Things To Do
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio is the smallest national park in Costa Rica but one of the most popular. Visitors come to catch a glimpse of Capuchin, Howler, and Squirrel Monkeys, sloths, iguanas, agoutis, and hundreds of species of birds before hitting one of the park’s beautiful beaches. The main trail within the park is a 1.3-mile flat, sandy trail that links the park’s beaches. This trail is perfect for travelers of all ages. Park experts recommend visiting the park with a professional, naturalist guide and hitting the trails early to avoid crowds and see more wildlife! Another slightly more challenging trail for the adventurous is Punta Catedral, a beautiful 0.9-mile loop trail of moderate difficulty and some steep inclines. The trail is accessible from both Manuel Antonio Beach and Espadilla Sur Beach. The admission fee is $18.08, children 2 to 11 years old $5.65. Tickets purchased online. Guided tours are available at $60 for adults, $45 for children. Transportation and light snacks included.
Beaches
Inside Manuel Antonio National Park are some of the region’s best beaches – Escondido Beach, Manuel Antonio Beach, and Espadilla Sur can all be accessed via low-intensity trails. There are great options outside of the park, too. Playa Manuel Antonio and the long stretch of beach known as Playa Espadilla are the main scenes for Manuel Antonio’s visitors. You can find drink stands, surf lessons, snack bars, souvenir vendors, parasailing, and all kinds of beachy fun walking down Espadilla. If you’ve already explored the beaches inside the park, head to Playa Biesanz, located in a crescent bay on the end of Quepos Point, opposite Playa Espadilla. Because of environmental restrictions, the hotels in the Manuel Antonio area are not beachfront but set cliff-side with sweeping views.
Mangrove Kayak Tours
Come to explore one of the most distinctive and biodiverse ecosystems in Costa Rica: the mangrove forests of Damas Island. Only a short 15-minute drive from Quepos and Manuel Antonio, this coastal paradise offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the wonder and splendor of its flora and fauna. You'll have the chance to experience one of Costa Rica's most eco-diverse regions while navigating the tight spaces of the mangroves using kayaks. Abundant nature and wildlife await on this tour, with opportunities to spot monkeys, birds, marine creatures, and reptiles. Additionally, you'll learn about the mangrove tree species and why this ecosystem is so vital to Costa Rica.
Zip Lining/ Canopy Tour
Various companies do this in Manuel Antonio. The Villa has one that they recommend and can set it up through the concierge. Located just off the Central Pacific Coast near Manuel Antonio National Park and Quepos, Costa Rica, El Santuario Canopy Adventure Tour is one option and brings thrill seekers one of the best attractions in the country, the longest zip line in Costa Rica! Not just another tourist attraction, El Santuario Canopy Adventure features Central America’s longest dual zip lines! Race your friends and family over the 4,300-foot lines high above the Costa Rican rainforest, and as a bonus, enjoy a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean on the horizon! While visiting Costa Rica, don’t miss this adventure near Manuel Antonio for the best zip line in Costa Rica and Central America! Let El Santuario be one of your best experiences in Costa Rica!
Surf Lessons
If you want to try out surfing during your Costa Rica vacation, Manuel Antonio is a great place to learn the basics. Those with more advanced surf skills might find the waves on Playa Espadilla less intimidating than the waves of Nazaré or Oahu’s North Shore, but still worth a paddle out. The southern end of the beach at high tide is good for beginning surfers, while the northern end of the beach often sees bigger waves.
Whitewater Rafting on Rio Savegre (class II-III)
Various companies do this in Manuel Antonio; the Villa has a company that they recommend and we can set it up through the concierge. A guided expedition to 42 kilometers of Quepos in the depths of the mountain, the Savegre River, one of the cleanest in Central America, awaits us to run a section of rapids class II & III in a distance of 9 kilometers in approximately 2 hours. Adrenaline paddling the exciting roller coaster rapids in connection with the dense vegetation and wildlife of the scenery, a stop leads us to the banks where a few meters away we find a majestic waterfall, a snack of fresh fruit, cookies and juices. The descent continues for a few more kilometers where there are more waves, holes to surf and the opportunity to swim in the natural pools of the river will not be missed. Regular price: Savegre Class II - III $105 per person. Chorro Class IV – V $99 per person. Naranjo Class II - III$89 per person.
