Manuel Antonio

Your trip begins early in the morning with a 4x4 ride into the “wilds” of Costa Rica’s tropical jungle with breathtaking scenery of more remote areas of the Savegre. The journey starts in “Silencio”; a little local village of thatched roof dwellings where you can enjoy a typical Tico breakfast after a “bumpy road” journey and before you paddle down the Savegre. Meander through the beautiful flora and fauna of the surrounding African Palm Plantations before you head off into the winding mountains to start the rafting leg of your journey.

The Savegre River provides Class II, III and IV rapids that are manageable in sturdy rafts that accommodate 2 to 6 people comfortably. Our guides stop at locally known swimming spots and breathtaking waterfalls, if the rafters want a break from paddling. On most trips, rafters will observe egrets, osprey, toucans, parrots, kingfishers, cormorants, and many other species local to this protected area of the primary tropical rain forest. After a steady 13-mile trip down the river, we wind our way back to the little village of “Silencio” where we will be greeted by a hot lunch “Tico Style” as well as local refreshments. Once fed, happy and well-traveled, our now experienced Savegre River rafters spend a leisurely trip home driving back to Manuel Antonio, to ponder on continuing a rafting experience on the Naranjo River or to savor the experiences of a day beautifully spent.

The wild and ever-changing Naranjo River White Water Rafting challenge is recommended for physically fit adventure seekers and experienced rafters who are familiar with Class III and IV rapids. On this high-octane, half-day adventure, the trip begins when the Naranjo River drops steeply from the Costa Rican mountains and charges though pristine jungle gorges, then winds around rocky curves to take you on a wild, adventurous ride back to sea level waters.  While your internationally-trained, bilingual guides and safety kayakers work with you to navigate this exciting river, you’ll rapidly pass by stunning farmland, working cattle ranches and beautiful African Palm Plantations.

Unlike the Savegre River Adventure, the Naranjo River Rafting Trip packs all its punches in a 7 mile ride that keeps your adrenaline level high for several hours. Water levels can rise rapidly on this Costa Rican river, especially during the rainy season (May-October), which definitely brings the difficulty level up for any experienced rafter. After an adrenaline-kicking trip, enjoy local snacks and refreshments before heading back to Manuel Antonio.

Spend a few indulgent hours paddling with the currents as your highly trained, bilingual naturalist guides reveal the protected inland waterways of the Damas Estuary and mangrove habitat. Explore an unforgettable plethora of flora and fauna as you learn about, experience and participate in our magical Costa Rican mangrove and tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Paddle comfortably as an intimate group under the shade of several tall species of mangroves, which grow only in select areas of the world and in Costa Rica. The pace of this adventure is determined by your abilities and interests and the abundance of wildlife you want to stop and observe (or learn about) – all in its natural and breathtaking habitat. Watch sloths and numerous species of monkeys travel through the tree canopy, hunt for nocturnal silky anteaters and several types of non-poisonous snakes resting in the mangroves and listen to the songs of the various marine birds as they glide over your kayak curiously looking for adventure. Whenever you want, stop and enjoy some local fresh fruits and refreshments as you pause to savor your adventures. Depending upon your trip’s departure time, enjoy a delicious and well-deserved “Tico Style” meal (a hot breakfast, lunch or dinner) at one of our local Manuel Antonio restaurants.

Did you know that almost 70% of the mangrove and the tropical rainforest jungle ecosystems are nocturnal? Depending on the coastal tides slowly blending into the mangrove ecosystem at the Damas Estuary, your night adventure starts after your arrival at our Damas Island Rancho located in our protected mangrove habitat.

It is an indescribable experience to see the mangrove ecosystem at night while in open-seat kayaks paddling at your own ability level. With specialized, high-tech equipment, our highly trained, bilingual guides help you navigate through the nocturnal landscape of the mangroves and tropical rainforest. With a fresh, relaxing ambience, paddle at your leisure through several varieties of mangrove species and stop to savor the numerous animal species migrating through the estuary in search of food.

