Your Guide to Manuel Antonio Beach & National Park

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When I started planning our trip to Costa Rica, I quickly learned that Manuel Antonio National Park was a must for our Costa Rica itinerary. The city of Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular destinations in the country, but no visit would be complete without visiting the national park–especially for first-time visitors. Visiting Manuel Antonio beach and park is truly one of the best things to do in Costa Rica.

Nestled on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the country’s most beloved natural treasures. Despite being one of the smallest national parks in Costa Rica, it’s arguably the most popular — thanks to its lush rainforests, winding trails, abundant wildlife, and picture-perfect beaches framed by turquoise waters and granite rocks.

Visitors flock here for an unforgettable mix of wildlife encounters, easy-to-moderate hikes, and sun-washed beaches all within the same day. It’s pretty obvious why it’s one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica. We only spent half a day there, but I can easily see how people could spend an entire day.

🌊 Manuel Antonio Beaches Outside the National Park

One of the best parts about visiting Manuel Antonio is that you don’t have to be inside the national park to enjoy beautiful beaches. Just outside the park entrance — and along the road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio — you’ll find several public beaches that are free, easy to access, and great for families.

Playa Espadilla Norte is the most popular and stretches for miles right outside the park. It’s lively and fun, with gentle waves that are often good for beginner surfing, plus vendors renting chairs, umbrellas, surfboards, and even offering snacks and drinks. There are plenty of restaurants and hotels across the street, making it a convenient beach to visit before or after your park day.

A little farther down the road, Playa Biesanz is a smaller, calmer cove that feels more tucked away. The water here is usually very calm, making it a favorite for swimming and snorkeling, especially for families with kids. You’ll need to walk a short trail to access it, which helps keep crowds down.

There’s also Playa Playitas, a quieter local beach near the marina area, which is often less crowded and great for a low-key sunset walk. The chef at the Airbnb we stayed at told us about this beach and suggested we go. You absolutely need 4×4 to access it, as the road down is super steep. But once you arrive, you can park right on the sand.

These beaches are a great option if you weren’t able to get park reservations, want a beach-only day, or are looking for a relaxed afternoon after hiking the trails inside Manuel Antonio National Park.

🎟️ Tickets, Reservations & Entry Costs

Mandatory Online Reservations

You cannot buy entrance tickets at the gate — all visits require advance reservation and ticket purchase online through SINAC, Costa Rica’s official park system. Even if you book a tour, you may still need to purchase your own admission tickets into the park. Make sure you check what your tour includes.

▶ Why it matters:

• The park limits daily visitors to protect its environment and wildlife.
• Tickets often sell out weeks ahead, especially during dry-season high season (December–April).
• You might get all the way to Manuel Antonion National Park and realize you cannot get in.

✔ Tip: Book early (3–4 weeks ahead during peak times) to secure your preferred date and time slot.
✔ You’ll need to enter the full name, passport number, and nationality for each ticket holder.

Entrance Fees (2026) – Access to Manuel Antonio Park & Beach

Prices vary slightly depending on exchange and SINAC updates, but typical rates are:

🌎 Foreign/Non-resident visitors:

• Adults (12+): approx. $16–$18 USD
• Children (2–12): approx. $5–$6 USD
• Under 2: Free

Costa Rican nationals/residents:

• Adults: ~₡1,800 colones
• Children: ~₡500–565 colones
• Younger kids may be free

💡 Important: Tickets are valid for one entry only. If you exit the park and come back later, you’ll need a new ticket.

🕐 Manuel Antonio National Park Hours & Rules

📅 Open: Wednesday–Monday
🚫 Closed: Tuesdays (all year)
🕖 Hours: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM (sometimes last entry is earlier)

Park Guidelines

To help protect the environment and wildlife inside Manuel Antonio National Park and beach:

• No food or outside snacks allowed in the park — only water and natural drinks.
• Single-use plastics are often prohibited. Bring a refillable water bottle.
• Respect wildlife — do not feed animals or remove plants.
• Always stay on marked trails.

🥾 Trails, Manuel Antonio Beaches & What to Do

Manuel Antonio packs a lot into a small area, so it’s a perfect day trip — especially if you love nature and the ocean.

🌳 Hiking Trails

The park’s network of trails ranges from easy forest paths to viewpoints and wildlife-rich zones. Popular ones include:

• Main Trail – Leads to viewpoints and beach access.
• Universal Trail (Sendero Perezoso) – A more accessible path with platforms and forest vistas.

Tip: Morning hikes offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities, especially for sloths and monkeys. Plus, it can get very hot, so going in the morning might coincide with more comfortable temperatures.

🐒 Wildlife Watching at Manuel Antonio Beach & Park

Manuel Antonio National Park and Beach is famous for its biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for:

• White-faced capuchin monkeys
• Three-toed and two-toed sloths
• Iguanas and colorful birds
• Colorful crabs
• Hidden reptiles and insects

There were monkeys everywhere–especially right at the entrance after walking in. Be careful of your belongings. It was easy to see why they don’t want visitors bringing food into the park.

We were lucky enough to see a few sloths while we visited. Two were very high up in the trees, and we would not have seen them if they hadn’t been pointed out to us. The other was much closer, and it was even moving a bit. Albeit very slowly.

🏖️ Manuel Antonio Beaches Inside the Park

After you’ve explored trails and wildlife, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular beaches:

• Playa Espadilla Sur – Broad sandy beach, ideal for relaxing and swimming.
• Manuel Antonio Beach – Gentle tide, shade, and great views — a perfect lunch or rest stop.

There are also freshwater fountains and shower facilities near beach areas.

👣 Should You Hire a Guide?

You can explore the park on your own, but many travelers find value in guided tours — especially if:

✔ You want to learn more about flora & fauna
✔ You hope to spot shy wildlife with expert help
✔ You want local insights on the best trails and cameras

Many Manuel Antonio beach tours include your park tickets , such as this popular one, and have set times for small groups. Prices vary but generally start around $50+ per person for guided experiences. This does not always include your entry tickets, so double check when booking.

When we went, we did not book a guide. But there are plenty around the entrance that you can hire to bring in with you. I can definitely see the advantage of having a guide to help spot hard-to-see sloths. However, lucky for us, people inside the park were super friendly. Many would stop to ask the kids if they’ve seen a sloth yet and then point them out or tell us exactly where to see them.

💡 Tips for a Great Visit

✨ Go early: Wildlife is more active in cooler morning hours, and it’s easier to beat crowds.
🚐 Getting there: Public buses from Quepos are cheap; taxis and private transfers are also options. We drove our own car, but it can get a bit crowded and parking was pretty tight.
📅 Plan around Tuesday closures: The park doesn’t open Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly.
🧴 Pack smart: Sunscreen, water, good hiking shoes, and insect repellent make a big difference.

🏁 Final Thoughts on Manuel Antonio Beach & National Park

Manuel Antonio Beach and National Park is a bucket-list destination for nature lovers visiting Costa Rica. Its blend of rainforest trails, abundant wildlife, and world-class beaches makes it a magical experience — as long as you plan ahead. With required online reservations and limited daily spots, early planning and quick ticket booking are essential to snag your spot in this tropical paradise.

For even more resources for your Costa Rica trip, check out my other popular posts:

• Best Hotels in Manuel Antonio
• Top Family Resorts in Costa Rica
• Your Guide to La Fortuna, Costa Rica
• Costa Rica Resorts That Will Blow You Away

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