Quick answer: The best activities in Manuel Antonio beyond the national park: sunset catamaran tours ($75 to $95, 3.5 hours with snorkeling and open bar), white water rafting on the Savegre or Naranjo rivers ($85 to $110), sport fishing from Marina Pez Vela ($1,150+), mangrove boat tours at Damas Island ($45 to $65), Nauyaca Waterfalls day trip (from $133), night wildlife tours ($45 to $55), and surfing at Playa Espadilla (from $95). Most activities include hotel pickup and can be booked directly through Toorizta.
The national park gets all the attention, and it deserves it. But Manuel Antonio has enough going on outside the park to fill a week without repeating anything. The Pacific coast here delivers world-class fishing, the rivers inland offer legitimate white water, and the sunset catamaran cruise is the single most popular activity we book after the park itself.
This guide covers every activity worth doing in Manuel Antonio with current prices, who each is best for, and our honest take on what is worth your time. Every activity with a booking link below can be reserved directly through Toorizta.
On the Water
Sunset Catamaran Tour
Quick answer: $75 to $95 per person. 3.5 hours. Departs late afternoon from Quepos marina. Includes snorkeling stop, open bar, snacks, and a Pacific sunset from the water. Dolphins are common.
This is the activity that makes people fall in love with Manuel Antonio beyond the wildlife. You board a catamaran at Marina Pez Vela, cruise south along the coastline past the national park headlands, stop for snorkeling in a sheltered cove, and then drift back as the sun drops into the Pacific. The open bar starts the moment you board. Dolphins show up on roughly half the trips.
We book this for almost every client who spends 3+ days in Manuel Antonio. It works for couples, families (kids welcome on most boats), groups, and solo travelers.
Book the Sunset Catamaran Tour
Dallas’s tip: Book the catamaran for your second or third day, not your first. Arrive, get settled, do the national park on day one or two, and save the catamaran for an afternoon when you have already gotten your bearings.
Sport Fishing at Marina Pez Vela
Quepos has been a sport fishing destination since before Manuel Antonio was famous. The marina at Pez Vela is one of the best-equipped on the Pacific coast, and the offshore waters produce sailfish, marlin, dorado (mahi-mahi), yellowfin tuna, and roosterfish depending on the season.
Peak sailfish season is December through April. Dorado and tuna are best May through November. Inshore fishing for roosterfish and snapper is excellent year-round.
Book Half-Day Charter (from $1,150) Book Full-Day Charter (from $2,600)
Mangrove Boat Tour at Damas Island
A peaceful morning activity. You cruise through the mangrove channels of Isla Damas spotting white-faced monkeys, birds, caimans, and crabs. Guided tours run $45 to $65 per person for 2 to 3 hours. No experience needed. One of our top picks for families with younger kids.
Snorkeling and Scuba
The best snorkeling near Manuel Antonio is at Playa Biesanz, a protected cove you can reach on your own with rental gear. The catamaran tours also include a snorkeling stop. Visibility is best December through April.
Surfing
Playa Espadilla Norte has consistent beginner-friendly waves. For a structured lesson with a certified instructor and all equipment included, book through Toorizta from $95.
Adventure Activities
White Water Rafting
Quick answer: Two rivers near Manuel Antonio. The Savegre River (Class II to III) is the most popular: suitable for beginners and families with kids over 8. The Naranjo River (Class III to IV) is for experienced rafters, from $110 per person.
Rafting is the best adventure activity near Manuel Antonio. The Savegre River runs through a tropical canyon with waterfalls and toucans. The Naranjo is technical rapids, bigger drops, and a real workout. Both include hotel pickup, safety briefing, equipment, and lunch.
Book Savegre Rafting Book Naranjo Rafting (from $110)
Full breakdown: White Water Rafting Near Manuel Antonio.
Zip-Lining and Canopy Tours
The Manuel Antonio canopy tour includes 8 to 12 cables, a Superman line, and Tarzan swings over the jungle canopy. From $85 per person.
Book the Canopy Zipline Tour (from $85)
Full comparison: Best Zipline Tours in Costa Rica.
