Manuel Antonio National Park was established in 1972 with the aim of preserving one of the most beautiful areas in Costa Rica for future generations. Despite being the smallest national park in the country, the park boasts a unique combination of tropical jungle, beaches, and coral reefs that make it a paradise on earth.
Located south of the town of Quepos, the park offers breathtaking views of the coastline and is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife. You can spot sloths, iguanas, squirrel monkeys, white-faced monkeys, and millions of colorful little crabs roaming around the lush forests. The path that winds around Punta Catedral provides spectacular views of the park’s most popular beaches, Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio.
Playa Manuel Antonio is the most beautiful beach in the park and the most visited. With a length of 598 meters, it is ideal for snorkeling and features a secluded, private cove on one side. During low tide, the beach expands, offering a wide area for visitors to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
Cathedral Point, with its forest-topped cliffs, was once an island and is now connected to the coast by a thin strip of land. The land bridge that separates the park’s two most popular beaches offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding islands, including Isla Larga or Picuda, Isla Gemelas, Isla Olocuita, Isla Toro Amarillo, and Isla Verde or Mogote.
In addition to its scenic beauty, Manuel Antonio National Park is also home to an impressive variety of flora and fauna. There are 335 species of birds, 107 of mammals, 93 reptiles, 56 amphibians, and 352 species of flora that call the park home. Marine life is equally impressive, with moray eels, angelfish, urchins, and starfish living in the protected area.
Together with kayaking, snorkeling, and surfing, visitors can also go ziplining, horseback riding, and taking ATV rides. There are numerous eateries, cafes, and pubs in the town proper, in addition to boutique stores and art galleries. Any visitor to Costa Rica must visit Manuel Antonio because of its breathtaking natural beauty and wealth of outdoor activities. Visiting the park is an experience of a lifetime that will allow you to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty and diversity of wildlife in Costa Rica. Whether you prefer hiking, snorkeling, or simply relaxing on the beach, Manuel Antonio National Park has something for everyone.