lead through lush tropical forest and toward viewpoints and beaches, making it possible to combine hiking, wildlife watching and beach time in the same outing.

Before You Go

Purchase your admission through the official Costa Rican national park system and check the current schedule before your visit.

At the time of writing, Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesdays, but schedules and visitor policies can change.

Also be aware that the park does not operate its own tourist parking lot. If you're driving, private parking is available outside the park, so confirm the price before leaving your vehicle.

Give yourself several hours rather than trying to rush through the park.

Manuel Antonio is much better when you're looking into the trees than looking at your watch.

2. Spend a Day at the Beach

You don't have to enter the national park every time you want to enjoy the Pacific.

The Manuel Antonio area has several beaches, each with its own character.

Some are ideal for a relaxed afternoon of swimming and sun, while others are better for scenery, surfing or simply walking along the coast.

A beach day is also an excellent way to break up an activity-heavy vacation.

If you've spent one day hiking and the next on an excursion, there's nothing wrong with making the following day's schedule:

Beach. Lunch. Pool. Repeat.

For help choosing where to go, read our Best Beaches Near Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica guide.

3. Go Wildlife Watching

You don't have to spend much time in Manuel Antonio before you start looking toward the trees.

This area is known for an extraordinary variety of wildlife.

Depending on where you explore—and a healthy dose of luck—you may encounter capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, howler monkeys, sloths, scarlet macaws, toucans, iguanas and many other tropical species.

Wildlife is wild, so sightings are never guaranteed. That's part of what makes seeing an animal in its natural environment so special.

A guided wildlife excursion can improve your chances of spotting animals you might otherwise walk right past.

And remember to observe responsibly.

Never feed wildlife, don't try to touch animals and give them plenty of space.

For a deeper look at what you might encounter, read our Manuel Antonio Wildlife Guide: Monkeys, Sloths, Macaws & More.

4. Experience a Mangrove Tour

The rainforest canopy isn't the only ecosystem worth exploring.

A mangrove tour offers a completely different perspective on Costa Rica's wildlife and natural environment.

Rather than hiking through the forest, you'll typically explore waterways surrounded by mangrove vegetation while looking for birds, monkeys, reptiles and other wildlife.

These tours can be especially appealing to families or travelers who want a nature experience without a strenuous hike.

They're also a great complement to Manuel Antonio National Park because the environment feels completely different.

5. Go Ziplining Through the Rainforest

If looking up at the rainforest isn't enough, try flying through it.

Ziplining—or a canopy tour—is one of Costa Rica's classic adventure experiences.

Tours vary, but the basic idea is simple: platforms and cables take you through or above the tropical forest, giving you a perspective you won't get from the ground.

For adventurous families, couples and groups, this can easily become one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.

If heights aren't your thing, don't worry.

Manuel Antonio offers plenty of adventures that keep your feet much closer to the ground.

6. Go Whitewater Rafting

The Central Pacific region offers excellent opportunities for whitewater rafting.

The Savegre River is known for Class III rafting opportunities, while sections of the Naranjo River can offer Class III and IV rapids.

Which trip makes sense depends on conditions, season, experience level and the members of your group.

A rafting excursion isn't just about the rapids, either. The journey can take you through beautiful tropical scenery that you'd never experience from the road.

For adventure-minded travelers, rafting can provide a nice contrast to beaches and wildlife tours.

7. Chase a Waterfall

There's something about swimming near a tropical waterfall that makes you remember you're definitely not back home.

Waterfall excursions around the region can combine scenic drives, rainforest, hiking and swimming.

The experience varies significantly depending on the particular excursion and season, so check how much walking is involved and whether the trip is appropriate for everyone in your group.

A waterfall day can be particularly enjoyable when you want an adventure without committing to a full day of high-adrenaline activities.

8. Take an ATV Adventure

An ATV tour provides another way to explore the countryside beyond Manuel Antonio's beaches and main tourist areas.

Depending on the tour, routes may travel through rural landscapes, tropical vegetation and areas that most visitors would never otherwise see.

This is generally better suited to travelers looking for an active, sometimes muddy adventure rather than a quiet sightseeing tour.

And in Costa Rica, a little mud can be part of the fun.

9. Go Sportfishing From Quepos

Just down the road from Manuel Antonio, Quepos provides access to some serious fishing opportunities.

Marina Pez Vela serves as a major base for boating and sportfishing in the area.

Depending on the season and type of charter, anglers may pursue offshore or inshore species.

If someone in your group loves fishing, this can easily become the centerpiece of an entire day.

And even if not everyone wants to fish, Quepos itself is worth knowing because you'll likely pass through or visit during your stay in Manuel Antonio.

