The 21 best things to do in Manuel Antonio and Quepos: Wildlife, Beaches, and Tours in Costa Rica

If you’re looking for one of the most incredible places to visit in Costa Rica, you need to lock in on Manuel Antonio and Quepos. On the Pacific Coast, southwest of San Jose, this area is teeming with wildlife, kind people, stunning beaches, and majestic views.

The vast amount of things to do in Manuel Antonio and Quepos is what sets it apart from other nearby areas. From birding to surfing, from snorkeling to rappelling down waterfalls, from sunset cruises to wildlife night hikes, there’s an endless list of epic activities to do here.

Below, we’ll dive into what I’ve found to be the best things to do in Manuel Antonio and the surrounding coastal area. In just three to four days, you can get a great idea of how special this region is and be plotting a return trip before you’ve even left!

Is Manuel Antonio and Quepos Worth Visiting?

First things first, is Manuel Antonio National Park and Quepos worth visiting? That’s a hard yes. It’s fantastic and offers things for all types of travelers.

If you like adventure, you can do that. If you want beach vibes, boom, they have it. If you want luxury resorts, you’re in luck. And if you want budget deals to save money, you’re also in luck.

What makes it so special is that the place feels alive. Wildlife may appear at a moment’s notice; the coastlines and beaches are beautiful, and the people are welcoming. I highly recommend visiting this part of Costa Rica.

Amazing Things to do in Manuel Antonio and Quepos

1. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park

The crown jewel and the most popular destination in Quepos and Manuel Antonio. The national park is a wildlife sanctuary, with an incredibly diverse number of birds, monkeys, reptiles, and more.

A trip to this region isn’t complete without visiting the park, making it the best thing to do in Manuel Antonio and Quepos.

While the wildlife is absurdly amazing, the beaches here are surreal. We had only an afternoon and wished we could have spent more time at these beaches and hiking. My recommendation is to spend the entire day here and make the most of the area.

A couple of things to know:
1) Book your tickets in advance. Click here for the self-guided option. I forgot to book in advance, and we almost got shut out. Fortunately, a guided tour was available that day, which turned out to be pretty cool, although slow.
2) It is closed on Tuesdays.
3) Open from 7am-4pm.
4) No food allowed inside.
5) Keep driving to the very end. We parked here, and it felt safe. I believe it cost $8.
6) The full walking path is around 3 miles, though you can make it longer by exploring the area past the beach.

2. Take a guided wildlife tour

There’s no need to take a wildlife tour in Manuel Antonio National Park, but the guides’ expertise makes it worth it. Our guide, Harold, was excellent and pointed out numerous smaller wildlife we definitely would have walked right past.

If you bring binoculars, you’ll see the tours grouped up and can look for yourself. One thing to know is you won’t be able to look through their scopes. They’re quite particular about that.

Most tours include your National Park ticket, which costs $30. Our guided trip costs $110 in total, so at $25 per person, it’s a good value.

3. Enjoy the beaches

The beaches in the area are AMAZING! Our favorite was definitely Manuel Antonio Beach, which is inside the park’s boundaries. The other one we enjoyed, just down the road from Parador Nature Resort, was Biesanz Beach.

It’s very popular, with locals and tourists coming here to enjoy the views and warm waters.

Lastly, the largest beach in the area is Espadilla Beach, where guests at local hotels go to soak up the sun. It was insanely crowded, even on a weekday.

4. Take a Mangrove Kayaking Tour

We took an afternoon kayaking tour, and I’ll be honest, it was only okay.

The experience has excellent reviews, so it could be that we did an afternoon tour, which usually has less wildlife. Or it could be the fact that we’ve had some truly incredible wildlife encounters over the years (bears, whales, and more whales) that makes our bar pretty damn high.

Still, it was so peaceful on the water as we floated through lush green landscapes. We still saw iguanas, some birds, bats, sloths, and a snake. It just sorta felt underwhelming to us.

If you want to do this, take the early morning tour. I think you’ll enjoy it more.

5. Feel the thrill of ziplining

Ziplining in Costa Rica is one of the coolest places to do it! Most people choose to do it in La Fortuna, but if you’re not headed there, why not do it in Quepos!?

Experiencing the thrill of zipping through the forest is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Manuel Antonio. I’m 100% convinced you’ll have an amazing time.

6. Go Sailing on a Wooden Sailboat

Setting sail from Quepos on a classic wooden sailboat feels like stepping into a slower, more romantic version of Costa Rica. As the coastline drifts by, you’re treated to jungle-covered cliffs, hidden coves, and the chance to spot dolphins or even whales, depending on the season.

The pace is relaxed, the views are unreal, and there’s something special about being out on the water with nothing but wind, waves, and a cold drink in hand. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a few busy days of exploring.

