Your Complete Guide to Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park: Key Information and Rules

Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most treasured destinations, offering visitors the chance to explore breathtaking beaches, vibrant rainforests, and an incredible variety of wildlife. By joining one of our guided tours, you’ll experience this spectacular park with the convenience of expert guidance, ensuring a worry-free adventure. This guide provides essential information about your visit and a detailed overview of the park’s rules to help preserve its pristine beauty for future generations.

Key Information for Your Guided Adventure

Tour Schedule and Best Times to Explore

Our guided tours of Manuel Antonio National Park begin at 8:00 a.m., allowing you to experience the park during the prime hours of the day. Pickup in the Jaco area starts between 6:30 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., depending on your location. We strive to make the journey as seamless as possible, with transportation provided directly to the park entrance.

Morning tours are the ideal way to enjoy Manuel Antonio, as the park is often cooler and less crowded early in the day. This is also when wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds are most active, making it a perfect time for spotting and photographing these remarkable creatures.

Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or as part of a larger group, we offer options to suit your needs. Our group tours provide a social and engaging way to explore the park, ideal for meeting fellow travelers and enjoying shared discoveries. For those seeking a more tailored experience, we offer private tours with a minimum of four participants. This option allows for a personalized pace and focus, making it perfect for families or small groups traveling together.

What to Expect During Your Visit

From the moment you enter the park, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, the sound of tropical birds, and the occasional rustle of a curious monkey. Our guided tours ensure you don’t miss a thing, with expert guides pointing out hidden wildlife, interesting plant species, and the park’s unique geological features.

Rest assured, all the essentials are covered. The park features well-maintained trails, restrooms, and designated picnic areas, so you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable visit. Our tours include ample time to explore the park’s beaches, where you can relax, swim, or simply enjoy the stunning scenery.

Guided Convenience

With our guided tours, you can leave the logistics to us. We handle everything, including transportation, entrance tickets, and navigating the park’s rules. This allows you to focus on the adventure and soak in the incredible surroundings.

Comprehensive Park Rules

To protect its diverse ecosystems and ensure visitor safety, Manuel Antonio National Park has established several important rules. By following these guidelines, you’re helping to preserve the park’s natural beauty and maintain a safe environment for its wildlife. Understanding and following the park's rules is one of the many reasons we feel that hiking with a naturalist guide is essential.

Stay on Marked Trails

Always stick to the designated paths to avoid damaging sensitive ecosystems and to ensure your safety. Wandering off-trail can harm plants and wildlife while increasing the risk of accidents.

Do Not Feed Wildlife

Feeding animals can lead to serious health issues for them and alter their natural behaviors. Our guides will help you observe wildlife responsibly without interfering with their natural routines.

Avoid Single-Use Plastics

To protect the environment, the park prohibits single-use plastics. Please bring reusable bottles and containers to reduce waste.

Respect Restricted Areas

Certain sections of the park are off-limits to visitors to protect fragile habitats or allow for restoration. These restrictions are clearly marked, and our guides ensure all tours respect these boundaries.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Use the park’s designated trash bins, and if they’re full, carry your waste out with you. Maintaining the park’s cleanliness is a shared responsibility.

No Smoking or Alcohol

Smoking and alcohol are strictly prohibited to maintain a safe and family-friendly environment and to reduce fire hazards.

Prohibited Items

Items such as firearms, hunting tools, drones, and unapproved commercial gear are not allowed.

No Pets Allowed

Pets are not permitted in the park to protect both domestic animals and the native wildlife.

Maintain a Safe Distance from Wildlife

Admiring wildlife from a distance ensures both your safety and theirs. Avoid any attempts to touch, chase, or provoke animals.

Swimming Only in Designated Areas

While the park features gorgeous beaches, swimming is allowed only in marked areas for your safety.

Follow Park Staff and Guide Instructions

Park rangers and guides are there to enhance your visit. Always follow their instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Explore Manuel Antonio with Ease

Manuel Antonio National Park is a true gem of Costa Rica, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most biodiverse environments. With our guided tours, you can enjoy a stress-free experience, complete with transportation, expert guidance, and plenty of time to explore the park’s many wonders.

Whether you’re captivated by the vibrant rainforest, enchanted by the playful monkeys, or mesmerized by the tranquil beaches, Manuel Antonio promises memories that will last a lifetime. By following the park’s rules and preparing for your visit with the information above, you’ll ensure a visit that’s both enriching and respectful of this natural treasure.

So pack your essentials, embrace the adventure, and let us guide you through one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations.