Costa Rica Vacation

Experience Thrills and Adventure in Costa Rica: Top Activities to Add to Your Vacation Itinerary

Looking to inject some thrill and excitement into your next vacation? Look no further than Costa Rica, a paradise bursting with invigorating activities and breathtaking landscapes. From lush rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife to pristine beaches offering exhilarating water sports, Costa Rica offers something for every adventure seeker.

For example, dive into Costa Rica's diverse marine life by snorkeling or scuba diving off the vibrant shores of Manuel Antonio National Park.

Costa Rica is a haven for adventure enthusiasts, promising unforgettable experiences at every turn. Add in spots for surfing, zip lines, whitewater rafting, and you’ve got a trip of a lifetime

Pack your bags and follow how my sister and her husband spent a wonderful week in Costa Rica.

Why Go to Costa Rica

by Renee Z.

Prior to buying our plane tickets, we spent some time searching for the best destinations for our first visit to Costa Rica. There are numerous places to visit in this country!

We settled on staying in the lively resort town of Manuel Antonio. This put us very close to Manuel Antonio National Park. Located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio National Park is south of the city of Quepos and is known as a small (but the most visited) National Park in the Central Pacific Conservation Area.

Where to fly into Costa Rica

We flew into San Jose. Our arrival time was early afternoon, and we knew we’d would be a bit tired from early morning travel. We opted to stay the first night in San Jose, before heading on our 3 to 3.5 hour drive south to Manuel Antonio the next day.

Pro tip: Do your research to know which airport is the best for you to fly into when visiting Costa Rica. San Jose or Liberia? Knowing we were headed to Manuel Antonio, San Jose made the most sense.

Where to stay in Costa Rica

We’re always looking for a good price on a nice hotel. For our arrival day into San Jose, we opted to stay at the Hilton Cariari DoubleTree in San Jose. Just four miles from the airport, we grabbed the free shuttle provided by the hotel and checked in. Our room was large and well-appointed with beautiful, vaulted ceilings. That evening we walked to a truly amazing Indian restaurant, Taj Mahal. Oh my, what a treat! (I know, Indian food might sound like an odd choice for dinner on our first night, but it came highly recommended and we didn’t regret it.)

To get from San Jose to the town of Manuel Antonio, where Manuel Antonio National Park is located, we paid for a round trip shuttle with Easy Ride Costa Rica. They also picked us up from our hotel in Manuel Antonio and returned us to San Jose on the morning of our flight home. Easy Ride Costa Rica was easy to book online. The service was timely, vans were clean, and the drivers were courteous and professional.

The Falls Resort at Manuel Antonio

The Falls Resort at Manuel Antonio provided us with a wonderful stay during our visit to Costa Rica.

From the main road, you might just skip on by, with its modest front entrance. However, upon check-in, a yummy, chilled beverage is plunged into your hand, so you’ll immediately feel like kings and queens at this smaller boutique hotel.

Nestled in a tranquil, walkable garden and complete with a lovely pool, outdoor dining, waterfall, capuchin monkeys, toucans, butterflies and more. We LOVED staying here and would happily stay here again!

We enjoyed dining outside at the Falls Resort Garden Restaurant as our stay came with free breakfast each morning. And not your standard bagels, self-serve waffle machine, prepacked muffins and granola bar type of free breakfast. The varied and plentiful menu allows you to try something new each day and we were never disappointed. From breakfast burritos to chia pudding with pineapple marmalade and an abundance of fresh fruit and juices, we started each day well fed.

The Falls Resort Garden Restaurant also served nicely priced lunch and dinner. Great in a pinch. We took advantage of this on more than once. Please try the poke bowls, my personal fave.

Back to the accommodations. Our room was super clean, had a comfy bed and had everything we needed, including a large walk-in shower and great maid service each day, if desired.

Since it’s a small boutique hotel, the pool and bar area are not overrun by guests. In fact, you’ll likely see the same guests on numerous occasions, which is pretty fun if you like to strike up conversations with new people from all over the world. We found ourselves parked by the pool on a couple different afternoons with books to read and fruity beverages from the bar. Pure relaxation.

How to get around in Manuel Antonio

We went back and forth about transportation. Do we rent a car? Or use a combination of shuttles, taxis and buses? After reading several comments online, we wisely settled on not renting a car.

In the end, renting a car saved us a ton of money AND proved to be the best decision for us. As I mentioned before, we booked a shuttle transport form San Jose to Manuel Antonio.

Pro-Tip: Sunrise and sunsets do not differ significantly throughout the year in Costa Rica, due to its location near the equator. The sunset on average in Manuel Antonio is around 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. If you’re not familiar with driving in this country, it’s not recommended to travel from city to city on dark roads in a rental car.