7. Explore the Rainmaker Conservation Park

Thirty minutes outside Quepos is the Rainmaker Conservation Park. It’s home to tons of wildlife, some hanging bridges, waterfalls, and serenity. It’s not a big area (about two miles of trails), so this is more geared towards a family activity.

Still, if you’re looking to get out of town, this should be fun.

8. Go Whitewater Rafting

You are in for a treat! Whitewater rafting in Costa Rica is one of the best places in the entire world to do it. We had so much fun getting soaked on rapids, feeling the thrill, and enjoying the views.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s also a workout! But it is so worthwhile! If you’re looking for a lot of adventure, this is definitely one of the best things to do in Manuel Antonio and Costa Rica.

9. Go ATVing

ATVing in Costa Rica is one of the fastest ways to understand just how wild and diverse this country really is. One minute you’re ripping through muddy jungle roads, the next you’re cruising past palm-lined beaches, river crossings, and tiny rural towns where kids stop to wave as you pass.

It’s equal parts adrenaline and sightseeing, and you don’t need to be an expert rider to have a blast. If you’re looking for an adventure that shows you more than what’s visible from the highway, hopping on an ATV is a no-brainer.

10. Take a day trip to Nauyaca Waterfall

Depending on the company you choose, the drive is either 60 or 90 minutes from Manuel Antonio and Quepos. This was one of the Costa Rican waterfalls I had circled as a must-see for our honeymoon trip!

My wife and I stopped on the way to Uvita and visited Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park (the farthest driving location). Be prepared for an incredibly steep drive up a paved road, then down a dirt road to the office. Take it slow, and you’ll be fine!

At the waterfalls

But the experience, oh my gosh. So much fun! We chose to be driven up and down to save us time. Once you’re dropped off, it’s about .4 of a mile to the lower pools. But there are other overlooks to visit as well.

It’s one of the most picturesque waterfalls I’ve ever seen, and the water felt so good on the warm day. Jaimie and I swam out to the rocks below the lower falls for some awesome photos.

The last shuttle ride departs at 2:30, and you must be picked up by 4pm. We didn’t have much time at the falls, but it was worth it! You can save $5 by hiking down and then taking the shuttle up. Otherwise, it’s $38 per person for a round-trip ride.

11. Enjoy a day on a Catamaran (plus snorkeling)

A catamaran and snorkeling tour is a solid option if you want something easy and social. The ride itself is half the fun, cruising along the coast with plenty of space to spread out and take in the views.

You’ll stop to snorkel in a calm cove, then hop back on board to relax, snack, and enjoy the ride back. It’s laid-back, comfortable, and a good way to spend a few hours on the water without overthinking it. I think this is one of the best things to do in Manuel Antonio and Quepos!

12. Night Walk to see Reptiles

It’s sorta incredible (and maybe unnerving) to see how much of the forest is alive at night. We ended up doing this in La Fortuna, but the experience is the same wherever you go.

Once the sun goes down, the forest comes alive with the sounds of bugs and frog croaks. If you’re okay with amphibians and reptiles, I think you’ll really enjoy a tour like this.

13. Morning or Sunset Sailing Tour

A morning or sunset sailing tour is one of the easiest ways to get out on the water without doing much at all. Mornings are calm and quiet, while sunset sails feature golden light and cooler air as the sun sets behind the coast.

As you cruise along the shoreline, keep an eye out for dolphins, and enjoy the pace slowing way down. It’s relaxed, scenic, and an easy win if you want a low-effort experience with great views.

Watching the sunset from the open water is A++. It was such a fun experience to do with family, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it! Surely one of the better things to do in Manuel Antonio.

14. Take Surf Lessons

Learning to surf in Costa Rica just makes sense. The warm water, consistent waves, and laid-back beach towns create an ideal environment for beginners. Instructors are patient, encouraging, and genuinely excited to see you stand up for the first time—even if it’s only for a few seconds.

Wiping out is part of the fun, and by the end of a lesson, you’ll walk away salty, with a couple of surf rashes, and completely hooked. It’s a rite of passage here.

We ended up doing this in Tamarindo, but anywhere along the Pacific Coast is a great place to take lessons.

15. Explore Hanging Bridge and Waterfalls

This spot looks incredible! You’re out of the normal crowded areas, in a pristine forest with hanging bridges and waterfalls. It’s a full-day tour, so plan accordingly. But I’m sure you’ll have a phenomenal time around the Los Campesinos Ecolodge.

There are many things to do across these 33 hectares of natural landscapes.

16. Go Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling

Sea kayaking along the coast is a great way to see Costa Rica from a different angle. You paddle past rocky points and small coves, with the jungle dropping straight into the ocean.

Most trips include time to hop out and snorkel, where you’ll see fish and coral just off the rocks. It’s mellow, active, and a nice break from spending all your time on the beach.

17. Soak in hot springs

Soaking in hot springs near Quepos is an unexpected but welcome way to slow things down on the Central Pacific coast. Tucked away in the jungle, these warm pools feel worlds away from the busy beaches and town center. It’s a quieter, more low-key experience than the famous hot springs elsewhere in the country, and that’s exactly what makes it special.