This adventure of Costa Rican natural history – its exotic flora and fauna - is highly recommended for any naturalist, young or old, who wants to experience first hand the pulse of the mangrove ecosystem. Let our world-class, highly trained, bilingual guides and naturalists steer you peacefully and comfortably in our high-tech, ultra-quiet estuary boats as the wildlife comes to you – sometimes right into the boat!  Experience curious families of monkeys as they migrate across the mangrove ecosystem – which includes your boat – in search of food and adventure. Discover the secret ways different exotic trees of Costa Rica replenish the environment worldwide and sustain themselves for decades of growth.

Wind through acres of a protected, pristine Costa Rican estuary as your experienced guides educate you on the secrets – both past and present – of the mangrove eco-structure so vital to Costa Rica and the world as well. And don’t forget to watch out the caimans, sloths, crocodiles, boas, white face monkeys, egrets, and so many more species of wildlife, as your boat leisurely winds its way through the mangrove channels along the gentle currents of the coastal tides. And finally, end your adventure with a relaxing yet rewarding meal in typical Costa Rican flavor at a local “hot spot” restaurant before you return to your hotel. This tour is offered during the day and at night!

Come experience one of Costa Rica’s most striking coastlines and National Park – by open-seat ocean kayak. The adventure begins near the developing Pez Vela (Sail Fish) Marina in Quepos and winds along the Manuel Antonio coastline.  Indulge yourselves at a rare jewel of a beach – a hidden Manuel Antonio treasure at Biezans Bay – for a refreshing swim and delicious local snacks.  Your bilingual naturalist guide direct you to the best snorkeling spots as you experience three small but growing, active and astounding coral reef systems nestled very close to the shore of Biezans Bay.

After an unforgettable experience at Biezans, continue paddling – if you choose to do so – towards Manuel Antonio National Park and wonder at the nearby nesting islands where exotic boobies and frigates call home year-round. Ask your naturalist guide to steer you towards their favorite species’ nesting spots and most popular locations for local aquatic marine life. Finally, end your adventure with a relaxing yet rewarding hot lunch in typical Costa Rican flavor near the beach at a local Manuel Antonio hot spot before you return to your Costa Rican hotel.

Travel through the primary Costa Rican tropical jungle on suspension cables as you move through the primary jungle canopy with your bilingual guides and safety spotters from platform to platform.  If our high-tech, high-quality equipment for zip-lining turns out to be “not your thing,” then relax and enjoy a cold one back on the ground as you watch your fellow guests zip line by line to each canopy platform.  If you so desire, take a leisurely stroll or hike through our secluded, protected habitat of the mono tit biological corridor, which is an excellent location for you to explore the exotic varieties of plant and animal life in the Costa Rican mountainous jungles near Manuel Antonio National Park.

If you so desire, spend half your day on zip lines, then relax and be gently guided by well-educated, bilingual naturalists as they take you on a leisurely hike to explore and discover the diverse tropical rainforest that Costa Ricans try so desperately to preserve.

Hike through partly shaded paths carved directly out of the primary Costa Rican tropical jungle as you explore with your bilingual guides and naturalists. Discover the exotic plant and wildlife of the mountainous jungle so close to Manuel Antonio National Park, yet along the mono titi (the endangered squirrel monkey) biological corridor - a more private, personalized, and relaxing experience.

Peacefully enjoy a cold one on the ground as you watch your fellow travelers zip line by line to each canopy platform. Our Ecological Canopy Tour is zipping above your head as you enjoy a more peaceful adventure on the ground.  If you so desire, take a leisurely stroll or hike through our secluded, protected habitat, which is an excellent location for you to discover the bio-diversity and delicate balance between preservation and eco-tourism, yet leave with new knowledge of how you can extend the experience to others when you return home.

The pace of this adventure is determined by your abilities and interests and the abundance of wildlife you want to stop and observe – all in its natural habitat.  Watch sloths and several species of endangered monkeys travel through the primary and secondary tree canopy, hunt for nocturnal silky anteaters and several types of non-poisonous snakes resting in the tropical rainforest, and listen to the songs of the various birds as they glide above your group curiously looking for adventure.

*Please note that this hike can be combined with the canopy tour. Please speak to a Travel Advisor for details.