Canyoning and Rappelling
Waterfall rappelling tours take you down rock faces beside cascading water. More physically demanding than zip-lining. $75 to $110 per person for 3 to 4 hours. Minimum age typically 10 to 12.
ATV Tours
ATV tours through palm plantations, river crossings, and jungle trails in the hills above Manuel Antonio. Most include a waterfall stop and scenic viewpoint. $65 to $95 per person for 2 to 3 hours.
Wildlife and Nature
Night Wildlife Tour
Roughly 60% of Costa Rica’s wildlife is nocturnal. Guided walks through private reserves spotlight red-eyed tree frogs, sleeping toucans, kinkajous, tarantulas, and insects that glow under UV light. $45 to $55 per person for 2 hours. One of the most underrated activities in Manuel Antonio and a favorite with kids.
Rainmaker Conservation Project
A private reserve about 30 minutes from Manuel Antonio with hanging bridges through old-growth rainforest. Self-guided ($15 to $20) or with a naturalist guide ($35 to $50). A quieter alternative to the national park.
Whale and Dolphin Watching
Humpback whales from both hemispheres pass through Manuel Antonio’s waters: southern humpbacks July to October, northern December to March. Dolphins year-round.
Book Whale Watching (from $75)
Crocodile Bridge at Tarcoles
Not technically in Manuel Antonio, but if you are driving in from San Jose or Jaco, the Tarcoles River bridge is a must-stop. Dozens of American crocodiles visible from the roadside. Free and takes 5 minutes.
Day Trips from Manuel Antonio
Nauyaca Waterfalls
Two cascading waterfalls about 1 hour south. The upper falls drop 45 meters into a natural swimming pool. Access via guided horseback ride or 4 km hike.
Book the Nauyaca Waterfall Tour (from $133)
Dominical and Uvita
Dominical is a surf town with bohemian energy and excellent restaurants. Uvita is home to Marino Ballena National Park and the famous whale tail sandbar. Both within 1 to 1.5 hours south.
Gastronomic Experiences
For a different kind of day trip: a Farm to Table cooking and spice farm experience ($90 per person) or a private chef experience for groups.
Book Farm to Table ($90) Book a Private Chef
Activity Comparison Table
| Activity | From | Duration | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catamaran | $75 | 3.5 hrs | Reserve |
| Sport Fishing | $1,150 | Half day | Reserve |
| Mangrove Tour | $45 | 2 to 3 hrs | Reserve |
| Savegre Rafting | $85 | Half day | Reserve |
| Naranjo Rafting | $110 | Half day | Reserve |
| Canopy Zipline | $85 | 2 to 3 hrs | Reserve |
| Whale Watching | $75 | 3 to 4 hrs | Reserve |
| Nauyaca Falls | $133 | Full day | Reserve |
| Surf Lesson | $95 | 2 hrs | Reserve |
| Farm to Table | $90 | Half day | Reserve |
Browse All Manuel Antonio Experiences
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best activity in Manuel Antonio besides the park?
The sunset catamaran tour. Snorkeling, dolphins, open bar, and a Pacific sunset. Book it here.
Is sport fishing good in Quepos?
Quepos is one of the best sport fishing spots on the Pacific coast. Sailfish peak December to April. Book a charter here.
Can you surf in Manuel Antonio?
Yes. Playa Espadilla Norte has beginner-friendly waves. Book a surf lesson from $95.
What is the best day trip from Manuel Antonio?
Nauyaca Waterfalls combined with lunch in Dominical. Book the tour here.
Can I book Manuel Antonio tours online?
Yes. All activities listed above with a booking button can be reserved directly through Toorizta’s Manuel Antonio experiences page. We handle all logistics including hotel pickup.
More Manuel Antonio Guides
The Complete Manuel Antonio Travel Guide (2026)
Manuel Antonio National Park: Complete Visitor Guide
Best Beaches in & Near Manuel Antonio
Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio: Hotels & Areas
How to Get to Manuel Antonio from SJO, Arenal & Monteverde
Manuel Antonio Itinerary: 2, 3, 5 & 7 Days
Manuel Antonio with Kids: Family Guide
Want Us to Build Your Activity Plan?
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Dallas & Marta
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