About Manuel Antonio National Park Guide: Where the Jungle Meets the Sea
Rainforest meets white-sand beach in Costa Rica's most beloved national park.
If your dream vacation involves white-sand beaches, warm Pacific waves, and monkeys swinging through the trees above your beach towel, Manuel Antonio delivers. Located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, it’s the country’s smallest but most-visited national park.
Here’s your complete guide to exploring Manuel Antonio and getting down to the coast with ease.
Top things to do in Manuel Antonio
1. Hike to sheltered beaches
Inside the national park, jungle trails lead directly onto beaches like Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur. Protected by a natural rock bay, the water here is calm and clear, good for swimming or snorkeling.
2. Spot the wildlife
Manuel Antonio has a dense concentration of wildlife. Walking the boardwalk trails gives you a good chance of spotting three-toed sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, iguanas, and toucans. Pro tip: rent a spotting scope or hire an official park guide to see camouflaged wildlife high in the trees.
3. Take a sunset catamaran cruise
After exploring the park, head out to open water on a catamaran. Sail the coastline, look for migrating humpback whales and dolphins, and watch the Pacific sunset while eating fresh local food on board.
4. Try mangrove kayaking
Just outside the park lies the Damas Island estuary. A guided kayak or boat tour through the mangrove forests can turn up rare birds, boa constrictors, and silky anteaters hiding in the root systems.
Transitioning from jungle to beach
Traveling from the northern rainforests or San José down to the Central Pacific coast means navigating busy highways and heavy coastal traffic. Don’t spend your vacation time stressing over directions or parking.
A shared or private beach shuttle gets you there in air-conditioned comfort. We pick you up directly from your hotel and drop you at your beach resort, ready to dive into the ocean.
Ready for the ultimate beach day? Reserve your ride to Manuel Antonio with Beach Shuttles CR today!