If you don’t plan to visit La Fortuna, you might as well enjoy the hot springs here!

18. See the views while parasailing along the Manuel Antonio coastline

This seems to be a really popular tour. We saw parasailers throughout our trip, either from our hotel or from the beaches. We didn’t do it, but if you’re looking for a great time, this is definitely one of the better things to do in Manuel Antonio and Quepos.

19. Waterfall rappelling adventure day

A waterfall rappelling day is about as adventurous as it gets without going full extreme. You hike through the jungle, gear up, and work your way down waterfalls with water rushing past you the entire time. It’s equal parts challenging and fun, and way more approachable than it sounds, with good guides showing you the ropes.

You’ll finish the day soaked, tired, and grinning. It’s one of those things you’ll be talking about long after the trip’s over.

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20. Take a Local Cooking Class

Taking a local cooking class in Costa Rica is one of the best ways to connect with the culture beyond the beaches and jungles. You’ll learn how to prepare traditional dishes using fresh, local ingredients, often in an open-air kitchen surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest. It’s hands-on, relaxed, and way more fun than just reading a menu.

By the end, you’re not only full, but you’ve picked up a deeper appreciation for Costa Rican food, and hopefully a few recipes you’ll actually want to recreate at home.

21. Coffee and Chocolate Tour

A coffee and chocolate tour is a deep dive into two things Costa Rica does exceptionally well. Walking through the plants, seeing the process from bean to bar (and cup), and tasting everything along the way makes you realize how much care goes into each step.

It’s equal parts educational and delicious, with plenty of chances to sample rich chocolate and freshly brewed coffee straight from the source. Even if you think you know your coffee or chocolate, this experience hits differently when you’re standing where it’s grown.

Bonus trips that are a bit further out of the area

Where We Stayed – Parador Nature Resort and Spa

This area is so dreamy and picturesque. There’s lodging at all levels and price points, so no matter your budget, you’ll find something that suits your needs.

For our honeymoon, we booked our stay at Parador Nature Resort, not knowing much about it other than the views looked amazing, and it was a splurge for a special occasion.

We arrived late at night, and it wasn’t until the next morning that we realized how truly magical the resort was.

First, they provide a breakfast buffet each morning. And no, it’s not the Holiday Inn version. This was fantastic with so many options of fruit, protein, meats, and breads. Next, the pools are to die for. There are five pools in all; we tried them all, and they all offer remarkable views.

Furthermore, the nature isn’t just in their name for fun. We saw so much wildlife on the property: Macaws, monkeys, sloths, and various birds. We were shocked, in a good way.

Lastly, the hospitality there was phenomenal. They treated us so well for our honeymoon, and we can’t wait to go back.

One thing to note: The Parador is the farthest hotel on the road, and it turns onto a dirt road at one point. It’s bumpy and steep.

How many days should I spend around Manuel Antonio and Quepos?

At least three nights should allow you to explore and enjoy all the best things to do in Manuel Antonio and Quepos. We did only two nights, and it felt a little rushed. One more day would have allowed us to knock out another item on this list.

If I were to rank what to do in the area, I’d say: Full day at Manuel Antonio, Nauyaca Waterfall, catamaran and snorkeling, white water rafting, and ziplining to round out a top five.

Tips for enjoying the best things to do in Manuel Antonio

Bring Plenty of Sunblock

The UV strength in Costa Rica is three times what it is in Phoenix or the California Coast. This means you will get severely burned if you don’t wear sunblock and reapply it throughout the day.

We were thankful to make it over a week on the Pacific Coast without any burns.

Ocean temperatures are perfect

The ocean temperatures are quite literally perfect. It wasn’t as warm as I had envisioned, but that’s good considering the temperatures were in the upper 80s or 90s. The water was refreshing, and you could stay in it for hours.

Very hilly leaving Quepos towards Manuel Antonio

The road past Quepos is wildly winding and steep. Drive with care and caution, and you’ll be fine! You might have some locals on your butt, but ignore them and drive however you want.

Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park? Park at the very end near the entrance.

Planning to drive to the park itself? You’ll encounter people trying to get you to park far before the entrance near the beach. Wave them off, keep driving, and park at the very end, just before the traffic circle.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Manuel Antonio and Quepos

I absolutely loved my time in Manuel Antonio and Quepos. The area is exceptionally beautiful, the wildlife is endearing, and the warm, coastal vibe is fantastic. I mean, we loved it so much that we’re plotting our return there!

Manuel Antonio National Park impressed us with the wildlife and beach views. It’s truly a gem of a place that everyone should strive to visit if you’re in the area.

I hope this article helps you decide on the best things to do in Manuel Antonio and Quepos so you have as much fun as we did! Pura vida!

Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.

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