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Top Manuel Antonio Tours: The Best Activities in Manuel Antonio & Quepos, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations—a place where lush rainforests meet white-sand beaches, and wildlife sightings are part of everyday life. Located on the central Pacific coast, the twin towns of Manuel Antonio and Quepos are the gateway to stunning scenery, epic adventures, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
Whether you're looking to hike through a national park, spot sloths in the moonlight, or cruise the Pacific Ocean, there’s a tour for everyone here. In this guide, we’ll explore the best Manuel Antonio tours, including the famous Manuel Antonio National Park tour, chocolate-making experiences, mangrove tours, catamaran tours, and more.
Why Choose Manuel Antonio for your Costa Rica Tour Adventure?
Manuel Antonio offers a unique blend of biodiversity, ocean views, and accessibility. You don’t need to travel far to experience a mix of nature, culture, and adrenaline. Most tours leave right from town or nearby Quepos, and there are options for every age, interest, and budget.
Top reasons to choose Manuel Antonio & Quepos for your tours:
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Home to one of Costa Rica’s most visited national parks
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Incredible biodiversity: monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans & more
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Easy access to ocean, jungle, rivers, and farms
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Great mix of adventure and culture
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Tours available year-round
Manuel Antonio National Park Tour – Explore Costa Rica’s Most Famous Park
The number one thing to do in Manuel Antonio? Visit the park! A Manuel Antonio National Park tour is a must for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
What to Expect?
With the help of a bilingual naturalist guide, you’ll enter the national park and explore well-maintained trails surrounded by rainforest, leading to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. Guides use telescopes to spot camouflaged wildlife like sloths, howler monkeys, iguanas, and even colorful frogs and birds.
Tours include:
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Entrance fee to Manuel Antonio National Park
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Local naturalist guide
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Wildlife spotting with scopes and binoculars
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Leisure time on the park’s beaches
Our Tip: Morning tours offer the best chances of seeing wildlife. Bring water, sunscreen, and your camera!
Chocolate Tour Manuel Antonio – Sweet, Local & Cultural
For a tasty cultural experience, don’t miss the chocolate tour in Manuel Antonio. This tour dives into the fascinating world of cacao, a crop deeply rooted in Costa Rica’s history and tradition.
Tour Highlights
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Visit a working cacao farm or chocolate workshop
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Learn about the indigenous and colonial history of cacao
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Make and taste your own chocolate from bean to bar
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Discover sustainable and organic farming practices
This is a fantastic family-friendly activity, perfect for foodies, culture buffs, or anyone looking to taste authentic Costa Rican chocolate.
Top Picks for Chocolate Tours:
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Villa Vanilla - Rainforest Spices Farm (near Quepos): Chocolate, vanilla, and cinnamon farm tour
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Chocolate Tour Manuel Antonio: Combine chocolate & coffee with medicinal plants and permaculture practices
Bonus: Some tours include tastings of fresh fruit, cinnamon, and other native spices.
Mangrove Tour Manuel Antonio – Paddle into the Wild
Want to experience the wild side of Manuel Antonio? A mangrove tour is one of the best ways to see Costa Rica’s rich ecosystems from a new perspective. These peaceful, nature-filled tours take place just outside Manuel Antonio, in the Damas Island Estuary.
Choose Your Style: Kayak or Boat
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Mangrove Boat Tours: Ideal for families and older travelers. Sit back and enjoy the ride as a guide points out crocodiles, monkeys, snakes, and birds.
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Mangrove Kayak Tours: Great for active travelers. Paddle through narrow canals and get even closer to the action.
Tours typically include:
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Transportation from Manuel Antonio or Quepos
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Bilingual naturalist guide
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Refreshments or lunch
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Choice of morning or afternoon departure
You might spot white-faced monkeys, silky anteaters, and vibrant herons along the way!
Catamaran Tour Manuel Antonio Costa Rica – Ocean Bliss Awaits
Looking for a chill way to enjoy the Pacific? A catamaran tour in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is a must-do. Whether you want to snorkel, watch dolphins, or just soak in the sun, sailing the coast is pure pura vida.
What’s Included?
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Cruise along the Manuel Antonio coastline
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Snorkeling in a calm bay with tropical fish
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Water slide & trampolines (some boats)
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Buffet meal and drinks (often including cocktails)
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Sunset views (afternoon departures)
Tours typically last 3–4 hours and depart from Quepos Marina. Morning and afternoon options are available, but sunset catamaran tours are especially magical.
Our tip: Keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, and even whales during migration season (July–October & December–March).
Manuel Antonio Night Tour – Discover the Rainforest After Dark
Want to see what comes alive after sunset? A Manuel Antonio night tour offers a totally different way to experience the rainforest. As the sun sets, the jungle transforms into a symphony of nocturnal sounds and glowing eyes
Night Tour Highlights
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Guided walk through a private reserve or wildlife refuge
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Flashlight-led exploration of frogs, insects, snakes, and night mammals
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Learn about the rainforest’s “second shift” of creatures
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Small groups for a more intimate experience
These tours are ideal for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone curious about Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity. Most tours take place outside the park, as Manuel Antonio National Park closes at 4 PM.
Did you know? Costa Rica has over 130 species of frogs—and many of them are easiest to spot at night.
Other Popular Manuel Antonio Tours
Still looking for more? Manuel Antonio offers a huge variety of tours to choose from:
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Ziplining through the rainforest canopy
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Whitewater rafting on the Savegre or Naranjo rivers
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Horseback riding to waterfalls or through the mountains
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Fishing charters out of Quepos Marina Pez Vela
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Sustainability tours focused on permaculture and local farming
No matter your interests, you’ll find Manuel Antonio tours that suit your style and schedule.
Booking Manuel Antonio Tours with Pura Vida Traveling
At Pura Vida Traveling, we work hand-in-hand with trusted local operators to bring you the best of Manuel Antonio and Quepos. Whether you're after a relaxing catamaran cruise, a chocolate-making tour, or a wild ride through the jungle on an ATV, we’re here to help make it happen—safely, smoothly, and joyfully.
Why book your Manuel Antonio tours with us?
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Personalized recommendations from locals
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Support in English, Spanish, and sometime in French
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Transparent pricing, no hidden fees
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Focus on sustainable and locally owned businesses
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Easy communication through WhatsApp or email
Check out all our Manuel Antonio tours here or contact us to build your custom adventure itinerary!
Final Thoughts – Explore the Magic of Manuel Antonio
From jungle hikes to sunset sails, chocolate tastings to night walks, the diversity of Manuel Antonio tours is unmatched. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for more pura vida, these experiences will bring you closer to the soul of Costa Rica.
Ready to dive in? Let Pura Vida Traveling be your local guide to the best tours in Manuel Antonio & Quepos.