Manuel Antonio National Park: Day Trips and Tours from San José

Manuel Antonio National Park is widely celebrated as a region of outstanding natural beauty along the coast of Costa Rica. From its sparkling white beaches to its palm-lined rainforests, visitors to the park all agree that Manuel Antonio must be seen to be believed.

On top of its magnificent scenery, the region is also home to an abundance of wildlife, which you can see roaming freely on a day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park from San José.

Here's all you need to know about Manuel Antonio, one of the most exciting day trips from San José.

How to get to Manuel Antonio National Park from San José?

Manuel Antonio National Park is located on the south coast of Costa Rica, approximately 170 kilometers from the capital city of San José.

From San José to Manuel Antonio National Park by car

The journey to Manuel Antonio National Park takes around 2.5 hours by car and starts by traveling west out of San José. After passing through Orotina, you’ll join Route 34 and follow it all the way to the reserve.

From San José to Manuel Antonio National Park by bus

Alternatively, you can make the jaunt to Manuel Antonio National Park by public transport. You’ll board a bus from San José’s Trapoca terminal and journey as far as Manuel Antonio town. From here, you’ll walk for around 30 minutes to reach the park.

Guided tours to Manuel Antonio National Park from San José

Another way to see the region is to book a guided excursion to Manuel Antonio National Park. You’ll enjoy a convenient hotel pickup before 7 AM, and tours last anywhere from 4 hours to 4 days.

How much does the entrance ticket to Manuel Antonio National Park cost?

• Adults: CRC10,191 (US$18.08)
• Children (aged 2-11): CRC3,185 (US$5.65)
• Children under 2: Free

What is the typical itinerary?

Most day tours to Manuel Antonio National Park begin the drive from San José early in the morning so as to maximize the time spent exploring. You may stop in one of Costa Rica’s southern towns in order to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat along the way.

Upon arrival, you can expect to participate in a hike through the rainforests of Manuel Antonio National Park. As the area is relatively small and flat, trekking here is easy, and can be enjoyed by most people.

Some Manuel Antonio National Park day trips include a guided hike through its abundance of palm trees, while others encourage you to explore the flora and fauna alone.

On other excursions, you’ll board a boat once you reach the south coast, close to the national park, and sail through its waters to admire the natural beauty from a different perspective.

Alternatively, you may opt for a multi-day trip from San José, which travels between destinations each day. On these, you’ll spend a day exploring each region, before resting there for the night and venturing elsewhere the following day.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Manuel Antonio National Park?

There are several different types of day trips to Manuel Antonio National Park for you to choose from.

Guided tour to Manuel Antonio National Park from San José

Begin your Manuel Antonio National Park day trip by traveling through mountainscapes and palm plantations, stopping at the town of Orotina en route.

Upon arrival in the national park, you’ll wander through its buzzing rainforest, keeping an eye out for the myriad of creatures that call this green haven home.

Admire raccoons, monkeys, iguanas and a plethora of exotic birds, as you stroll leisurely along the park’s Punta Cathedral hiking trail.

Boat trip to Manuel Antonio from San José

Alternatively, take a boat tour in San José to view the diversity of Manuel Antonio Park from the deck of a boat. As you sail along the coast, you’ll seek out the whales and dolphins that thrive in the region’s warm waters.

Jump into the ocean for a snorkeling session in Biesanz Bay, where turtles swim gracefully. Aboard your boat, you’ll keep an eye on the skies to see the graceful wings of pelicans and boobies.

3-Day tour to Manuel Antonio National Park plus Arenal Volcano and Monteverde from San José

Those with longer to spend in the country can opt for a multi-day tour to Manuel Antonio National Park and other Costa Rican highlights. Spend a day on hiking excursion through the waterfalls and resplendent rainforests that surround Arenal Volcano.

Then, journey on to Monteverde, known for its unique cloud forest that is home to some of the most exotic beasts on the continent. Finally, head to Manuel Antonio National Park to wander along its silky sands and get up close with its residents, which include capuchin monkeys, and two-toed sloths.

How much does a day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park from San José cost?

Guided day trips to Manuel Antonio National Park cost between US$90 and US$150 per person. Those on the higher end of this range include lunch and a knowledgeable guide to lead you through the park.

Boat tours also cost US$90 per person and include meals, as well as snorkeling equipment.

Alternatively, if you opt for a 3-day tour to Manuel Antonio National Park, Arenal Volcano and  Monteverde, you’ll pay around US$620 per person, which includes accommodation, and some meals.

What will you see and do?

While Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica’s smallest natural reserve, it is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. On top of this, the park features several spectacular beaches that are constantly ranked among the best in the world.

There are over 100 species of mammals that reside in the park, as well as more than 180 species of birds.

Both the two-toed sloth and the brown-throated three-toed sloth can be found in the park. You won’t need to look far to stumble upon inquisitive howler, squirrel and capuchin monkeys.

Many reptiles hide in Manuel Antonio’s rainforests, including iguanas, boa constrictors and lizards. The area is also famed as a home for crocodiles.

Exploring the skies, you may catch a glimpse of a colorful hummingbird or hear the iconic drumming of a woodpecker.

What are the opening times?

Manuel Antonio National Park is open daily from 7 AM to 4 PM, except on Tuesdays when the site remains closed.

When is the best time to visit Manuel Antonio National Park?

The best time to plan a day tour to Manuel Antonio National Park is between December and April when the climate is relatively dry. During this season, you can expect temperatures to range from 30 to 34 degrees Celsius.

What are the other day trips from San José?

• Day trips to Poas Volcano from San José
• Sarapiqui River day trips from San José
• Irazu Volcano day tours from San José
• Tortuguero National Park day trips from San José
• Day trips to Monteverde Hanging Bridges from San José

Travel tips

• All food is prohibited in the national park, in order to reduce the impact on the environment.
• There is a multitude of “guides” selling overpriced tours just outside the gates of the national park. Avoid these and book an excursion online in advance for a better price, and experience.
• Make your way to Manuel Antonio National Park as early in the day as possible if you wish to avoid the crowds.