Search

Manuel Antonio is a beautiful destination with plenty of activities to keep you busy. You can tour Manuel Antonio National Park, which boasts breathtaking beaches, hiking trails, and a variety of wildlife including sloths and monkeys. The area also provides opportunities to explore the lush rainforest canopy on a zipline tour or enjoy a morning or afternoon sunset sail on a catamaran. You can go kayaking, horseback riding or rappelling in Manuel Antonio. A nearby white-face monkey habitat can be visited on a mangrove tour. Jungle night hikes in Manuel Antonio provide visitors with a rare opportunity to see nocturnal animals in the rainforest. The area is also home to three rafting rivers of increasing difficulty - the class III Savegre, class IV Naranjo, and the class IV and V El Chorro.

Jaco is a popular destination for families, and there are plenty of things to do with kids. Some of the best things to do in Jaco with kids include visiting the beach, taking a surf lesson, exploring the national parks with a family friendly guide, checking out Rio Tarcoles on an exciting crocodile tour, or visiting the curious whiteface monkeys that live in the mangroves about 40 minutes away. Other kid-friendly activities in Jaco include outrigger canoe trips, Rainforest Safari excursions, and ATV tours with a Rhino. Finally, a day trip to Tortuga Island is sure to delight everyone in the family.

Some of the best day trips from Jaco include a full day ATV tour exploring the rainforest mountains that surround Jaco Beach, or a full day of sportfishing out of Los Suenos Marina. Combo tours are also available, including a combo Monkey Mangrove and Manuel Antonio National Park trip for the nature lovers in your group, or a Canopy Zipline and ATV combo tour for those seeking a truly thrilling adventure. Tortuga Island is another great day trip, departing from nearby Los Suenos with local transport included for free.

Tamarindo offers a variety of activities to suit different interests. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, like Playa Tamarindo & Playa Langosta, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. Other nearby beaches include Playa Flamingo and Playa Grande. For those interested in surfing, Tamarindo and its surrounding beaches are renowned for their consistent waves, suitable for everyone from beginners to pros.

You can also explore the local wildlife with tours to nearby estuaries, mangroves, and national parks, where you can see monkeys, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. Adventure activities in and around Tamarindo include ATV tours, ziplining, tubing, rafting, horseback riding, waterfall, boating and much more.

For a more relaxed experience, you can indulge in spa treatments, take a yoga class, or sample the local cuisine at various restaurants and cafes. Nightlife enthusiasts will find plenty of bars and clubs offering live music and a vibrant atmosphere.

Outside of the beach and beach related activities such as surfing and bodyboarding, Tamarindo offers several activities that are enjoyable for kids and teens. For those interested in wildlife, boat tours through local estuaries and mangroves offer chances to see crocodiles, monkeys, and exotic birds. Zip-lining and ATV tours are exciting options for adventure-loving teens. Tamarindo also has various family-friendly restaurants and shops, and some accommodations offer kids’ clubs or organized activities. Additionally, activities like horseback riding on the beach and exploring nearby national parks provide engaging experiences for the whole family.

In addition to the many family-friendly tours available in the area, Tamarindo offers kids plenty of opportunities for fun and engagement. Tamarindo Skate Park is a popular spot for skateboard enthusiasts, providing a space for both beginners and experienced skaters to practice tricks and have fun. For younger children, there is a local playground where they can enjoy swings, slides, and other playground equipment. Teens interested in sports can take advantage of the community basketball court and soccer field, both of which are great for casual games and team activities. These recreational facilities provide a range of engaging options for young visitors looking to stay active and entertained while in Tamarindo.

Yes, there are crocodiles in the Tamarindo area, particularly in the nearby estuaries and rivers such as the Tamarindo Estuary, which connects to the larger Las Baulas National Marine Park. These areas are natural habitats for American crocodiles, and while they typically stay in the estuary waters, it’s important to be cautious, especially when kayaking or exploring the mangroves.

Crocodile sightings near the beach are rare, but they have occasionally been spotted near the mouths of rivers where fresh water meets the ocean. If you’re exploring the estuary or engaging in water activities, it’s always a good idea to take a guided tour with experienced professionals who are familiar with the local wildlife and safety precautions.

Jaco is perfect for families! Kids and teens can enjoy the beach, whether it’s playing in the sand, swimming, or learning to surf. The El Miro Viewpoint offers an easy hike with amazing ocean views and fun graffiti-covered ruins. For adventure, the Jaco Canopy Tour lets them zip through the treetops. Just outside Jaco, they can see massive crocodiles at the Tárcoles River or spot playful monkeys at the Damas Mangrove, both exciting and educational wildlife experiences. Jaco has plenty to keep young travelers entertained!

Monkeys are not commonly seen in Jaco town or on the busier parts of the beach, but you can spot them in nearby rainforests and national parks. Just 30 minutes north, Carara National Park is home to howler monkeys and white-faced capuchins, while Manuel Antonio National Park, about an hour south, has a large population of squirrel monkeys, capuchins, and howlers. For a closer encounter, the Damas Island Mangrove tour (40 minutes away) offers a chance to see monkeys in their natural habitat. While Jaco itself isn’t a prime monkey-spotting location, a short trip will get you there!

Yes, Jaco has mosquitoes, especially during the rainy season (May–November) and in humid areas near rivers, mangroves, and forests. However, the beach itself has fewer mosquitoes due to ocean breezes. If you’re hiking, taking a jungle tour, or spending time outdoors in the early morning or evening, bug spray is recommended to avoid bites. Using repellent with DEET, picaridin, or natural options like citronella, wearing light, long sleeves in buggy areas, and staying in places with screens or air conditioning can help keep mosquitoes away.

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.