Manuel Antonio National Park

Comprising lush rainforest, idyllic beaches and spectacular coral reefs, there is no end to the amount of wildlife on show, both on land and in the water. Expect to see a variety of monkeys, sleepy sloths and stately toucans in the high canopies, with multi-colored chameleons, exquisite hummingbirds and vivid frogs to be found lower down in the rainforest.

You can choose to book either a guided or self-guided tour, although guided tours may be the preferred option if you’re short on time. 

The tour trail winds around the punta Catedral, or Cathedral Point, which offers up spectacular views from the forest-clad cliffs. From here you can access the parks’ popular beaches, Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio, which are separated by a land bridge. Arguably the best beach is Playa Manuel Antonio, a picturesque half-mile long crescent of white sands bisecting deep green foliage to one side and a private secluded cove to the other. 

This beach also boasts the accolade of the best beach in the world as voted by Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award in 2019.

The best time to visit is in the dry season, between December to April, when you can enjoy a truly immersive experience. You should note that drones and food are not permitted in the park.

Entrance tickets can be purchased online ahead of your visit. 

Opening times

The national park is open every day except Tuesdays, year round – including holidays – from 7:00am to 4:00pm.

The beaches and trails inside the park are open from 7:00am to 4:00pm. The public beach outside the park (Espadilla Norte) is open from 5:00am to 6:00pm.

If you're interested in visiting Manuel Antonio National Park and would like to incorporate a trip into your Costa Rica itinerary, please speak with your preferred yacht charter broker. 

To find out more about chartering in the region, check out our in-depth Costa Rica yacht charter guide for more information.