After a relaxing hour-long ride on horseback through the tropical rainforest – with the pace determined by your comfort level and riding ability – leave your horses on the trail as Don Gilberto or his daughter Dyala guide you through the exotic plant and animal life on a nature walk. They will let you taste, smell, touch and observe first hand the real Costa Rican jungle. After indulging your mind and spirit with expert knowledge, take a refreshing dip in pristine natural mountain waters while being splashed on by two stunning waterfalls at Tocori. Don’t forget to enjoy an unforgettable taste of local fresh fruits and a homemade special tropical drink made exclusively by Doña Eli, Don Gilberto´s wife, all while you relax and cool off next to the waterfalls.

After being refreshed, you are ready for a ride through meandering Tocori streams to the private Rancho where Doña Eli will be your hostess as she shares with you a homemade Costa Rican “casado” – a typical Costa Rican dish or terrific BBQ. Before returning to Manuel Antonio, enjoy one last relaxing experience enjoying the bounty of Costa Rica at the Rancho. Let Don Gilberto or Dayla show you their private herb and plant garden as they help educate locals and visitors alike on how to preserve the indigenous plant and herb varieties of their beautiful country. While you are there, ask how you can help preserve the tropical rainforest and educate others about the true beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica. After indulging your mind and spirit with expert knowledge, take a refreshing dip in the warm ocean waters. You will then ride again along the meandering sandy beach framed by the tropical rainforest and mangrove eco-system.

After Don Gilberto and his family have hosted you at their Rancho, you will have grown in your experience and knowledge of our beautiful and unforgettable tropical country, Costa Rica. As Don Gilberto always says, “When you come back, you will have a friend.”

Take a leisurely stroll or an intense hike (it’s your choice, since it’s your tour) with a highly trained Costa Rican naturalist guide through our exotic, bio-diverse tropical rainforest preserved in our 33-year-old national treasure, Manuel Antonio National Park.

The pace of this adventure is determined by your group’s abilities and interests and the abundance of wildlife you want to stop and observe (or learn about) – all in its natural and breathtaking habitat. Watch sloths and numerous species of monkeys travel through the tree canopy, hunt for nocturnal silky anteaters and several types of non-poisonous snakes resting in the tropical rainforest and listen to the songs of the various birds as they glide above your group, curiously looking for adventure.

See how many different kinds of flora and fauna you can spot just in the span of a 2 ½ hour nature walk or hike and whenever you are ready, stop and enjoy some local fresh fruits and refreshments as you pause to savor your adventure thus far.  If you so desire, hike additionally through the trails and enjoy unspoiled, un-crowded, pristine beaches after your guided educational adventure ends.  Learn about the history of the Quepoa Indians and Costa Rica’s past in regard to this stunningly beautiful Manuel Antonio area and return with ideas as to how to help preserve this priceless ecosystem and national treasure for generations to come.

This hiking tour and natural sanctuary adventure in a bio-diverse reserve is dramatically different in terms of wildlife and plant species than in Manuel Antonio. Enjoy a relaxing hike for a few hours through the tropical rainforest with our highly skilled bilingual naturalists and guides. On your Carara experience, unlike in Manuel Antonio National Park, you will spot unforgettable giant red Macaws and extraordinary crocodiles lying below the Tárcoles River Bridge adjacent to the Carara Park.

This hiking, naturalist, full-day adventure allows visitors who have not driven to Manuel Antonio from San Jose a chance to observe first hand the interesting, unique topography of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Thus, your drive to and from Carara will be an experience itself as you wind through African Palm Oil Plantations, rice fields, cattle ranches, and local villages along the way.

A sport fishing trip is one of the highlights for many people’s Costa Rica vacation and given the astounding wealth of the country’s marine life, it’s not hard to see why. This Costa Rica fishing tour offers a variety of packages, depending on your fishing preferences: choose between three different boats, from a half day, ¾ day or full day tour, and between fishing in-shore or off-shore.

Your captain and mate will have many years of catch & release experience and can guide you on the seasonal conditions for in-shore and off-shore fishing, and which fish are currently in season. The marlin, sailfish, yellow fin tuna and barracuda are just some of the many species that abound in the pure waters of Costa Rica.

All equipment is supplied, along with soft drinks, beer, fruit and lunch (lunch is included on the full day tour only).

Fishers are required to purchase a $24 fishing license from the authorities at the pier.