Manuel Antonio is full of activities, beaches, wildlife, and adventures that will make you have the time of your life. There are miles of white sand beaches to explore, all surrounded by an impressive evergreen forest that grows all the way up to the high tide line.
In this post you will find:
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1. Manuel Antonio National Park
There are primary and secondary forests, mangroves, lagoons, and beach vegetation. But that’s not all; you could spend all day admiring the park’s diverse flora and fauna, which include 109 species of mammals and 184 species of birds.
As if that weren’t enough, if you’re lucky, you might even see dolphins and migrating whales near the coast.
There are numerous activities available, and you can contact us and we’ll customize a tour just for you!
You can also join any of our small groups and tour with a true naturalist.
2. Go to “Kids Saving the Rainforest” and learn how you can help.
If you think kids can’t make a difference in the world, think again and then go to Kids Saving the Rainforest in Manuel Antonio’s rainforest.
This non-profit organization was founded in 1999 by two 9-year-old girls who wanted to educate people all over the world about the rainforest’s ecological importance.
They also established conservation and protection programs for the rainforest and its wildlife. One of the Wildlife Rescue Center’s missions is to care for abandoned, sick, and injured animals and they have helped the marmoset monkey population grow from 1200 to 3700.
If you are moved, you can make a donation or simply volunteer your time during your visit.
Contact us if you want t learn more about Kids Saving the Rainforest.
3. Rainmaker Hike
This beautiful hike takes place in the Rainmaker Conservation Park, one of Costa Rica’s many protected areas. As you explore the rainforest at the foot of a mountain chain and swim in a pristine river by a waterfall, you will be in close contact with the elements. You will be able to take stunning photographs of the diverse nature that this unique site has to offer from hanging bridges and observation platforms.
This preserved primary forest is home to many different species of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals, as well as the Morpho, the bright red and blue-legged Poison Dart Frog, and thousands of unique plant and tree species. If you appreciate nature in all of its splendor and what it has to provide, do not delay in booking this incredible tour!
You can read about Rainmaker right here.
4. Go White Water Rafting
There are two fantastic rivers near Manuel Antonio, and you will have several tour options.
You can go on a half-day or full-day trip down the Naranjo or Savegre rivers. These are enjoyable trips for the entire family, and children as young as five years old can participate because they only encounter category II-III rapids. Most importantly, the Savegre River is the cleanest river in South America.
If whitewater rafting isn’t your thing, you can also go tubing or sea kayaking, and if you’re not on a day trip, they also offer sunset kayaking.
You can read about White Water Rafting in Manuel Antonio here
5. Damas Island Kayaking Through the Mangroves
Manuel Antonio is only 15 minutes away from the Damas Island estuary. Kayak through the mangroves here. When ocean waters meet freshwater rivers, mangroves form.
Because these are protected inland waters, you will see a variety of wildlife living within the mangrove forests. So take heart and spend the day floating beneath the lush rainforest canopy, watching birds, snakes, anteaters, white-faced monkeys, and even crocodiles.
Ages six to sixty-six are recommended, and lunch or dinner and transportation are included in the price. Just make sure you bring plenty of sunscreens, sunglasses, and, of course, your bathing suit.
The departure time is determined by the tides, but each trip lasts approximately four hours. Remember to bring your camera.
