Manuel Antonio National Park Tour: Beaches & Wildlife

A single day reaches both the rainforest canopy and the ocean at the park's edge.

This full-day private tour from San José combines a guided nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park with beach time on the Pacific coast. A certified naturalist guide leads an easy, family-friendly hike where you spot sloths, white-faced monkeys, iguanas, toucans and medicinal plants, then you swim or relax at one of Costa Rica's most protected white-sand beaches. The tour includes national park fees, air-conditioned transport, a bilingual guide in English or Spanish, and pickup from San José. Lunch at a local oceanview restaurant is available separately.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park

• Drive from San Jose to Manuel Antonio
• Guided nature walk in the rainforest
• Spot wildlife like sloths and monkeys
• Enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean
• Relax or swim at the beach
• Optional lunch at local ocean-view restaurant

The experience

The drive from San José to Manuel Antonio takes you south along the Pacific coast, moving from the Central Valley into the lowland tropics where the national park sits. Once you arrive, a certified naturalist guide leads you onto easy, shaded trails through rainforest where wildlife is active and visible: sloths move through the canopy, white-faced monkeys travel in groups, iguanas sun themselves on branches, and toucans call from the trees. The guide points out medicinal plants and explains the ecosystem as you walk, and the trail itself stays gentle enough for families and all fitness levels.

After the hike, you have time to swim or rest at one of the park's beaches, where calm waters and white sand meet the ocean. The beach sits within the protected reserve, so the setting stays undeveloped. A local restaurant with ocean views is nearby if you want lunch. You arrange that separately at checkout. The air-conditioned vehicle waits for the return drive to San José, and WiFi is available on board if you need it during the journey.

What’s included

• National park entry fees.
• air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi on board.
• certified naturalist guide in English or Spanish.
• all taxes and service fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except TuesdayDepartures at 07:00, 07:30 and 08:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Youth (2 to 12 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Syl Travel Day Tours

Is this one for you?The hike is easy and shaded, so you don't need hiking experience or special fitness, but the full day runs 10 to 12 hours from pickup through the return to San José. Book this if you have a full day free and want both rainforest and beach in one trip.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (2 to 12 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long does the nature walk take inside the national park?

The guided hike is easy and family-friendly, designed to let you spot wildlife without rushing. The full day runs 10 to 12 hours from pickup in San José through the return, with the walk itself taking the morning and early afternoon before beach time.

What wildlife will I actually see on the rainforest trail?

A certified naturalist guide leads you to spot sloths, white-faced monkeys, iguanas, raccoons, toucans and other species active in the canopy and on the forest floor. The guide also shows you medicinal plants and explains how the rainforest ecosystem works, though wildlife sightings depend on the day and the season.

Is the beach safe for swimming, and can I bring my own food?

Manuel Antonio's beaches have calm waters suitable for swimming. A local restaurant with ocean views sits nearby if you want lunch. You can arrange that meal separately at checkout, or bring your own food to enjoy on the beach.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel in San José?

Yes, pickup from San José hotels is included. The guide speaks English or Spanish, and you can request your preferred language when you book.