Manuel Antonio National Park
Established in 1972, Manuel Antonio National Park is well known for its great beaches, abundance of wildlife and plants, beautiful trails, tropical islands, and the fact that there are more monkeys than people. It is no wonder it is the second most visited park in the country and most popular beach area!
Manuel Antonio may be the smallest park in the country at only 1730 acres, but one of the largest in terms of biodiversity. Wildlife here includes 3 different species of monkeys, including the critically endangered squirrel monkey, over 200 species of birds, 110 mammals, 4 turtles, 60 different fish, and both green and black iguanas. There are primary and secondary forest as well as mangrove forests and 12 islands.
Manuel Antonio National Park is home to four beaches; Espadilla, Manuel Antonio, Playita, and Teldoros. You will find great snorkeling in the coral reefs off the islands and rocky coves that are heavily populated with various aquatic life. The easiest place and best time to go snorkeling is from December through April at Biesanz Beach.
In addition to snorkeling, other activities offered at Manuel Antonio are diving, swimming, nature hikes, birdwatching, and loads of adventure activities. Not quite and activity, but worth mentioning, are the sunsets which can be spectacular!
Manuel Antonio National Park is about a two and a half hour drive from San Jose. It is best to arrive at the park for nature hikes early in the morning. Plan on a 10USD admission fee and park hours are 8am-4pm Tuesday - Sunday. Although the fee does not include a guide, guides are the best way to ensure you get the most out of the scenery and wildlife, which can be very difficult to spot.
Central Pacific temperatures remain the same nearly year round with average day time highs in the upper 80s to low 90s and night time lows in the upper 70s. Precipitation varies by month with the months of December through April being the driest.
Visitors should pack a bathing suit, towel, shorts, tee shirts, appropriate shoes, rain gear, sun block, and insect repellent.
Fun Fact: Though considered the rain season, May through August are a great time to visit Manuel Antonio as the rains are generally limited to brief late afternoon showers, but prices are much lower than the rest of the year.
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