Top 10 Things to Do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

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Manuel Antonio National Park is the centerpiece of any visit to the area and consistently ranks among the top national parks in Costa Rica. The park combines four beaches, coastal rainforest trails and one of the highest concentrations of wildlife per square kilometre in the world. White-faced monkeys, three-toed sloths, scarlet macaws, toucans and squirrel monkeys are all regularly seen. Book your entrance ticket online at sinac.go.cr well in advance — the park has a strict daily visitor limit and sells out completely between December and April. Arrive at 7am when the park opens for the best wildlife sightings and the beach before crowds arrive.

The Nauyaca Waterfalls day trip is the most popular activity outside the national park. The upper falls drop 61 meters into a natural pool — one of the most spectacular natural features on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Getting there requires either a 4km jungle hike (about 1.5 hours each way) or a horseback tour through the rainforest. The lower falls have a wide swimming pool perfect for cooling down after the trek. Start early — the full day takes 6 to 8 hours including transport, hiking and time at the falls. Makanda reception can arrange guided tours with transport from the hotel.

Manuel Antonio is one of the most reliable places in Costa Rica to see wildlife without venturing deep into remote forest. The national park trails consistently produce sloths, four species of monkeys and a remarkable variety of birds including scarlet macaws — one of Costa Rica's most striking and photographable species. Outside the park, the hotel grounds at Makanda by the Sea are visited by monkeys and sloths regularly in the early morning. A guided wildlife walk with a certified naturalist guide significantly increases what you see — guides carry spotting scopes and know exactly which trees to check.

Playa Espadilla Norte is the main public beach outside the national park and the best surf beach in the Manuel Antonio area. Surf schools operate directly from the beach with boards, rash guards and instructors available year-round. Beginners can stand up on a wave within a two-hour lesson in the right conditions. The Green Season (May through November) brings the most consistent swell for experienced surfers; the Dry Season is better for beginners. Morning sessions before 9am offer the cleanest waves and coolest temperatures. Equipment rental is available by the hour or day without pre-booking in low season.

A Pacific sunset sailing tour is one of the most memorable experiences available from Manuel Antonio. The coastline seen from the water — the national park headland, forested hills and open Pacific horizon — looks completely different from the land perspective. Most tours run two to three hours in the late afternoon, finishing as the sun drops below the horizon. Dolphins frequently follow sailing boats along this stretch of coast. Private charters are available for couples who want a more intimate experience. Makanda reception can recommend reputable operators and arrange booking in advance — sunset tours fill quickly in the Dry Season.

Whale watching (September through October for humpback whales), snorkelling at Biesanz Beach, a visit to Fincas Naturales butterfly garden with 30+ species, sea kayaking along the national park coastline, and a guided birding tour through the Savegre River valley round out the best activities in the Manuel Antonio area. The birding tour in particular is underrated — the Savegre valley holds some of the most sought-after birds in Central America including the resplendent quetzal. All of these can be arranged through Makanda reception with at least one day notice. Browse our tours and activities page for current options and availability.

Makanda by the Sea is the ideal base for exploring Manuel Antonio — positioned 150 meters from the ocean in a hillside rainforest, 5 minutes from the national park entrance and within 45 minutes of every activity listed above. A well-structured stay might look like: day one for the national park and beach, day two for Nauyaca Waterfalls, day three for surf or sailing, with pool and spa time built into every afternoon. Our reception team can help you sequence activities to avoid scheduling conflicts, arrange transport and guides, and advise on current conditions for each experience. Contact us directly or browse tours and activities to start planning.