National Park Wildlife Tour
Guides with scopes find sloths and monkeys you'd walk past.
Overview
Why visit Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest national park in Costa Rica and by far its most famous. Created in 1972 when locals pushed to protect the forest from development, it wraps jungle-covered headlands around some of the country's most beautiful white-sand beaches.
The park's trails are short but packed with life. Two-toed and three-toed sloths hang in the canopy, capuchin monkeys patrol the beaches, and the endangered Central American squirrel monkey — found almost nowhere else — leaps through the trees in troops. Iguanas, coatis and basilisk lizards are close behind.
The town hugs the jungle-lined road down from Quepos, the fishing port that calls itself the sailfish capital of the world. Offshore, catamaran tours snorkel quiet coves, and the mangroves of the Damas Island estuary offer calm boat trips through tunnels of roots where monkeys and crocodiles live.
Things to do
Top things to book in Manuel Antonio
Popular tours and tickets. Compare prices and book ahead to skip the lines.
Catamaran & Snorkel Cruise
Sail the coast, snorkel a cove and watch for dolphins.
Sportfishing Charter
Chase sailfish and marlin out of Quepos.
Damas Island Mangrove
Boat or kayak the mangrove estuary with monkeys overhead.
Plan your trip
Compare prices for Manuel Antonio
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Fun facts
Things you didn't know about Manuel Antonio
- 01
Small But Mighty
Manuel Antonio is Costa Rica's smallest national park — and its most visited.
- 02
A Monkey Found Almost Nowhere Else
The grey-crowned Central American squirrel monkey survives mainly in and around this park.
- 03
Closed For The Animals
The park closes one day each week so the wildlife can rest from visitors.
- 04
A Beach Voted World-Class
Playa Manuel Antonio regularly ranks among the best beaches in the world in traveller polls.
- 05
Over 100 Mammal Species
The park packs more than 100 mammal and 180 bird species into just a few square kilometres.
- 06
An Island That Joined The Coast
Punta Catedral, the park's landmark rock, was an island until sand built a natural bridge to it.
- 07
The Sailfish Capital
Neighbouring Quepos hosts international tournaments and some of the best Pacific sportfishing.
- 08
Raiders Of The Beach
Capuchin monkeys on the beach are expert snack thieves — park rules ban feeding them.
- 09
Jesus Christ Lizard
Basilisk lizards here can sprint across the surface of water on their hind legs.
- 10
Named After A Settler
The park is named for a Spanish-era settler buried on Punta Catedral, marked by a wooden cross.
Random Manuel Antonio fact
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FAQ
Quick answers about Manuel Antonio
Where is Manuel Antonio located?
Manuel Antonio is in Costa Rica, in North America.
What is the population of Manuel Antonio?
The greater Manuel Antonio area is home to about 12,000 people.
What is Manuel Antonio famous for?
Costa Rica's most-visited national park squeezes rainforest trails, white-sand beaches and more wildlife per acre than almost anywhere — sloths and monkeys included.
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