Manuel Antonio: Beaches, Wildlife & Jungle Trails on the Pacific

Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s easiest “wow-per-mile” destinations: powdery beaches, rainforest wildlife, and ocean viewpoints all packed into a small area just minutes from hotels and restaurants. You can start the day on well-signed jungle trails with ranger presence, spot sloths and monkeys along the way, and end on a calm cove that feels made for swimming. It’s especially friendly for first-timers and families because you don’t need complex logistics—most experiences fit into a half-day, and you can move between them quickly.

The vibe is part of the appeal. The village stretches along a ridge between Quepos and the park entrance, so you’ll find lookout points, casual eateries, and clifftop spots where sunsets steal the show. Inside the national park, short walks connect beach coves and promontories, with detours to viewpoints like Punta Catedral that make the coastline feel cinematic. Outside the gates, there are public beaches for surf lessons and long golden-hour walks, plus sheltered bays that locals love for calmer swims.

To make the most of Manuel Antonio, plan your schedule around the park’s hours and your energy level. Go early (around the 07:00 opening) to see more wildlife before the heat and crowds build, then save the afternoon for beach time or a boat trip from Quepos. Keep in mind that park entry is capacity-controlled, so booking ahead is part of a stress-free plan. The payoff is huge: in one trip you can combine “classic Costa Rica” wildlife, postcard Pacific beaches, and low-effort jungle trails with views that feel unreal.

Top Attractions & Experiences

Manuel Antonio National Park

Costa Rica’s most famous coastal park blends rainforest and beach into a compact, wildlife-rich loop. Easy trails and boardwalk sections connect white-sand coves, forest edges (prime for spotting sloths and monkeys), and scenic lookouts like Punta Catedral—so you get jungle and ocean in the same morning.

• Walk the main trails for wildlife: sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and birds
• Swim and relax at calm coves like Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur
• Do the Punta Catedral loop for panoramic viewpoints

How to get there: Head toward the park entrance area from the Manuel Antonio / Quepos road; arrive early and follow signage to the official entry.

How much time to spend: 3–5 hours (half day is ideal; longer if you add beach time inside).

Entrance fees: Foreigners (non-resident) around ₡8,030 per adult (≈ $16 + tax). Locals: not specified in the provided draft (check official ticketing categories).

Address: Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio entrance (Google map)

Notes: Tickets are sold online and daily capacity can sell out. Bring ID for verification. Food sales are limited—pack permitted snacks and water.

Playa Espadilla Norte

This long public beach sits just north of the national park boundary and is the easiest “no-ticket” beach day in the area. It’s great for long walks, beginner surf lessons, and sunset light—plus you’ll find more beach services here than inside the park.

• Take a golden-hour walk along the shoreline
• Book a surf lesson with local schools
• Enjoy beach services (chairs, shade, snacks) offered by vendors

How to get there: Access from the main Manuel Antonio strip; taxis and buses run between Quepos and Manuel Antonio frequently.

How much time to spend: 2–4 hours (or longer for a full beach day).

Address: Playa Espadilla Norte (Google map)

Notes: Strong sun and occasional rip currents—use caution, especially after heavy rain or near river mouths.

Catamaran Cruise from Marina Pez Vela (Quepos)

A catamaran cruise is the “different angle” Manuel Antonio day: you trade trails for open-water views, snorkeling stops, and the chance of seeing dolphins (and, seasonally, whales) along the coast. Sunset departures are especially popular for the light and calmer end-of-day vibe.

• Snorkel at designated spots (conditions permitting)
• Look for dolphins and other marine life
• Choose a sunset sail for the best coastline views

How to get there: Start from Marina Pez Vela in Quepos; most operators meet at the marina and handle check-in there.

How much time to spend: 3–5 hours (half day), depending on the tour schedule.

Address: Marina Pez Vela, Quepos (Google map)

Notes: Typical group tours were listed in the draft as roughly ₡40,200–₡70,300+ (≈ $80–$140+) depending on operator and time. Bring reef-safe sunscreen; morning trips often have calmer seas.

Marina Pez Vela (Dining, Shops & Charters)

Even if you’re not sailing, the marina is a pleasant waterfront stop: modern facilities, restaurants, and a laid-back place to watch boats come and go. It’s a handy pre- or post-tour anchor and a nice change of scene from the beach strip.

• Grab a meal or drink with marina views
• Browse shops and check for events or festivals
• Use it as your base for charter departures

How to get there: Located in Quepos; easiest by taxi/rideshare or as part of a cruise pickup.

How much time to spend: 45–120 minutes.

Address: Marina Pez Vela, Quepos (Google map)

Notes: Public parking is available; check the venue calendar if you’re visiting on a weekend.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Playa Biesanz

Playa Biesanz is a sheltered cove that feels like a local secret: gentler water, a calmer mood, and a short jungle path that makes the arrival feel like a discovery. It’s especially good for families and anyone who wants a quieter swim than the main public beaches.

• Swim in calmer water (conditions permitting)
• Try paddleboarding or float time in the bay
• Watch for birds along the short access trail

How to get there: Drive or taxi to the access point, then walk down the short (sometimes steep/rocky) jungle path to the sand.

How much time to spend: 1.5–3 hours.

Address: Playa Biesanz, Quepos/Manuel Antonio area (Google map)

Notes: Wear footwear with grip for the path. Vendors may rent chairs or boards—bring cash if you want extras.

Photography Hotspots

• Punta Catedral viewpoints inside the park for classic coastline shots
• Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur for calm-cove beach photos
• Early-morning trails for wildlife moments (sloths/monkeys are easier to spot before heat builds)
• Playa Espadilla Norte at sunset for long, glowing shoreline frames
• Catamaran sunset sail for wide Pacific horizons (when photography is permitted)

Pro Tips & Local Secrets

• Go at opening: Arrive for the 07:00 park opening for cooler weather and better wildlife viewing.
• Book tickets early: Park capacity is limited and can sell out—secure online tickets ahead of time.
• Pack smart for rules: Single-use plastics and some snack formats may be restricted—bring a reusable bottle and permitted snacks.
• Split your day: Park in the morning, beaches or a marina cruise in the afternoon for an easy, no-rush rhythm.
• Respect the ocean: Ask locals or lifeguards about currents, especially after heavy rain.

Manuel Antonio is a classic Costa Rica highlight for a reason: it’s one of the easiest places to combine wildlife spotting, jungle trails, and postcard Pacific beaches in a single trip. If you’re planning a Costa Rica itinerary and searching for the best things to do in Manuel Antonio, lock in your national park tickets early, show up at dawn, and keep your afternoons flexible for beach-hopping or a sunset catamaran cruise. You’ll leave sun-kissed, camera-full, and completely converted to the Pacific coast vibe.