National park in 🇨🇷Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park

Sloths, surf, and sunsets sans equal.

Explore Manuel Antonio Park's diverse wildlife, scenic trails, and beautiful beaches in Costa Rica's tropical landscape.

4.7
out of 5

Manuel Antonio National Park, located on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast, is a compact but diverse natural haven known for its vibrant wildlife, including capuchin monkeys and sloths, and its pristine beaches. The park combines dense rainforest, white-sand beaches, and coral reefs, offering both relaxed beach-going and more adventurous activities like snorkeling and hiking trails with panoramic ocean views. Despite its small size, Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular parks in Costa Rica, drawing visitors for both its natural beauty and its accessibility.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

Manuel Antonio National Park is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife. Visitors often see capuchin monkeys swinging through the canopy, while two-toed and three-toed sloths hang leisurely from the trees. Colorful birds, like the fiery-billed aracari and various hummingbird species, are frequently spotted. The park also houses numerous reptiles and amphibians, including iguanas and red-eyed tree frogs. Wildlife spotting is a major draw for tourists, and you're likely to encounter these creatures along the well-maintained trails or even lounging on the beaches.

Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio

Among the park's main attractions are its stunning beaches. Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio are two of the most popular, offering clear waters, ample opportunity for sunbathing, and shaded areas provided by the adjacent forest. These beaches also serve as ideal spots for snorkeling when the ocean is calm, allowing visitors to explore underwater life around the coral reefs.

Hiking Trails and Viewpoints

For the more adventure-inclined, Manuel Antonio National Park offers a network of trails. The Punta Catedral trail, for instance, is a popular path that leads to spectacular ocean viewpoints. Hikers can enjoy panoramic vistas of the coastline and Pacific Ocean after wandering through secondary rainforest. It is not uncommon for hikers to spot wildlife along these trails, making it a dual experience of exercise and nature observation.

Climate and Best Times to Visit

The climate in Manuel Antonio is typically tropical with a wet and dry season. The dry season from December to April offers sunny days ideal for wildlife viewing and beach activities, while the wet season brings lush greenery but also more rain. To avoid crowds, the shoulder months of May or November might be optimal for visitation.

Snorkeling and Surfing

Apart from snorkeling at the beaches within the park, visitors can enjoy surfing at nearby Playa Espadilla Norte or seek out local tour companies that offer snorkeling trips to spots with higher marine life density. These activities provide an engaging way to experience the rich waters of Costa Rica's coastline beyond what's available within the park's boundaries.

Average temperatures during the day in Manuel Antonio National Park.
June
25°
Jul
24°
Aug
24°
Sep
24°
Oct
24°
Nov
24°
Dec
24°
Jan
24°
Feb
25°
Mar
25°
Apr
26°
May
25°

What people say about Manuel Antonio National Park

4.7
People
4
Food
4
Spaces
4
Value
4
Safety
5

What to do in Manuel Antonio National Park

The most beautiful national parks in the world

Article from November 2024 with 45 places

Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and unique biodiversity. This rugged paradise is located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica and is the country’s most visited national park. It features white sand beaches, a lush rainforest, a wide variety of wildlife, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Manuel Antonio is known for its abundance of wildlife, including three species of monkeys, over 100 species of birds, white-faced coatis, and iguanas. Visitors can explore the park on foot or take a guided tour for a better understanding of the local wildlife. With its stunning beauty and unique wildlife, Manuel Antonio National Park is definitely worth a visit while you're in the magical country of Costa Rica.

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Family travel destinations - Create family bucket list

Article from February 2024 with 9 places

Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for families with small children. It is a heaven for families with small children who love nature and wildlife. This park offers a chance to spot monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds while walking through lush rainforests or relaxing on pristine beaches.

Families can also enjoy activities like zip-lining and snorkeling. While in Costa Rica, try the traditional dish, gallo pinto. The best time to visit Manuel Antonio National Park is during the dry season, from December to April.

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A perfect week in Costa Rica

Article from January 2024 with 7 places

What Costa Rican vacation would be complete without some time on the beach? Just a few hour's drive southwest near Quepos lies Manuel Antonio National Park, home to some of the country's most idyllic stretches of sand. Wake up early and take a pre-park breakfast cruise along the coast. These catamaran tours often include a light morning meal along with opportunities to go snorkeling and spy dolphins or whales offshore.

After your cruise, spend the afternoon relaxing on gorgeous Espadilla Sur Beach, the park's most popular swimming beach. Its warm, blue waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling around the nearby rocky coves, or just sunbathing. Keep an eye out for white-faced capuchin monkeys too. These curious primates are used to humans and may come right down to the beach to beg for snacks!

In the late afternoon, explore some of the park's rainforest hiking trails. The paths here are short, wide, and mostly paved, making it easy to discover more extraordinary wildlife. You'll likely spot more mischievous monkeys, noisy tropical bird flocks, and maybe even some sloths or coatis. Make sure to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean before heading back to your beachside hotel for a delicious dinner of fresh seafood.

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Best places to visit in🇨🇷Costa Rica

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