Manuel Antonio: The Must Sees

Despite being one of Costa Rica’s smallest National Parks, the famous idiom of size isn’t everything truly comes into its own here. 

Located on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, nestled between the party town of Jaco top the North and the pristine primary rainforests of the Osa Peninsula to the South, Manuel Antonio offers a strategic stronghold for those wishing to see the very best of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. 

Along with many destinations of Costa Rica, the rich biodiversity of the area makes Manuel Antonio a must-see destination. In fact, it is quite easy to spend the entirety of your stay in Costa Rica just in Manuel Antonio. Dotted amid the rainforest hilltops, you will find artisanal and boutique hotels. Instead of chain hotels that wreak havoc on the local ecosystems and economies, many of the hotels in Manuel Antonio are sustainably focused, with many winning awards within the eco-tourism sector.   

While nature and wildlife are truly one to behold, there is more to this small, once fishing village, than meets the eye. Read on to discover some of the top attractions and things to do in Manuel Antonio. 

Visit Manuel Antonio National Park 

The main attraction to this humble community is the National Park. Established in 1972, this near 1600-acre reserve upholds stunning beauty and a huge diversity of wildlife. Within the park itself, you will likely encounter a variety of ecosystems, from rainforest and beaches to coral reefs; each offering a differing perspective on the region, and ultimately, different wildlife. Incredible really, as this is the smallest National Park in the country. 

Amble down the many trails, and experience the transformative progression of the habitats. Firstly, discover the tropical rainforest and learn about the plants and habitats that call this habitat home. Best to keep an eye on the canopy, as the trees here house some very special Costa Rican animals: sloths! In the rainy season, witness incredible waterfalls that cascade down the mountainsides. 

Multiple trails diverge into pristine jungles. However, some of the trails are steep, so some level of fitness is required. The views at the top of these trails more than makeup for the physical exertion. Offering panoramic lookout points of the surrounding jungle and ocean, you may even be lucky enough to see migrating whales. 

After exploring the many trails within the jungle, reward yourself with an invigorating swim in the crystal-clear waters off the shore.  

Explore the beaches 

One very prestigious award goes to Manuel Antonio, and with good reason. Within the National Park, one special beach can be found. This beach, known simply as Manuel Antonio Beach, has been awarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world by the lonely planet. 

A mere 30-minute hike from the park’s entrance, Manuel Antonio Beach is inundated with white sand, with a backdrop of the lush, tropical rainforest. Coconut-laden trees drape over this stretch of beach, which attracts all manner of cheeky wildlife, such as capuchin monkeys. A great spot for that Instagram-perfect shot. 

However, this isn’t the only stunning beach in the area. With many tourists flooding to Manuel Antonio Beach, many miss out on the lesser-known beaches on the periphery of the town. Biesanz Beach, Escondido Beach, and Playa La Macha are some equally picturesque beaches of the area. In fact, without the hordes of tourists, and with exciting jungle hikes, these beaches may be slightly more spectacular. 

Witness a multitude of marine birdlife, hunting in the shallow waters. The sheltered bays on offer here present the perfect opportunity to go for a leisurely swim, just be cautious of the underwater currents. 

Wildlife Tours 

Manuel Antonio is a haven for wildlife. Despite the small size, an incredible diversity of plant and animal life can be found here. In fact, Manuel Antonio remains a stronghold for endangered wildlife such as squirrel monkeys and scarlet macaws. 

Manuel Antonio is one of the few places in Costa Rica (as well as Corcovado National Park, near the Osa Peninsula), where you can spot troops of the critically endangered Central American squirrel monkeys. Known locally as Mono Titi, squirrel monkeys are the smallest primate species in Costa Rica. They are cute, playful, and inquisitive, however, they are threatened with extinction from human development and habitat loss. 

Similarly, scarlet macaws suffer the same fate as the squirrel monkeys. Once found readily throughout Costa Rica, scarlet macaw populations have now been reduced to just a few pockets of the country. Fortunately, numbers in Manuel Antonio remain steady, and you can often find these vibrant parrots flying in pairs. 

Other animals you may find within and around the National Park include capuchin and howler monkeys, iguanas and other lizard species, crabs, deer, agouti, and countless bird species. If you venture into the ocean, don’t forget to pack your snorkel as an incredible wealth of marine life can be observed under the waves. And one final reminder: although the wildlife may seem very accustomed to human presence, it is prohibited to feed any of the wildlife within the park. 

Watersport Activities 

Around Manuel Antonio, off Espadilla Beach, a plethora of water-based activities can be had. 

When in Costa Rica, you simply have to try a spot of surfing, and Manuel Antonio offers the perfect place for all levels. Bilingual guides are available to help you experience the fun of surfing. 

If surfing isn’t for you, fear not. There are many water-based activities for you and the family to enjoy. From parasailing and banana boats to offshore fishing, Manuel Antonio has you covered. In fact, the shores of Manuel Antonio are bursting with life and are thought to be some of the best places for anglers to have a go at a spot of offshore fishing. Expect to catch roosterfish, snook, and red snapper. 

But you are on vacation after all. With all the hiking and exploring, maybe all you want to do is to relax. And rightly so. Again, Manuel Antonio has you covered. Book on to a catamaran sunset trip, where you can relax onboard and appreciate the views of the coastal scenery. You may even get lucky and spy a pod of dolphins or a leaping whale.