Manuel Antonio travel guide
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica: wildlife, beaches and where to stay
Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most famous beach and jungle destinations, and it’s popular for a reason. Between the wildlife-packed national park, the soft sand beaches and the big ocean views from the hillside hotels, it feels like a classic Costa Rica trip.
We suggest 3 to 4 nights here. That gives you an early morning in the national park, a beach day or two and a few sunsets from the hill.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Region
Fly into
San José (SJO), 3.5 to 4 hours by car
Best time
Late December to mid-April, the dry season
Park hours
National park closed Tuesdays, book tickets ahead
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About Manuel Antonio
The Manuel Antonio vibe
Manuel Antonio is known for easy wildlife viewing and beautiful beaches. You’ll (hopefully) see monkeys, sloths and tons of tropical birds without a hard hike. Look up in the trees, too, since this area is known for scarlet macaws.
It can feel busy in dry season, but it’s one of the easiest beach trips from San José.
How the area is laid out
Getting there
How to get to Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio sits on the central Pacific coast, about 3.5 to 4 hours by car from San José International Airport (SJO), the closest international airport. The drive is mostly highway along the coast.
You can drive yourself, take a shuttle or hop on a short domestic flight to Quepos.
See the 5 best ways to get from San José to Manuel Antonio →
⭐ Our number one pick
Rental car
Our favorite rental company, Adobe, has an office in Quepos and will deliver your car to your hotel within 12 miles. Save 10% with our link.
Easiest
Shuttle or private transfer
Shared and private shuttles run daily from San José and other beach towns, with door to door drop-off. Use code SARAHMC5 on Bookaway.
Fastest
Domestic flight
There’s a small domestic airport in Quepos, a few minutes from Manuel Antonio, with short flights from San José. You can rent a car once you land.
The main event
Manuel Antonio National Park
The national park is the reason most people come. Easy, flat trails lead through the rainforest to white sand beaches, and wildlife is everywhere.
You can explore on your own, but a guide with a spotting scope will find far more animals and tell you all about them.
Tickets: pre-book your entrance online on the SINAC site since they sell out in high season. Most tours buy them for you. The park is closed on Tuesdays, so go early on another day.
Weather
Manuel Antonio weather and best time to visit
Temperature and rain by month
Swipe to see all months →
Average daytime highs and rainfall in Manuel Antonio. Bars show relative rainfall. Sunrise and sunset are for the 15th of each month.
Late December to mid-April
Dry season
Almost no rain and hot days. This is peak season and one of the busiest places in the country, so book early. By February things start to look a bit dried out.
Mid-April to July
Green season
Sunny mornings with an afternoon thunderstorm, usually around 2pm, that rarely lasts more than a few hours. Still hot after the rain.
August to early December
Rainy season
It’s a total guess, with some sunny days and some nonstop rain. Fewer tourists and lower prices, with September and October the wettest.
Jan
31°C / 88°F
18 mm rain
Feb
32°C / 90°F
10 mm rain
Mar
33°C / 91°F
20 mm rain
Apr
33°C / 91°F
75 mm rain
May
31°C / 88°F
285 mm rain
Jun
30°C / 86°F
315 mm rain
Jul
30°C / 86°F
290 mm rain
Aug
30°C / 86°F
325 mm rain
Sep
29°C / 84°F
540 mm rain
Oct
29°C / 84°F
550 mm rain
Nov
30°C / 86°F
250 mm rain
Dec
30°C / 86°F
60 mm rain
Where to stay
Where to stay in Manuel Antonio
Most hotels sit on the hill between Quepos and the beach, so you get ocean views but will want a car or taxi to get around. Staying near the bottom puts you within walking distance of the park and Playa Espadilla.
Luxury
Arenas del Mar
A beachfront rainforest retreat where sloths wander past your balcony. Ideal for nature lovers who want luxe comfort.
Luxury
Tulemar Resort
A private hillside village with luxe villas and coastal views. A dreamy choice for families or groups.
Luxury
Makanda by the Sea
Sleek architecture, private plunge pools and panoramic ocean views. Adults only and stunning.
Luxury
Gaia Hotel & Reserve
An adults-only eco-resort with tiered pools and its own nature reserve. Serene, with a wild edge.
Mid-range and budget
Mid-range
La Vela Boutique Hotel
Adults only with a pool, about half a kilometer from the national park.
Mid-range
Hotel Villas Nicolas
Adults only, with gorgeous grounds and big Pacific views.
Mid-range
The Falls Resort
Feels like a little jungle hideaway, but you’re right in the middle of everything.
Budget
Planet B Hostel
Comfortable and social, off the main road between Quepos and the beach.
Vacation rentals for groups
Sleeps 26
Casa Fantastica
10 bedrooms, 13 baths. Hotel-sized infinity pool, private chef, spa, gym and a 30-seat cinema.
Sleeps 10
Casa Nola
4 bedrooms, 6 baths. Glass walls, private infinity pool, hot tub and an outdoor dining and BBQ area.
Sleeps 8
Villa Zest
4 bedrooms, 4 baths. Contemporary design, ocean views and a rooftop saltwater infinity pool.
Sleeps 12
Saltwater Haven
6 bedrooms, 9 baths. Panoramic Pacific views, infinity pool, cinema, game room and private spa.
For more options, we suggest VRBO. Browse Manuel Antonio rentals on VRBO →
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Things to do
Things to do in Manuel Antonio
Beyond the park and the beaches, there’s plenty to fill a few days on the water and in the jungle.
On the water
Sunset catamaran
Sail the coast with snorkeling stops, then watch the sun drop behind the islands with a drink in hand.
In the water
Surf lessons
Playa Espadilla has gentle, beginner-friendly waves most of the year. Instructors set up right on the beach.
Wildlife
Night walk
Frogs, insects and sleeping birds come out after dark. A guide with a flashlight makes all the difference.
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Beaches
Beaches in Manuel Antonio
Calm water
Playa Biesanz
A sheltered cove where you can rent chairs, kayaks and snorkel gear. The water is often calm enough to swim.
Main beach
Playa Espadilla
The long, flat public beach right in town, lined with umbrellas, chairs and beach activities.
In the park
Playa Espadilla Sur
Inside the national park and easy to reach from the main trail. Beautiful and usually less crowded.
In the park
Playa Manuel Antonio
The famous cove on the other side of the park’s point, with clear water and lots of shade.
Swim smart: look for red flags and avoid river mouths, where crocodiles have been spotted. When in doubt, ask before you get in.
Where to eat
Where to eat in Manuel Antonio
Restaurants are spread out along the hill, so plan on a short drive or taxi. A few we keep going back to:
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Money and supplies
Groceries, ATMs and gas
Safety
Staying safe
We’ve always felt safe in Manuel Antonio. Petty theft is the most common issue, so don’t leave things on the beach, don’t carry lots of cash and avoid walking alone at night.
Names
Manuel Antonio or Quepos?
Quepos is the town you pass just before Manuel Antonio. Most visitors stay in Manuel Antonio, but people often use the names interchangeably for the whole area.
Packing: bring a little of everything: swimsuits and sun protection for the beach, hiking shoes for the park and bug spray for the evenings. See our Costa Rica packing list →
Getting around
Getting around Manuel Antonio
Restaurants and hotels are spread out along a curvy, narrow road that isn’t great for walking, especially after dark. A car gives you the most flexibility, and taxis are easy to find. Ask your hotel or host for a driver they trust.
Rent a car if
Skip the car if
You can always rent one later. Adobe delivers in the area.
FAQ
Manuel Antonio FAQ: your questions
How many days is enough in Manuel Antonio?
I think that 3 or 4 days is enough time in Manuel Antonio.
Why is Manuel Antonio Costa Rica famous?
Manuel Antonio is famous for the Manuel Antonio National Park. This park has a wide variety of wildlife in a condensed area with easy walking paths.
Is Manuel Antonio Costa Rica safe?
Yes, generally Manuel Antonio is safe. However, petty theft does sometimes happen. Always use caution and keep an eye on your belongings.
Where is it best to stay in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica?
There are plenty of great hotels and resorts in the Manuel Antonio area. There isn’t a “best place” but read reviews and look at ratings before booking.
Is it safe to swim in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica?
In most spots, it is safe to swim. However, look for red flags out at the beach and always ask someone before getting in the water to make sure.
Every guide
All our Manuel Antonio guides
Keep exploring
More towns in the Central Pacific
Quepos
The local town next door, with the marina, supermarkets and cheaper eats.
Jacó
A lively surf town about an hour north, with nightlife and lots of restaurants.
Planning more of the region? See our full Central Pacific guide.
This was so helpful! I’m planning on going in January with my brother and it sounds like this is going to be so much fun!
Let us know if you have any questions as you plan your trip. We are happy to help. 🙂
Hi, great info! Thanks so much. We are thinking about heading there in the fall but I don’t see anything on your site about surfing/kiteboarding being allowed in the National Park (I assume not since you listed all the things not allowed). What about the other beaches in Manuel Antonio? Have you ever seen any kiteboarding there? That would be key to our vacation.
You’ve been a great help!
Renee
Hi Renee! I’m pretty sure that it is fine on all the public beaches. It’s just places like national parks where kiteboarding is off limits. The big main beach in Manuel Antonio will probably be perfect for it!
Hello !
We are planning our trip Quepos/Manuel Antonio area. Im trying to decide between staying in Quepos or someplace closer to Manuel Antonio ? What would you recommend ?
Thank you!!
Dawn
Hi Dawn!
If you want to be closer to the beach and all the action I suggest Manuel Antonio. Quepos is better if you don’t mind driving 10 or 15 minutes to the beaches and national park and want to be away from all the action. We’ve stayed in both places and have had a great time either way.
Let me know if you have any more questions!