Facts checked October 2026 by the Manuel Antonio Travel Guide team
Before anything else: check which of your days is a Tuesday (park closed) and buy your SINAC ticket for park day as soon as you know it. How to buy tickets.
Day 1: arrive and settle in
- Afternoon: check in and walk to Playa Espadilla, the long public beach just outside the park. It is free and open all day, but watch for rip currents and swim near the lifeguard flags.
- Sunset: the hillside road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio has viewpoints and restaurants facing west.
- Evening: get your passport and SINAC barcode ready for tomorrow and set an early alarm.
Day 2: the national park
- 7:00 am: enter the park with a guide. This is the single best decision of the trip; the first hours are cooler and busier with wildlife.
- 9:30 am to early afternoon: stay on at Playa Manuel Antonio (calm, sheltered) or Playa Espadilla Sur. Keep bags closed; the monkeys and raccoons steal.
- Evening: a guided night walk on a private reserve for frogs, snakes and insects.
Day 3: water day
Choose one:
- Damas Island mangroves by kayak or boat. The tide sets the start time, so keep the day flexible.
- Catamaran from Marina Pez Vela, best on a morning departure for calmer water and snorkelling.
Either works on a Tuesday.
Tours for this itinerary
Small-group naturalist walk, ticket option
Best for: First-time visitors who want a small group and the ticket sorted
- Maximum 10 people, about 2–3 hours with a spotting scope
- Choose the option WITH park ticket at checkout
- Meets at Chalo Parking, a few steps from the entrance
Prices and booking on Viator
Jungle night walk on a private reserve
Best for: Frogs, snakes and insects after the park has closed
- About 2 hours with flashlight and spotting scope provided
- Reserve entry fee paid in cash on arrival
- Meets on the road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio
Prices and booking on Viator
Damas Island mangrove kayak with lunch
Best for: Tuesdays, when the national park is closed
- Start time follows the tide: the operator confirms it, not you
- Hotel pickup, guide and a typical Costa Rican meal included
- Children from 8, sharing a kayak with an adult
Prices and booking on Viator
Morning catamaran with snorkel and lunch
Best for: A relaxed day on the water along the park's coast
- 9:00 am departure from Marina Pez Vela, Quepos
- Buffet lunch, juices and snorkel gear included; bring a towel
- Hotel pickup only in the Manuel Antonio area
Prices and booking on Viator
Heading on from Manuel Antonio
Driving south along the coast, Uvita and the Marino Ballena National Park are about an hour away, and Sierpe, the gateway by boat to Drake Bay and Corcovado, is a little further. If you want to see Costa Rica's wildest rainforest, Corcovado is the natural next stop. GoCorcovado is run by the same team as this guide.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Manuel Antonio?
Two full days cover the national park and one other activity. Three days lets you add the mangroves or a catamaran and still have beach time without rushing.
What if one of my days is a Tuesday?
Put the national park on another day and use Tuesday for the Damas mangroves, a catamaran or a night walk, which all run outside the park.
Do I need a car in Manuel Antonio?
Not necessarily. Buses run between Quepos and the park entrance, and many tours include hotel pickup. A car helps if you are staying up the hill or want to explore further.