Local Flavors Cooking Experience, Manuel Antonio

Discover the natural beauty of the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park on a hike with an expert guide. While trekking the two-mile (3.2-km) trail, keep your eyes open for monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles, and butterflies in the wild. The path through the lush rainforest leads you to the sandy beaches and bright blue waters of one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. 

Explore the pristine coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park with this group sailing adventure. Board a comfortable, multideck catamaran in Quepos, then sit back and learn about the region's geography and wildlife as you glide past islands, rock formations, and dramatic cliffs. Your captain will drop anchor in a secluded bay for snorkeling, swimming, and some fun on the boat's two waterslides, then it's time for a delicious barbecue served on deck. This relaxed excursion is perfect for nature lovers and families keen to spot the region's marine life and spend a day out on the water.

Step into the heart of the rainforest and discover the magic of the Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation on this half-day tour. Walk through the plantation's lush crops, learn about the labor-intensive cultivation process of vanilla, taste gourmet delicacies made fresh on the farm, and stock up on organic spices and products at the end of the tour.

Discover the Damas Island Estuary and its mangrove ecosystem on a boat trip! Your knowledgeable guide will point out flora and fauna as you cruise along the natural passageways created by the river's ebb and flow. Bird-watching is excellent here, and the fluctuating conditions of sediment and saltwater attract a wide range of sea animals. If you're lucky, you'll also spot reptiles, anteaters, and monkeys. Enjoy an included lunch at the end of the tour. Exact departure times depend on the tides.

Start your Savegre River Whitewater Rafting Adventure with a pickup from your hotel in Manuel Antonio. You'll then travel to the Savegre River and begin your rafting journey, paddling through Class II and Class III rapids while surrounded by stunning rainforest scenery. After an exciting and scenic trip down the river, you'll be transferred to base camp to dry off and enjoy a delicious meal before heading back to your hotel.

Board a 30-foot Island Hopper for a scuba diving excursion in the Caño Island Biological Reserve. Dive into the waters surrounding Isla del Caño and explore the abundant marine life, including reef sharks, sea turtles, and various fish species.

 

Tour Kids Saving the Rainforest, a non-profit organization based in Quepos. The sanctuary rescues over 100 animals each year with the primary goal of rehabilitating them to be released back into the wild. On an educational walk through the wildlife center, you'll learn invaluable lessons about engaging with these species in an ecologically responsible way. Species in the rehabilitation program include sloths (two and three-toed), marmosets, great macaws, toucans, and all four species of monkeys found in Costa Rica.

Experience Costa Rica's natural beauty at Espadilla Beach, a large stretch offering surf lessons, parasailing, and rentals for paddleboards, chairs, and umbrellas. After parking along Route 618, you can explore the open northern section or the southern area within Manuel Antonio National Park. For a quieter, more secluded beach day, head to the Playitas Beach extension, known for its bay-like shape, or take a short hike down to the hidden Biesanz Beach, where vendors provide everything you need from surfboards to food and drinks. Enjoy the local wildlife, including monkeys, and the calm waves at this shaded, tranquil spot.

Perfect for nature lovers and families, this active excursion lets you explore the scenic coast of Manuel Antonio from the water. Climb into a single or double kayak and follow your guide as you paddle past small islands and nesting areas for marine birds, then stop for a break in the beautiful Biesanz Bay, where you'll have the opportunity to snorkel and spot parrotfish, starfish, angelfish, and even sea turtles. After working up an appetite with a few hours on the water, you'll head back to base camp and enjoy a delicious homemade meal.