Read our Quepos vs. Manuel Antonio: Where Should You Stay? guide for more about the relationship between these two neighboring areas.

10. See Manuel Antonio From the Water

The coastline looks completely different from offshore.

Sailing and catamaran excursions can provide a relaxing alternative to hiking, rafting or ziplining.

Depending on the excursion and conditions, a boat trip might include swimming, snorkeling, coastal sightseeing or simply enjoying the Pacific.

A sunset cruise is another option, particularly for couples or groups looking for a more relaxed experience.

Watching the Costa Rican coastline as the sun goes down over the Pacific can be a pretty spectacular way to finish the day.

11. Try Surfing

Costa Rica and surfing go hand in hand.

If you've always wanted to try it, a vacation in the Manuel Antonio area may be the perfect opportunity.

Beginners can look for lessons rather than attempting to figure everything out themselves, while experienced surfers can explore conditions appropriate to their skill level.

Ocean conditions can change, so always pay attention to local advice, currents and safety information.

And if surfing sounds like too much work?

There's absolutely nothing wrong with watching from the beach.

12. Explore Quepos

Don't spend your entire vacation passing through Quepos without stopping.

Quepos offers a different atmosphere from the rainforest and resort areas around Manuel Antonio.

It's a working Costa Rican town with shops, restaurants, local services and the marina.

Spend some time walking around, grab something to eat, visit the marina area or simply see another side of the destination.

Manuel Antonio and Quepos work well together.

You don't have to choose one and ignore the other.

13. Eat Your Way Through the Area

Not every memorable Costa Rica experience requires hiking boots or a life jacket.

Leave room in your schedule for food.

Try local Costa Rican dishes, fresh fruit and seafood, but don't feel like every meal needs to be an event.

One advantage of staying in a vacation rental with a full kitchen is being able to mix restaurant meals with easy breakfasts, snacks and relaxed meals at home.

After several busy excursion days, eating beside your own pool can sound pretty good.

14. Do Absolutely Nothing

Yes, this belongs on a list of the best things to do in Manuel Antonio.

One of the easiest mistakes to make when planning Costa Rica is filling every day from sunrise to sunset.

Don't.

Leave some empty space.

Sleep late one morning.

Have coffee outside.

Watch for macaws.

Float in the pool.

Take an afternoon nap.

Go back to the beach you liked instead of visiting another attraction just because it was on your list.

Some of the best moments in Manuel Antonio happen between the activities you planned.

How Many Activities Should You Plan?

For most travelers, one major activity per day is plenty.

A national park visit in the morning followed by a relaxing afternoon works beautifully.

So does rafting followed by dinner and an early night.

Trying to combine the national park, ziplining, a beach, a boat trip and a waterfall into two days may technically be possible, but it probably won't feel much like a vacation.

If you're staying for a week, spread the adventures out.

Our 7-Day Manuel Antonio Itinerary: Beaches, Wildlife & Adventure shows one way to balance activities with downtime.

What Are the Best Things to Do With Kids?

Families don't necessarily need a completely different Manuel Antonio vacation.

They may simply need a different pace.

Wildlife tours, beaches, the national park, boat trips and some adventure activities can all work well for families depending on children's ages and interests.

The biggest difference is scheduling.

Avoid stacking several long activities back-to-back and give children—and adults—time to recover.

A pool can become one of the most valuable “activities” on the entire trip.

For more family-specific ideas, see Manuel Antonio With Kids: A Family Vacation Guide.

Where Should You Stay While Exploring Manuel Antonio?

Where you stay affects how the entire trip feels.

Hotels and resorts work well for travelers who want traditional services and on-site amenities.

Families and groups may prefer a vacation rental where everyone can stay together and have more space, a kitchen and private outdoor areas.

Villa Capuchin provides a tropical home base in the Manuel Antonio area with:

• 3 bedrooms

• 2 bathrooms

• Room for up to 8 guests

• Private pool

• Full kitchen

• Indoor and outdoor living spaces

• Convenient access to Manuel Antonio and Quepos

Spend the day exploring Costa Rica, then come back to your own place to swim, relax and decide what tomorrow's adventure will be.

For a complete comparison, read Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

Ready to Explore Manuel Antonio?

You don't need to experience everything Manuel Antonio offers to have an incredible vacation.

Choose the adventures that excite you, leave room for spontaneous discoveries and give yourself enough downtime to actually enjoy being in Costa Rica.

And when the day's adventure is finished, Villa Capuchin gives your family or group a private tropical place to come home to.

Use Planning Your Stay to tell us your travel dates, group size and what you'd like to experience.

Or select Book Now whenever you're ready to check current availability and pricing.

Adventure outside. Private pool at home. That's a pretty good Costa Rica combination.