From our stay at the Falls Resort, we were able to walk to several restaurants. Also, we never felt guilty about paying the cheap fare to hop on a bus or grab a taxi. A bus stop sat across the street from our hotel, along with a gorgeous scenic overlook of the Pacific Coast.

Manuel Antonio National Park was just a short and inexpensive bus or taxi ride. You can also do the 20 minute walk to the national park, but don comfy, athletic shoes, as it’s an uphill walk on the way back to the hotel.

Pro-tip: When walking in Manuel Antonio we did find the sidewalks limited, and the shoulders along the main road to be narrow. But we usually felt safe walking along the road, as many other vacationers were doing the same. Typically, when we hopped onto a bus, we paid 0.75 to a dollar per person to get from one point to the next. A taxi ride typically ran us about $5-$10.

Best way to use money in Costa Rica

During our time in Costa Rica, we opted to take $300-$400 in American dollars (in increments of $20 bills or smaller) and our credit card. That seemed to work well for us.

When we used American cash on the buses or with the taxi drivers, they gave us change in colones. The concierge at our hotel was also able to exchange small amounts of American dollars for colones.

Places to Eat in Manuel Antonio

Marlin Restaurant

Across the street from Playa Espadilla Beach. Five stars all the way! If you’re looking for fresh local seafood with a Costa Rican flair, then head to Marlin Restaurante. Try a Mango Daiquiri!

Samui Thai

Yes, you read that restaurant title right… you can get amazing authentic Thai food in Costa Rica. Complete with balcony seating so you can look at over the ocean with the sunset view. We would have gone a second time for dinner if we had more time there!

Café Agua Azul

Explore menu offerings like panko encrusted tuna and seafood pasta full of shrimp, mussels, local fish, and calamari. So, so good! While dining, we took in a beautiful oceanside view of the sunset. When we arrived there at 5:30pm, it was already very busy. We recommend making a reservation, if possible, as this place is super popular!

Falafel Bar Manuel Antonio

Across the street from Casa Linda and Tulemar Resort you’ll find the tasty Falafel Bar full of Mediterranean cuisine. Try the Beef Kabob or the Chicken Schnitzel. Heaping servings of hummus. Fun atmosphere with food that will fill your tummy and have you dreaming that night for more.

El Wagon

We had a hankering for pizza one evening, and El Wagon hit the spot with their oven fired pizza. Great casual setting with outdoor dining looking out into the Rain Forest, where you might sight a toucan or a monkey nearby! This restaurant would be a family pleaser, especially if you had young picky eaters with you.

Hiking and exploring Costa Rica's national parks

If you're a nature enthusiast seeking adventure on foot, Costa Rica's national parks offer a plethora of hiking trails and opportunities for exploration. One of the must-visit destinations is Arenal Volcano National Park, home to the iconic Arenal Volcano. Embark on a hike through the park's lush rainforest, and you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the volcano and the surrounding landscapes.

Be sure to keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls the park home, including monkeys, sloths, and a variety of birds.

After a rewarding hike, treat yourself to a dip in the nearby thermal hot springs, where you can relax and rejuvenate your tired muscles while surrounded by the beauty of nature.

The national park we loved exploring is Manuel Antonio National Park, famous for its stunning beaches, lush rainforest, and abundant wildlife. Take a leisurely hike through the park's trails, and you'll have the chance to spot monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds.

End your hike with a visit to one of the park's pristine beaches, where you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax under the sun. I cover beaches below.

Exploring Manuel Antonio National Park

Getting there: Cheap bus ride (like 75 cents each) OR grab a taxi for about $5 to $10 depending upon where your hotel in Manuel Antonio is located. (There are also hotels within walking distance of the National Park entrance.)

Pro Tip: You must buy tickets online for the National Park days before you enter. The park opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m., with the beaches closing at 3 p.m. Park is closed on Tuesdays. Plan accordingly.**

**We did not investigate this very well until our first night in Costa Rica (ooops!) and discovered they were closed on Tuesdays AND sold out until Day 4 of our trip. So, book as early as you know the day(s) you want to go! Thankfully we were able to buy tickets for Day 4 and Day 6 of our trip.

We were especially glad we spent two days at Manuel Antonio National Park! Costa Rica is very rich in biodiversity, and the national parks really highlight this. Plus, you can only access four popular and stunning beaches in this area by entering the national park.

Your Costa Rica vacation should include a day at Manuel Antonio National Park.

Since we were new to the Rain Forest scene in Costa Rica, we wisely booked a two-hour tour with a nature guide for our first day visiting the national park. The company we booked with was Manuel Antonio Nature Tours.

We were fine with being with a group of other people, which also made the per-person cost more manageable. Our tickets were about $50 apiece.

The guide was very knowledgeable and was able to point out animals, insects, birds, reptiles, habitats, plants, and more. Our guide carried a high-definition spotting scope, allowing us to really get a close-up eye on things!

