Manuel Antonio: Wildlife Day Trip & Beaches from San Jose

Summary

See crocodiles, monkeys and wild beaches on a full Costa Rica day trip

You’ll taste fresh tropical fruit at sunrise stops, watch wild crocodiles from above, search for monkeys and sloths on rainforest trails in Manuel Antonio with your guide, then swim or relax on white sand beaches before sharing lunch with new friends overlooking the jungle. Expect a day full of color and small surprises — Costa Rica’s energy stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

I’d always heard people rave about Manuel Antonio, but honestly, I was more curious than convinced. That changed somewhere between the first sip of sweet coffee at our breakfast stop and the moment our guide, José, pulled over by a roadside fruit stand. The air smelled like pineapple and something I still can’t name — José handed me a slice of guanábana to try (I probably made a face). We piled back into the van with sticky fingers and kept heading toward the coast.

The crocodile bridge was next. It’s one of those places you think will be a quick photo op, but standing above that muddy river with giant crocs sunning themselves below… it’s weirdly mesmerizing. Someone in our group counted eleven. Afterward we stopped in Tarcoles, where José pointed out scarlet macaws flying overhead — bright red flashes against all that green. He laughed when I tried to say “lapa roja” in Spanish (I definitely butchered it).

By the time we reached Manuel Antonio, the heat had settled in and everything felt slower. The park itself is loud with birds and monkey chatter — we spotted a sloth curled up like a fuzzy comma high in the trees. The trails were easy enough for everyone; still, I lagged behind just to listen to leaves crunch underfoot and catch glimpses of squirrel monkeys darting around. After our hike, some of us went straight for the beach. The water was warm and salty, and there was this moment where I just floated on my back looking up at palm leaves swaying overhead. I still think about that view sometimes.

Lunch came later at a spot overlooking the jungle — rice, beans, grilled fish that tasted like it came straight from the ocean. On the drive back to San Jose I dozed off for a bit (sorry if I snored). If you’re thinking about a day trip to Manuel Antonio from San Jose… just go. There’s something about seeing all those animals up close that makes you feel oddly small but also kind of lucky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Manuel Antonio National Park and Wildlife Tour

• Pick up from San Jose hotel
• Drive to Central Pacific Region
• Enjoy Costa Rican breakfast
• Stop at largest fruit stand
• Visit crocodile bridge viewpoint
• Stop at Tarcoles Beach for macaws
• Visit Jaco Beach look-out point
• Guided hike in Manuel Antonio Park
• Free time to swim or hike
• Lunch with ocean and jungle views
• Return to San Jose hotel

Top questions

How long does the Manuel Antonio day trip from San Jose take?

The tour lasts a full day including travel time from San Jose to Manuel Antonio and back.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for most San Jose area hotels.

What animals can you see in Manuel Antonio?

You may see monkeys (howler, white-faced, squirrel), sloths, iguanas, agoutis, toucans, scarlet macaws and other tropical birds.

Are meals included on this day trip?

Yes, both breakfast and lunch are included during the tour.

Do you stop anywhere besides Manuel Antonio?

Yes—stops include a large fruit stand, Crocodile Bridge over Tarcoles River, Tarcoles Beach for macaw spotting, and Jaco Beach lookout point.

Is there free time at the beach?

Yes—you’ll have free hours to swim or relax at Manuel Antonio’s beaches after your guided hike.

Are reusable water bottles required?

Yes—plastic water bottles aren’t allowed inside Manuel Antonio Park; bring a reusable bottle instead.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for meals?

Yes—vegetarian options are available if requested when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from most San Jose hotels in an air-conditioned vehicle; entry fees; stops at Crocodile Bridge and Tarcoles Beach for wildlife viewing; breakfast featuring local flavors; plenty of time hiking rainforest trails with your bilingual guide; swimming or relaxing on white sand beaches; plus a traditional Costa Rican lunch overlooking jungle views before returning to San Jose in the evening.