Manuel Antonio National Park is the quintessential Costa Rican wildlife experience that is not to be missed by animal lovers and those in persuit of beautiful tropical beaches with rainforest reaching right up to the ocean. This has to be one of the best places in the world to see tropical wildlife, almost seeming like a zoo, as you spot monkeys, sloths, and other rainforest dwellers like cute coatis in a natural environment as you meander along paths on the rainforest floor. Relax, and have a picnic on the beach, but watch out for mischiveous monkeys that try to steal your food! Manuel Antonio is a must-experience destination both for families and for couples who can select from numerous romantic eco-lodges and beachfront hotels with spectacular views. Contact our Costa Rica specialists for help planning your trip.
10 Best Manuel Antonio Tour Packages for 2024-2025
Highlights
Manuel Antonio features one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, with dense jungles creeping right up to the edge of the pristine beaches. With such a diverse landscape, it makes for the perfect adventure capital, offering opportunities to go:
Whitewater rafting in the class III rapids of the Savegre River
Horseback riding
Sea kayaking through mangrove ecosystems
Sailing excursions
Relaxing on the beach
Hiking through the rainforest, which borders the ocean
Surfing (or learning to surf if you're a newbie to the waves)
Snorkeling in the crystal clear water
ATV through the jungle
Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio
These beachfront hotels and villas allow you to experience the best of this pristine environment from Costa Rica's tropical hearltand:
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.