Central Pacific Climate
• Average daytime: 28–32 °C
• Annual rainfall: 3,500 mm
• Driest months: December–April
• Wettest months: September–October
• Humidity: 75–85% year-round
• Water temperature: 27–29 °C
Top Things to Do
• Manuel Antonio National Park: sloths, monkeys, three perfect beaches
• Playa Espadilla: long public beach right outside the park
• Catamaran sunset cruises: snorkel + dolphins + sunset
• Mangrove kayaking in Damas: crocodiles, herons, white-faced monkeys
• Nauyaca Waterfalls (Dominical, 45 min south): epic two-tier falls
• Sportfishing from Quepos Marina Pez Vela: marlin and sailfish capital
View Tour Details What to Pack for Manuel Antonio
• Swimsuits + rash guard
• Reef-safe sunscreen — required in the national park
• Lightweight hiking shoes for park trails
• Dry bag for cameras when on the beach
• Insect repellent for evening dinners
• Reusable water bottle (no single-use plastics in the park)
• Small backpack — large bags and outside food are restricted in the park
• Binoculars for spotting sloths in the canopy
• Quick-dry towel
Wildlife You'll See
• Two-toed and three-toed sloths (very high success rate)
• Capuchin, squirrel and howler monkeys
• White-nosed coatis
• Iguanas, basilisks ("Jesus Christ lizards")
• Toucans, scarlet macaws (occasional)
• Sea turtles and dolphins offshore
Important: never feed any animal — it's illegal and dangerous. Capuchins will steal food and bags from inattentive visitors.
When to Visit
• December–April: sunny beach days, peak prices
• May–June: sweet spot — green and quieter
• September–October: wettest, but lush jungle and wildlife is most active
• Park is closed on Tuesdays — plan accordingly
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Manuel Antonio from Arenal?
It's about 3.5-4 hours by road, making it a common second stop for travelers combining wildlife-rich regions.
Is Manuel Antonio National Park open every day?
No, it's closed on Tuesdays — worth planning around when booking your visit.
What wildlife can I expect to see in Manuel Antonio?
Sloths, capuchin and squirrel monkeys, coatis, iguanas, and occasionally scarlet macaws are commonly spotted along the park's trails and beaches.
How do I combine Manuel Antonio with Arenal in one trip?
We design custom multi-region trips with private transfers — message us with your travel dates and interests.
Want to combine Manuel Antonio with Arenal or Monteverde in a single itinerary? We design custom multi-region trips with private transfers.
Free planning · No commitment · Local expert guidance