SJO Airport to Manuel Antonio Private Transfer: AC Van

Three hours in a new van, one crocodile stop, no navigation required

A private transfer from San José airport or your hotel to the Quepos–Manuel Antonio area in a new air-conditioned minivan with a professional driver. The route includes a stop at Tarcoles Bridge, where the largest population of American crocodiles in the country lives. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the driver speaks English or Spanish.

The experience

The van leaves from San José airport or your hotel and heads south toward the coast. About halfway through the 3-hour drive, you stop at Tarcoles Bridge to stretch and see the crocodiles in the river below: the largest concentration anywhere in Costa Rica. The fleet is all new vehicles with air conditioning, and the driver handles the entire route while you watch the landscape change from Central Valley to coastal forest.

You can book for a group of 1 to 4 people, 5 to 6 people, or 7 to 8 people, and the minivan size adjusts to your party. The exact drive time depends on traffic and time of day, but the route is straightforward: no detours, no extra stops beyond Tarcoles. Hotel pickup is included, so if you're staying in San José the night before your flight or arriving early, the driver collects you from your accommodation and brings you to Manuel Antonio the same way.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in San José.
• one-way private transfer in a new air-conditioned minivan.
• a stop at Tarcoles Bridge to see American crocodiles.

Options for this experience

3 options

For 1 to 4 peopleUp to 4 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · No fixed timePrivate transfer from SJO Airport or hotels to Manuel Antonio, with pickup included

For 5 to 6 peopleUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · No fixed timePrivate transfer from SJO Airport or hotels to Manuel Antonio, with pickup included

For 7 to 8 peopleUp to 8 per booking · Guide in English or Spanish · No fixed timePrivate transfer from SJO Airport or hotels to Manuel Antonio, with pickup included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayLast departure this season: 30 Nov

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Tucanes Tours

Is this one for you?Book the option that matches your group size (the minivan adjusts to 1 to 4 people, 5 to 6, or 7 to 8), so you pay only for the vehicle you need and travel without strangers.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

How long does the drive from San José airport to Manuel Antonio actually take?

The transfer takes approximately 3 hours, though the exact time depends on traffic and the time of day you travel. The route includes one stop at Tarcoles Bridge for restroom breaks and to see the crocodiles.

What happens at Tarcoles Bridge?

Tarcoles Bridge is where you stop to see American crocodiles. The river below holds the largest population of them in Costa Rica, and the bridge crossing gives you a clear view from above. It's a brief stop to stretch and look.

Do I need to arrange my own pickup from the hotel, or is it included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the transfer. The driver will collect you from your San José accommodation and deliver you to your Manuel Antonio hotel at the end of the drive.

What size van will I be in?

The minivan size depends on your group size. You choose at checkout whether you need transport for 1 to 4 people, 5 to 6 people, or 7 to 8 people, and the vehicle is sized accordingly. All vans are new and air-conditioned.