During our tour we saw a two-toed sloth with her baby, three-toed sloths, howler monkeys, Capuchin monkeys (everywhere!) and more!

Pro-tip: We were most excited about spotting the sloths! The nature guide helped us learn where to look… as they like to sleep high up in the trees.

NOTE about Food in the park: You are not allowed to bring your own food into the park, but you can bring your own water. It is very humid and warm, but while touring the rainforest you are often in the shade. You will want to be hydrated before you go and stay hydrated while there.

There is a place (with rather long lines) to buy mediocre snacks, lunch, and beverages. Our suggestion is to eat a large breakfast before you go and buy a snack if needed while there.

Vacation Homes near Manuel Antonio National Park

Costa Rica is one of the best vacation spots and thus has no shortage of fantastic vacation homes for families or couples vacationing together. Check these out:

Casa Alegria is a 4 bedroom, ocean view home with private beach access. You are only a 200-yard walk access to the world-famous Manuel Antonio Beach, 4.5 baths, fully air-conditioned home. This expansive 3 level home has ample balconies on the 2 top levels, from where you can watch the 3 types of monkeys, sloths and birds of the area, sharing with them the spectacular ocean views, jungle views and the unmatched peace this luxury villa has to offer.
Casa Bellamar is a gorgeous house perfect for 3 couples vacationing together. Built on the side of a mountain that looks westward across a jungle valley to the Pacific. This large home contains 3 king master suites with private balconies, a large social area and covered balconies. Walls of glass allow the outside to come inside so you always have the wonderful views of nature including monkeys, toucans, scarlet McCaw’s and more.
This villa with a pool is perfectly situated in the heart of Manuel Antonio, just 5 minutes to the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. Relax in a hammock on your covered balcony and enjoy pleasant sunsets and Pacific Ocean views. Wake up to a cup of Costa Rican coffee and watch the sun coming over the mountains.

Beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park

Manuel Antonio Beach

After our guided tour in the park, we made our way to the first of four beaches in Manuel Antonio NP. We staked out a spot, relaxed, cooled off in the ocean, took in the views, and walked the shoreline. The views from Manuel Antonio Beach were breathtaking. We snapped tons of photos.

Gemelas Beach

We were glad we bought tickets for a second day at Manuel Antonio National Park. This allowed us to take a couple of short hikes to explore other parts of the park and see what we could spot.

We saw more sloths, monkeys, other wildlife, and a sweet waterfall. We also took a quick .25 mile trek to the stunning and more secluded Gemelas Beach to watch the surf hit the black rock. Worth the short hike.

Pro-tip: If you know you’re heading to the beach inside the park, you still will want comfy walking shoes, whether that’s tennis shoes or good beach sandals. You can and will do a lot of walking inside the park, even if you’re just going to the beach.

South Espadilla Beach

We headed back over to Manuel Antonio Beach following our jaunt to Gemelas Beach. A little later in the afternoon we took a quick walkway to check out the views of South Espadilla Beach. Not as impressive as Manuel Antonio Beach, but still pretty, and an easy walk to see something different.

Snorkeling in Costa Rica: To snorkel or not to snorkel? We did attempt to snorkel at Manuel Antonio Beach and found it be an average experience. (We have done quite a bit of snorkeling in other places like Kauai, Aruba, the Mediterranean off the coast of Spain, Cozumel and Cancun.) While here, we also attempted snorkeling at Biesanz Beach. It was also so-so.

From my reading, for excellent snorkeling Cano Island in Costa Rica is one of the best spots to visit.

Pro-Tip: While you access South Espadilla Beach from inside the National Park, Espadilla Beach is public access and definitely worth a visit. Read about it later in this article.

The one beach we did not have time to visit in the national park was Puerto Escondido Beach.

Public Access Beaches in Manuel Antonio

Biesanz Beach

We had the opportunity to visit a more secluded but public beach in a quiet cove known as Biesanz Beach. (Also known as Playa Biesanz.) Being dropped off along a side street by your taxi driver and then making the 10 minute trek down a rocky, but obvious path, through the rainforest will unveil a gem of a beach.

Calm waters great for young children. Scenic is an understatement! Worth the taxi ride and the trek through the rainforest!

Make sure you bring US dollars or CR colones with you to inexpensively rent umbrellas and lounge chairs (nothing too fancy), snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, or to buy food and drink.

Sadly, we only had time for 2 hours here. If we wouldn’t have had an afternoon adventure planned and paid for in the early afternoon, we would have easily stayed all day!

Espadilla Beach

Espadilla Beach was our inaugural Costa Rican beach. A nice public beach that is conveniently located to downtown Manuel Antonio (think lots of restaurants, souvenir shops, hotels) and close to the entrance of the NP.

This beach was about a 15-20 minute downhill walk from our hotel. Tired from travel, we opted to take the bus back up the hill, just 2 bucks total for both of us. We witnessed an amazing sunset here!

