Manuel Antonio National Park Day Trip San José
- Duration12 hours
- Daily
- Group
- Pickup available
- Fair, honest prices
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Overview
This 12-hour guided day trip takes you from San José to Manuel Antonio National Park on the Pacific coast, with return transport from most San José area hotels and a bilingual guide. On the way you stop at the Crocodile Bridge, a scarlet macaw viewing place, a fruit stand and a lookout over Jacó Beach. The park entry fee, breakfast and lunch are included in the default option. It suits families, couples and wildlife lovers who want beaches, monkeys and rainforest in a single day.
Highlights
- Manuel Antonio National Park entry fee included
- White-sand beaches and rainforest trails by the Pacific
- Chances to see monkeys, sloths and other wildlife with your guide
- Crocodile Bridge stop over the Tárcoles River
- Scarlet macaw viewing place and a fruit stand on the way
- Lookout over Jacó Beach
- Breakfast and lunch included, with return transport from most San José hotels
Full Description
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica's smallest but most visited national parks, where rainforest meets white-sand beaches and calm blue bays on the central Pacific coast. A Manuel Antonio day trip from San José is popular because the park packs many highlights into a compact area: easy trails, shaded beaches and reliable wildlife spotting.
Your guide leads you along the main trail and helps you spot animals that are hard to see alone. The park entry fee is included, and you have time on the beach as well. The park is traditionally closed one day a week, so check availability for your date.
Wildlife in Manuel Antonio
White-faced capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, three-toed and two-toed sloths, iguanas, agoutis and colourful birds all live around the park. People who search for what to see in Manuel Antonio usually have monkeys and sloths on their list, and a guide with a spotting scope greatly improves the odds.
Keep a respectful distance and never feed the animals; the guide explains how to behave in the park. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the mix of forest and coast makes this one of the best places in the country for animal watching.
Beaches and the best time to visit Manuel Antonio
Beaches such as Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio are the reward at the end of the trail, with soft white sand and warm, gentle waves. Bring swimwear, a towel and water shoes if you want to swim.
Many travellers ask about the best time to visit. The dry season from December to April is the sunniest and busiest, while the green months have fewer people and lush scenery with occasional afternoon showers. Arriving early on the tour helps you beat the heat and the crowds.
Crocodile Bridge, scarlet macaws and Jacó lookout
On the way to the coast the route stops at the Crocodile Bridge over the Tárcoles River, where large crocodiles are often seen resting on the banks from the safety of the bridge. It is a famous roadside stop between San José and the Pacific beaches.
The programme also visits a scarlet macaw observation place, a fruit stand for fresh tropical fruit and a lookout over Jacó Beach. Breakfast and lunch are included, so the long drive is broken up with good food and photo stops.
Itinerary
- Early pickup from San José hotelsPickup from most San José area hotels at around 06:00 in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Breakfast stopA breakfast break on the road to the Pacific, included in the default option.
- Crocodile BridgeLook down on large crocodiles in the Tárcoles River from the bridge.
- Scarlet macaw viewing placeWatch for the brightly coloured birds in nearby trees.
- Manuel Antonio National ParkWalk the trails with your guide, look for wildlife and enjoy beach time, with the park entry included.
- LunchA meal included in the default option.
- Fruit stand and Jacó Beach lookoutFresh fruit and a lookout stop on the drive back, then return to San José.
What's included
- Return transport from most hotels in the San José area
- Bilingual guide
- Entrance fee to Manuel Antonio National Park
- Visits to the Crocodile Bridge, scarlet macaw observation place, fruit stand and Jacó Beach lookout
- Breakfast and lunch
Not included
- Tips
- Anything not listed in the inclusions
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Travellers without a car — hotel pickup is included
- Nature and wildlife lovers
- Food lovers
Think twice if
- You prefer short outings — this takes about 12 hours
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
Not suitable for
- Children under 5 years
- Travellers over 80 years
- Anyone who cannot manage a long 12-hour day
Meeting point
Return transport is included from most hotels in the San José area, with an early start at around 06:00. The exact pickup time is confirmed after booking.
Important information
- Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent and water.
- Wear light clothes and comfortable shoes for the trails.
- Never feed wildlife, and keep food hidden from monkeys.
- Tips and anything not listed in the inclusions are not included.
- The park is normally closed one day each week; check availability for your date.
- Adult age starts at 12 years, with a child category for ages 5 to 11.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Manuel Antonio day trip cost?
The price depends on the option and the number of travellers. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for adults and children.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, return transport is included from most hotels in the San José area, with an early pickup at around 06:00 confirmed after booking.
How long is the Manuel Antonio tour from San José?
It is a 12-hour day, including the drive to the coast, the park visit and the return.
Is the park entrance fee included?
Yes, the Manuel Antonio National Park entry fee is included in the default option.
Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast and lunch are included in the default option.
Is the trip suitable for children?
Children from 5 years can join, and the booking panel shows the child category. The day is long, so consider their comfort.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear light clothes and walking shoes, and bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent and water.
Will I see monkeys and sloths?
They are commonly seen with a guide, but wildlife is wild and sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Is Manuel Antonio worth visiting?
Yes. It combines rainforest, wildlife and beaches, and a day trip lets you see the highlights with transport arranged.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Choose your date in the booking panel to see what is open. Booking a day or more ahead is safest because of the early pickup and park closure day.
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