Facts checked October 2026 by the Manuel Antonio Travel Guide team
1. Walk the national park at 7:00 am
The main reason to come. Flat trails through rainforest to sheltered beaches, with monkeys, sloths and iguanas on the way. Buy the ticket on the SINAC portal in advance, go at the first slot and remember the park is closed on Tuesdays.
2. Go with a naturalist guide
A guide's spotting scope is what turns "we saw monkeys" into sloths, frogs, owls and toucans. It is the single biggest upgrade to a visit. Group vs private compared.
3. Swim at Playa Manuel Antonio
The calm, sheltered cove inside the park is the best swimming beach in the area. Stay after your walk until the park clears in the afternoon. More in our beaches guide.
4. Spend a free afternoon on Playa Espadilla
The long public beach outside the park costs nothing, has chairs and umbrellas for rent and is the classic spot for sunset. Watch for rip currents and swim near the lifeguards.
5. Kayak the Damas Island mangroves
Paddle or take a quiet boat through mangrove channels a short drive from Quepos. It is the best plan for a Tuesday. Kayak or boat?
6. Sail on a catamaran
Half a day along the park's coast from Marina Pez Vela, with snorkelling, lunch and, from roughly August to October and December to March, a chance of humpback whales. Morning vs sunset.
7. Take a night walk
Frogs, snakes and tarantulas on a private reserve after the park has closed. Often the highlight of the trip, and rain doesn't stop it. What to expect.
8. Zip line through the canopy
Half-day canopy tours with platforms, hanging bridges and long cables, usually with pickup and lunch included. Zip lines and rafting.
9. Raft the Savegre River
A full day of Class II–III rapids through forest south of Quepos. Not for young children, but beginners do fine.
10. Snorkel at Playa Biesanz
A small cove between Quepos and Manuel Antonio with calmer water and rocks to snorkel around when the sea is flat. Bring your own mask.
11. Watch the sunset with a drink
The road up the hill between Quepos and the park is lined with bars and restaurants facing the Pacific. Arrive half an hour early for a table with a view.
12. Stroll Marina Pez Vela in Quepos
The marina is where catamarans and fishing boats leave, with restaurants and a waterfront walk. Pleasant for an evening, and the place to start any boat trip.
If you only have one day
National park at 7:00 am with a guide, beach inside the park until early afternoon, rest, then a night walk. With more time, follow our 3-day itinerary. Coming only for the day from San José? See the day trip guide.
Tours we would book
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
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
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
Canopy tour with a very long twin zip line
Best for: A half-day thrill with lunch included
- Hotel pickup, typical lunch, snacks and drinks included
- Platforms, hanging bridges and a twin line close to a mile long
- Maximum weight 275 lb; not for pregnant travellers
Prices and booking on Viator
Savegre River whitewater rafting
Best for: Active travellers wanting a full day of Class II–III rapids
- About 6 hours with hotel pickup, typical lunch and safety kayaker
- Not recommended for children aged 7 and under
- Small groups of up to 8; bring a change of clothes
Prices and booking on Viator
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do in Manuel Antonio besides the national park?
Kayak or boat through the Damas Island mangroves, sail a catamaran along the coast, go on a night walk, zip line, raft the Savegre River, or spend the afternoon on the free Playa Espadilla.
What can I do in Manuel Antonio on a Tuesday?
The national park is closed on Tuesdays. The mangroves, catamarans, night walks, zip lines, rafting and the public beach outside the park are all open.
How many days do you need in Manuel Antonio?
Two days covers the park and one other activity. Three days lets you add a water trip and a night walk without rushing.