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.
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