Top 5 Things to Do in Manuel Antonio

Last updated on March 23rd, 2023 at 05:25 am

Manuel Antonio is the most loved beach town in Costa Rica. It is located on the coast of the pacific ocean and is best-known for eco-tourism and the adventurous activities it has to offer. Manuel Antonio is centrally located to take advantage of all the best activities available in Costa Rica.

With infinite blue waters, white sandy beaches, and diverse wildlife, this beach town has been the center point of attraction for vacationers. Every year, thousands of travelers visit this exciting place in Costa Rica to explore and enjoy the evergreen natural beauty of this paradise on earth.

If you also love traveling and are fond of visiting and exploring exciting places, Manuel Antonio has the perfect treat to offer. You shouldn’t miss this wonderful place in your travel itinerary.

If you are unsure about what to do in Manuel Antonio, this guide is particularly for you. It comprises the five most exciting things to do in Manuel Antonio. Let’s check them out below!

Have Fun in Manuel Antonio with White Sandy Beaches

Manuel Antonio beaches have been the top attractions for vacationers. With an unexplored marine world, adventurous water sports, and an intercultural environment, they have lots of fun to offer. Your visit to Manuel Antonio is incomplete until you enjoy and experience the warmth of the white sand and the overwhelming crashing waves.

There are many spectacular beaches in Manuel Antonio you can explore. They are perfect for fun and relaxing after having a busy day. Some of the most loved beaches of Manuel Antonio are:

• Manuel Antonio
• Playa Espadilla
• Playa Espadilla Sur
• Playa La Mancha
• Playa Beisanz
• La Playita
• Tesoro

The Manuel Antonio National Park alone hosts four of these beaches within the limits of its boundaries that are: Manuel Antonio, Tesoro, Espadilla Sur, and Playita. These beaches are best known for their spectacular views, mesmerizing sunsets, and watersports.

Some of these beaches are directly accessible from Quepos (a place where you can find many shops, villas, hotels, and restaurants). While you need a hotel or public shuttle service to access others.

Some hotels provide private trails to enter nearby beaches. These private trails are usually surrounded by dense forests and wildlife. They give you an enthralling experience of witnessing the wildlife closely.

Explore the Breathtaking Rainforest and Wildlife in The Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park is popular across the globe. In 2011, it was listed by Forbes as one of the best national parks in the world.

With spectacular landscapes, white sandy beaches, and lush green foliage amidst the enormous mountains and astonishing wildlife, Manuel Antonio National Park is the most adventurous place to explore in Costa Rica. It is best known for its pleasant climate and scenic beauty.

With a 1,983 ha (7.66 sq mi.) geographical area, Manuel Antonio National Park is surprisingly the smallest park in Costa Rica. However, the diversity of the wildlife and extended tropical forest of this adventurous park is remarkable.

Manuel Antonio National Park nurtures a wider species of different mammals, birds, reptiles, and terrestrial animals, including around 109 species of mammals, 184 species of birds, and three of four species of monkeys found in Costa Rica.

Mantled howler monkey, Panamanian white-faced capuchin monkey, Central American squirrel monkey, brown-throated three-toed sloth, Hoffman’s two-toed sloth, green iguana, white-nosed coati, common basilisk, and many bat and snake species are the major features of the Manuel Antonio National Park’s wildlife. The bird and mammal species that you can find in the park, include woodpeckers, motmots, potoos, toucans, parakeets, hawks, dolphins, and occasional migrating whales.

Enjoy the Adventurous Water Sports and Hiking

With many beaches, mountains, trails, and infinite blue waters, Manuel Antonio Costa Rica provides vacationers with an opportunity to enjoy thrilling water sports and hiking. Scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, sea kayaking, trail hiking, mountain biking, and parasailing are some of the most adventurous sports you can enjoy and experience in Manuel Antonio.

To enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, and parasailing, you need to book a private cruise. With a private cruise, you can also explore the incredible beauty of the infinite marine world. For beginners to enjoy surfing and hiking, it’s best to go on a tour in Manuel Antonio or hire a personal guide.

Relish the Broader Ocean View From Your Rented Villa

Manuel Antonio has many luxury villas and guest houses that are strategically located 10-15 minutes walk away from the beach. If you wish to relish the broader ocean view and explore the nightlife of the Manuel Antonio beaches, they are the perfect place. You can also witness the mesmerizing sunset, rainforest, and beautiful trails from the drawing hall and bedroom of your rented villa.

Moreover, most luxurious Costa Rica vacation rentals also provide a broader view of the ocean scene. You can witness the hustle-bustle of the Quepos from your villa.

Enjoy Costa Rica's Most Savory Dishes

Manuel Antonio has some of the best restaurants in Costa Rica and serves some of the most savory Costa Rican dishes. If you miss them, your visit to Manuel Antonio is incomplete. From Gallo Pinto, Casado, and Chifrizo to Tostons, Run Down, and Picadillo, Manuel Antonio has these Costa Rica’s popular dishes to offer.

Moreover, Manuel Antonio’s restaurants, hotels, and food outlets follow all the food safety and hygiene instructions that ensure the quality of the food. So, you are served delicious and completely hygienic foods in Manuel Antonio.

Overall, Manuel Antonio is a complete pack of fun and adventure for vacationers. It is one of the most exciting places to visit in Costa Rica where you can find dozens of enthralling things to do.

The best time to go to Manuel Antonio Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s summer season starts in December and lasts until the end of March. The rest of the year is the rainy season although rainfall can also happen during the dry season. Temperatures are usually in the high twenties (Celsius) / around 80° F with most rainfall from May to November. If you’re planning a Costa Rica trip, make sure to check out our other helpful guides.

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