Manuel Antonio Beach & National Park Day Tour from San José
Active
13h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience one of Costa Rica’s top destinations on this full-day guided tour to Manuel Antonio National Park from San José. Start with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast, then stop at Hacienda Nosavar on the Tárcoles River to observe giant crocodiles in the wild.
Continue to Manuel Antonio, where a certified naturalist guide leads you through lush rainforest trails to spot sloths, monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and more. After the walk, enjoy up to four hours at Playa Espadilla, one of the world’s most beautiful beaches—perfect for swimming, relaxing, and soaking in paradise.
Finish your day with a delicious local lunch before returning to San José at sunset. A memorable mix of wildlife, nature, and beach time, ideal for travelers seeking Costa Rica’s ultimate day escape.
Available options
Manuel Antonio Beach & National Park Day Tour from San José
Pickup included
What's included
Operates with a minimun of two passengers
Lunch
Transportation included from San Jose hotels and nearby
Professional Bilingual Tour Guide
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
Breakfast
Detailed itinerary
1
Estimated pick up of passengers starts at 5 am from the hotels in San Jose and nearby.
- We will stop for breakfast on the way, then we will have the opportunity to take pictures from a viewpoint at the mouth of the Tarcoles River where hopefully you will be able to see the famous crocodile.
On the way to Manuel Antonio National Park, you will travel along the coastline enjoying scenic views, including African palm plantations. You will also travel past small villages along the Pacific Coast, until you reach the port of Quepos and the ultimately the National Park.
2
Visit Manuel Antonio National Park scorted by a naturalist tour guide, duration of approximately 4 hours visiting the park and enjoying the beach.
Since access to the park itself is closed to vehicles, you will hike to the preserve, crossing a creek. Once in the park, you can simply relax and enjoy the beach, sunbathe, or hike through the park's trails, which will allow you to observe Manuel Antonio's abundant flora and fauna. Several species of monkeys, iguanas, birds and possibly even the three-toed sloth can be seen.
If you chose to hike the trail to Cathedral Point, do not forget your camera; the views of the park and the sea are simply spectacular!
Hotel Playa Espadilla - Lunch included in this beautiful property located near the beaches of Manuel Antonio.
What's not included
Bottled Water
Tips
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
2 reviews
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4★
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Tripadvisor
4.6
7 reviews
5★
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Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What to bring? Hat - Sun block - Insect repellent - Binoculars – Camera – Shorts – Sandals - Towel – Swimsuit
In Manuel Antonio National Park it is forbidden to bring into the park: *Plastic bottles* *Prepared food and snacks* Drinks are allowed only in single-use bottles. To register for the entrance to the Park: Bring original or copy of your identification document.
If you are travelling with children please let us know their ages, during the booking process
Please confirm estimated pickup time day prior the tour, there would be 5 minutes flexibility.
About San José
San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. Nestled in the heart of the Central Valley, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty, with nearby volcanoes and coffee plantations adding to its allure.
Top Attractions
Museo del Jade
This museum houses an extensive collection of pre-Columbian jade artifacts, showcasing the rich history of Costa Rica.
Museum
1-2 hours
¢5,000 (CRC)
Mercado Central
A bustling market offering a variety of local foods, souvenirs, and crafts. It's a great place to experience the local culture.
Market
1-2 hours
Free entry
Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica
A stunning example of neoclassical architecture, this theater hosts various cultural performances and events.
Historical
1 hour
¢6,000 (CRC) for tours
Parque La Sabana
A large urban park with walking paths, sports facilities, and a lake. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Must-Try Local Dishes
Gallo Pinto
A traditional breakfast dish made with rice, beans, onions, and peppers, often served with eggs, tortillas, and natilla (sour cream).
Breakfast
Vegetarian
Casado
A typical lunch dish consisting of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish.
Lunch
Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications
Olla de Carne
A hearty beef and vegetable soup, often served with rice, tortillas, and salad.
Dinner
Can be made vegetarian
Chifrijo
A popular bar snack made with fried pork, beans, rice, and avocado.
Snack
Can be made vegetarian with modifications
Popular Activities
Hiking in national parks
Zip-lining in nearby areas
Coffee tasting tours
Spa treatments
Museum visits
Historical tours
White-water rafting in nearby rivers
Coffee plantation tours
Best Time to Visit
December to April
The dry season offers pleasant weather with minimal rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
22-28°C
72-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Spanish
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Time Zone
CST (UTC-6)
Electricity
110VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution
San José is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, especially in crowded areas. Exercise caution and keep valuables secure.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Avoid walking alone at night
- • Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Juan Santamaría International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) from city center
By bus
Cariari Bus Terminal, San José Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around San José. They cover most of the city and its suburbs.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, DiDi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Barrio Escalante
Barrio Amón
San Pedro
Day trips
Poás Volcano National Park
50 km (31 miles) • Half day
A stunning national park featuring the active Poás Volcano and beautiful crater lakes.
Irazú Volcano National Park
55 km (34 miles) • Half day
A national park featuring the Irazú Volcano, one of the highest peaks in Costa Rica, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Alajuela
20 km (12 miles) • Half day
A charming city known for its colonial architecture, museums, and the Juan Santamaría Museum, dedicated to Costa Rica's national hero.
Festivals
Fiesta de las Luces • December
Festival de las Artes • March
Pro tips
- Visit the Mercado Central early in the morning for the freshest produce and to avoid crowds.
- Try local street food for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
- Explore the city's museums and cultural attractions to gain a deeper understanding of Costa Rica's rich history.
- Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions, such as Poás Volcano National Park, for stunning views and outdoor activities.
- Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the culture.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
