Top 10 Things to Do in Manuel Antonio
Introduction
Manuel Antonio was one of the places I was most excited to visit in Costa Rica, and even though I only spent two nights there, it absolutely lived up to the hype. I came mainly to explore the famous national park, but I quickly discovered that the area offers far more than just wildlife. Between beautiful beaches, rainforest trails, and unforgettable scenery, it's easy to see why so many travellers consider Manuel Antonio a must-visit destination. Looking back, this is one place where I genuinely wish I had stayed longer.
1. Explore Manuel Antonio National Park 🌟 Did This
This was the main reason I came to Manuel Antonio, and it didn't disappoint. The park combines beautiful beaches with well-maintained rainforest trails, making it one of the easiest national parks in Costa Rica to explore. During my visit I spotted monkeys and plenty of tropical birds, and simply walking through the rainforest was an experience in itself. It may not have been my biggest wildlife day in Costa Rica, but the scenery alone made the visit worthwhile.
💡 JD's Tip: Buy your park ticket online in advance, as you'll need to select an entry time before arriving. Food isn't allowed inside the park to help prevent monkeys and other wildlife from becoming dependent on visitors, so plan accordingly.
Made it to Manuel Antonio National Park—the whole reason I came to Manuel Antonio!
2. Relax at Playa Manuel Antonio 🌟 Did This
After walking through the national park, you'll arrive at one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches. The soft white sand and calm turquoise water make it the perfect place to cool off after hiking. Since access is only through the park, it never feels as crowded as many public beaches. It's the perfect reward after exploring the rainforest.
💡 JD's Tip: Bring your swimsuit in your backpack so you can enjoy the beach before leaving the park.
My first look at the beach inside Manuel Antonio National Park—and my first thought was, wow. Such a huge, beautiful beach with hardly anyone on it.
3. Watch the Monkeys Around Town 🌟 Did This
One of my favourite surprises was realizing you don't always have to enter the national park to see wildlife. Monkeys regularly wandered through the trees near hotels, restaurants, and roads around Manuel Antonio. It felt like wildlife was simply part of everyday life here, and you never quite knew what you might spot next.
💡 JD's Tip: Keep your food packed away—these monkeys know exactly what tourists are carrying!
Even the ice machines have monkeys on them! In Manuel Antonio, the monkeys really are everywhere—even when they're not actually there.
4. Visit Playa Espadilla 🌟 Did This
Just outside the entrance to the national park, Playa Espadilla is a long public beach that's perfect for relaxing, swimming, or simply enjoying the ocean views. Unlike the beaches inside the park, it's free to access and has plenty of nearby restaurants and cafés. It's a great place to spend an afternoon before or after exploring the park.
💡 JD's Tip: Sunset here is beautiful, especially if you grab a drink from one of the beachfront restaurants.
Sunset at Playa Espadilla—one of those moments that made me wish I had more than two nights in Manuel Antonio.
5. Go Wildlife Spotting on a Guided Nature Tour ❌ Missed This
Although I enjoyed exploring the park on my own, many visitors say hiring a guide completely changes the experience. Guides carry spotting scopes and know exactly where to find camouflaged sloths, tiny frogs, snakes, insects, and sleeping birds that most people walk straight past. If I visited again, this would probably be at the top of my list.
💡 JD's Tip: Even if you've already walked the park once, a guided tour can feel like an entirely different experience.
The monkeys were easy to find—they made sure you knew they were there! I'm pretty sure I walked past a million other animals without ever noticing them.
6. Experience the Mangrove Boat Tour ❌ Missed This
A boat trip through the nearby mangroves offers a completely different side of Manuel Antonio. Crocodiles, monkeys, iguanas, birds, and even snakes are commonly spotted along the waterways. It's a relaxing alternative to hiking and a great way to experience another of Costa Rica's unique ecosystems.
💡 JD's Tip: Morning tours usually have calmer water and better wildlife activity.
Well, that's reassuring. I didn't do the mangrove tour, but the crocodile warning inside Manuel Antonio National Park was a pretty good reminder of what else lives around here.
7. Go Catamaran Sailing & Snorkelling ❌ Missed This
One of the most popular excursions from Manuel Antonio is a catamaran cruise along the Pacific coast. Most tours include snorkelling, lunch, drinks, and the chance to spot dolphins or even humpback whales during migration season. It's a fantastic way to spend a day on the water while enjoying the stunning coastline.
💡 JD's Tip: If you're visiting between July and October or December and April, keep an eye out for humpback whales.
8. Try Ziplining Through the Rainforest ❌ Missed This
While Monteverde and La Fortuna often get the spotlight for ziplining, Manuel Antonio also has some fantastic canopy tours. Flying high above the rainforest offers incredible views while adding a little adrenaline to your trip. It's a fun way to experience the jungle from a completely different perspective.
💡 JD's Tip: Wear closed-toe shoes and secure anything that could fall out of your pockets.
9. Hike to Rainmaker Conservation Park ❌ Missed This
Located just outside Manuel Antonio, Rainmaker Conservation Park is famous for its hanging bridges, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife. Many travellers consider it one of Costa Rica's hidden gems because it's often much quieter than the national park. It's an excellent option if you're looking for another rainforest adventure.
💡 JD's Tip: Visit after a little rain if you want to see the waterfalls at their fullest.
10. Enjoy the Sunset from El Avión Restaurant ❌ Missed This
One of Manuel Antonio's most iconic restaurants is built around a real cargo airplane overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Even if you don't stay for dinner, it's one of the best places to watch the sunset while enjoying panoramic ocean views. The unique setting alone makes it worth a visit.
💡 JD's Tip: Arrive before sunset to grab one of the outdoor tables with the best view.
Final Thoughts
Although I only spent two nights in Manuel Antonio, it became one of my favourite stops in Costa Rica. The combination of beautiful beaches, lush rainforest, and abundant wildlife makes it one of the country's most rewarding destinations. I originally came just to visit the national park, but by the time I left, I honestly wished I had planned an extra day or two.
If I were planning the trip again, I'd stay at least three or four nights. That would leave enough time to properly enjoy the national park, relax on the beaches, take one or two of the tours I missed, and soak up the laid-back atmosphere without feeling rushed. For me, Manuel Antonio is one of those rare places that completely lived up to the hype—and then made me wish I hadn't been in such a hurry to leave.
My first sunset in Manuel Antonio on the side of the road because sometimes the best views aren't planned. I only had two nights here, and I definitely left wishing I'd stayed longer.