ATV
Various companies do the ATVs but the Villa recommends this and can book through the concierge. If you are interested in a thrilling ATV Tour in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, you have come to the right place. Our company, provides you with the best ATV Tour, in which you can explore the fascinating Costa Rican Jungle. These Safe, Fun & Easy to drive 4 wheelers are a blast to ride through the Rain Forest, on easy to navigate paths. A highlight for most people, is the visit to a spectacular, 160-foot waterfall, with a beautiful natural pool, in which you can take a refreshing swim. Regular price: $ 105 single ATV / $ 135 double ATV + taxes Duration: 3 1⁄2-4 hours. For private tour: 12 people min required. Minimum age to drive an ATV: 16 years. Minimum recommended for the tour: 5 years old.
Sport Fishing
Various companies do this in Manuel Antonio but the Villa recommends this tour and can set it up through the concierge. Costa Rica is known as one of the top billfishing destinations in the world, with magical Quepos being one of its fishing epicenters. CARIBSEA 46’ Custom Guthrie / Marina Pez Vela Prices: Half Day (Inshore Only): $1350 3⁄4 Day: $1650 Full Day: $1950 FADs: starting at $4000 Offshore, Inshore, and FADs. Full A/C Cabin, Restroom, and 2 Staterooms on Board. Bilingual, Professional Crew. Up to 10 Passengers (extra $50/person after 6). Drinks and Snacks Included, Hot Lunch as well if 3⁄4 or Full Day. MUY CALIENTE 31’Custom Bertram / Marina PezVela Prices: Half Day: $1000 3⁄4 Off / Inshore: $1150 Full Day: $1350 Offshore and Inshore Up to 4 Passengers Food and Drinks Included
Boat Tours
Various companies do this in Manuel Antonio but the Villa recommends this tour and can set it up through the concierge. PLANET DOLPHIN CATAMARAN It has a capacity for up to 100 people. It can be booked private, or as a regular tour Adult: $80 cash /$90 + taxes (with credit card) Children 5-10 years old: $50 / $60 + taxes (with credit card) Children under 5 years old: $ 8 EL TRIMARAN LORELEY (SUNSET SAIL TOURS) With a capacity of 35 people with a toboggan in the back. AM: $1,600 (with cash) PM: $2,200 (with cash) A SAILBOAT Maximum capacity 25 people. AM: $1,695 (with credit card) PM: $1,921 (with credit card)
Spice Farm Tours
Various companies do this in Manuel Antonio but the Villa recommends this tour and can set it up through the concierge. Only 10 miles east of Quepos, Rainforest Spices is a gentle walk through the plantation with hands-on and sensory stops along our winding “epiphyte” garden path. Our “Flavors of the World” tasting is an assortment of vanilla, Ceylon cinnamon, and chocolate gourmet treats prepared by our pastry staff at the expansive viewpoints. We are, by design, an informative tour. Regular price: $ 55.00 adult / $33.00 children (6-14 years) Duration: 2-2.5 hours Tour Includes: Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n
Horseback Riding
Various companies do this in Manuel Antonio but the Villa recommends this tour and can set it up through the concierge. 7:30 am.- 10:30 am. -1:30 pm. (4:30 hour’s trip) Must be 4 years or older to participate and 14 years old minimum age to drive alone. (During rainy season tour operator may offer only morning tour) $85 per person Transportation and lunch are included. To get to the farm the ride is approximately 20 minutes, we recommend you bring your swimsuit underneath your clothes since you will be taken to a waterfall. Note: On the horse the ride is about 2 hours, and at the waterfall is around 45 minutes, to relax and enjoy nature!
Jet Skis
Various companies do this in Manuel Antonio but the Villa recommends this tour and can set it up through the concierge. Single Jet Ski: $130 / Double Jet Ski: $160 Approximately 2 hour Tour Includes: Transportation, snacks and refreshments. What to Bring: Sunglasses, Sandals or water shoes, Sun protection (lotion, hat, shirt), Towel, Waterproof Camera