Manuel Antonio has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures generally stay between 75–90°F (24–32°C) year-round. Here's a month-by-month breakdown:
The true origin of Manuel Antonio’s name remains uncertain. While no widely known historical figure is directly linked to it, some believe the area was named after an early settler or landowner. One local legend even suggests a Spanish conquistador met his fate on the beach, buried there by indigenous Quepo people.
An excellent alternative to Manuel Antonio National Park is Carara National Park, located about an hour and 20 minutes north. It’s home to lush rainforest, fewer crowds, and incredible wildlife, including scarlet macaws, crocodiles, and monkeys. The park’s well-maintained trails make it perfect for birdwatching and exploring Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity.
For a coastal experience, visit the Damas Island Mangroves for monkey spotting boat or peaceful kayak tours is a great way to see white-faced monkeys, reptiles, and exotic birds. If you are primarily interested in birdwatching, a private birding tour through the Naranjito Forest is an incredible experience.
No, Quepos itself does not have a beach for swimming. However, Playa Espadilla Norte, the main public beach in Manuel Antonio, is just a few minutes away. For a quieter option, Biesanz Beach offers calm waters and a more secluded atmosphere.
For a romantic dining experience in Manuel Antonio, Shana Restaurante offers elegant dishes with ocean views, Le Papillon Restaurant provides fine dining in a secluded setting, Karolas Restaurant features fresh seafood in a tropical ambiance, and Mirador Oceanview Restaurant boasts breathtaking sunset views with gourmet cuisine.
Yes! The ocean water in Manuel Antonio is warm year-round, typically ranging between 80–84°F (27–29°C). The comfortable temperature makes it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.
In Manuel Antonio, breakfast is typically enjoyed between 6:30 AM and 9:30 AM, especially for those heading out on tours. Many restaurants and cafés open early to serve fresh coffee and traditional Costa Rican breakfasts, while hotels often include breakfast with stays.
Some of the best vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants in Manuel Antonio include Namaste Indian for flavorful plant-based Indian cuisine, Manuel Antonio Falafel Bar for fresh Mediterranean dishes, Baldi’s Fresh for healthy bowls and smoothies, and La Luna for upscale vegetarian options with ocean views.
For a delicious breakfast in Manuel Antonio, try Monarca Coffee Shop for great coffee with delicious, fresh pastries. In addition to its organic coffee and ocean views, Monarca is uniquely situated within the Sukia Park Butterfly Garden, allowing guests to enjoy their meal while observing butterflies like Blue Morphos and Swallowtails. Emilio’s Café for hearty breakfast plates with ocean views, or Restaurant Hostel Costa Linda for budget-friendly options and a relaxed atmosphere.
For kid-friendly dining in Manuel Antonio, Restaurante Tiquicia offers hearty Costa Rican meals in a welcoming setting, La Lambretta Pizza serves delicious wood-fired pizzas perfect for families, and Baldi’s Fresh is great for healthy, fresh options like smoothies, wraps, and poke bowls.