Tour Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio National Park, situated on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is a dazzling mosaic of lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant wildlife. Though it's one of the country's smallest national parks, it's also one of the most popular — and for good reasons.

First and foremost, the park boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Central America. The crescent-shaped shores, such as Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur, feature powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and dense forests that stretch right up to the coast. The juxtaposition of the vibrant jungle against the serene ocean creates an almost surreal tropical paradise. This stunning landscape is part of what makes Manuel Antonio National Park so popular, as it offers visitors a unique blend of forest and beach in a compact, easily accessible area.

But the true magic of Manuel Antonio lies in its biodiversity. The park is teeming with wildlife, and it's not uncommon for visitors to spot monkeys (howler, white-faced capuchin, and squirrel monkeys), two-toed and three-toed sloths, and iguanas during a single visit. The dense rainforests are home to over 180 bird species, making it a bird-watcher's dream. And if you delve deeper or hire a guide, you might also spot coatis, raccoons, and even the elusive puma. Whether you're exploring on your own or with a guide, Manuel Antonio National Park is absolutely worth it for the chance to experience the incredible diversity of wildlife up close.

For those with a penchant for adventure, the park offers several well-marked trails. The Cathedral Point trail, for instance, takes hikers around a tombolo and offers panoramic views of the coastline. The trail to Manuel Antonio beach also provides viewpoints that are absolutely breath-taking, especially at sunset. To fully enjoy the park’s trails, beaches, and wildlife, most visitors find that half a day to a full day is sufficient time to explore Manuel Antonio. However, if you want to relax on the beaches or take your time with a guided wildlife tour, a full day is ideal.

Beyond the terrestrial beauty, the coastal coral reefs host an array of marine life, including colourful fish, rays, and occasional reef sharks, making snorkelling a popular activity in the park's sheltered bays. For those interested in snorkelling or hiking, the park’s entrance fee is very reasonable, and as of recent years, the cost to enter Manuel Antonio National Park is approximately $18 USD for foreigners. This fee helps with the conservation efforts that keep the park’s biodiversity intact.

Though Manuel Antonio National Park covers a compact area, its richness in biodiversity, combined with its scenic beauty, makes it a microcosm of everything Costa Rica has to offer. Whether you're walking along its picturesque beaches, hiking through its rainforests, or simply observing its diverse wildlife, the park guarantees an experience that's both exhilarating and profoundly intimate with nature. Given its combination of beautiful beaches, rich wildlife, and easy accessibility, it’s no surprise why Manuel Antonio is so popular among travellers.