Pro-Tips: Remember since the beaches inside the NP close at 3:00 p.m. you’re only going to catch sunsets at public beaches. Also, watch your personal things at any beach you visit. Monkeys are known to quickly snag items and take off with them! Including cell phones, shirts, backpacks.

Beaches in OTHER PLACES

Playa Ventanas

Located south of Dominical and Ovita and north of Ojochal and San Buenas. We only had about 90 minutes here, as it was the last stop at the end of our full day waterfall excursion.

It was a bit crowded, and in my opinion, it was pretty but not nearly as nice as the beaches in the Manuel Antonio National Park. Lots of vendors, tons of people and numerous dogs. Cool Bonus: Shoreline caves to explore.

Full Day Waterfall Adventure

We recommend a full day waterfall adventure through a well-run outfitter called Paddle 9.

They picked us up from our hotel and we joined a group of about 10 travelers for a day of adventure and sight-seeing.

We stopped at 3 waterfalls off the beaten path. Each stop was scenic, hidden away, and provided a chance to an adrenaline-filled cliff jump and a slide or two down a waterfall.

While driving to each location, the guide shared local stories, folklore, and information on the area’s biodiversity and history.

A waterfall adventure should be top on your list on your Costa Rica vacation.

With different intensities at each stop, there was something for everyone. There were elementary age kids, college kids, and people like us (late 40s) who were able to take part in each waterfall adventure. Great instruction from the guides on safety and technique.

The guides made sure each person felt comfortable… no pressure to do it all! Waterfall jumps varied from 8 feet to 40 feet or more.

We had a tasty outdoor lunch at El Pavon (provided in the cost of our waterfall tour) and enjoyed breaded whole fish tilapia.

After lunch they took us to a “locals” beach known as Playa Ventanas.

Chocolate Tour

Located in a private jungle preserve just a few minutes outside Manuel Antonio, we booked this chocolate tour so we could learn a bit more about the history and culture of Costa Rica.

The chocolate tour started with the background of cacao, both in Costa Rica and around the world. They educated us through all the steps of collecting, fermenting, grinding and demonstrated how earlier civilizations made hot cocoa (think spicy and bitter).

We also learned about sugar cane and coffee beans. Definitely interesting, but younger kids could be a bit bored.

MOre activities to do in Costa Rica

Whew! We had so much fun in Costa Rica, but we did not have time to do it all. Here are a few other quick ideas for adventurous families in Costa Rica.

Zip-lining through the rainforest canopy

NOTE: There was an option to zip line in Manuel Antonio. Also, the next time we go to Costa Rica, we would love to go see the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

For the thrill of flying through the treetops, zip-lining in Costa Rica is an absolute must. Imagine soaring above the verdant rainforest canopy.

The best place to experience this exhilarating activity is in the Monteverde Cloud Forest, known for its stunning biodiversity and breathtaking views.

As you glide through the air, catch glimpses of colorful birds, monkeys, and other wildlife.

The zip-line tours in Costa Rica are designed to ensure your safety while maximizing the fun. With professional guides and top-notch equipment, you can trust that you're in good hands.

White-water rafting in Costa Rica's rivers

For the adrenaline junkies out there, white-water rafting in Costa Rica is the perfect way to get your heart racing.

One of the most popular destinations for white-water rafting is the Pacuare River, renowned for its challenging rapids and breathtaking canyons.

As you navigate through the rapids, you'll also see cascading waterfalls and lush greenery all around you.

Surfing the world-class waves of Costa Rica's Pacific coast

For surfers, Costa Rica is a dream destination. With its stunning coastline and consistent waves, it has earned a reputation as one of the best surf spots in the world. Whether you're a beginner looking to catch your first wave or an experienced surfer seeking the adrenaline rush of challenging breaks, Costa Rica has it all.

Tamarindo, located on the Pacific coast, is a popular surf town that offers waves for all skill levels. Beginners can take lessons and ride the mellow waves of Playa Tamarindo, while more advanced surfers can head to nearby breaks like Playa Grande for bigger and more powerful waves.

Another popular surf spot is Jaco, known for its consistent surf and vibrant beach town atmosphere. With a variety of breaks suitable for different skill levels, Jaco provides ample opportunities for surfers to ride the waves and soak up the sun.

Canyoning and rappelling down waterfalls

Canyoning involves navigating through canyons and descending down waterfalls using ropes, harnesses, and other specialized equipment. It's a thrilling activity that allows you to explore hidden gems of Costa Rica's landscapes that are inaccessible by other means.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is a popular destination for canyoning (and riding zip lines!), with its lush canyons and stunning waterfalls providing the perfect setting for this adventure. for rappelling down waterfalls and swimming in natural pools.

Scuba diving and snorkeling in Costa Rica's vibrant marine life

One of the best places for scuba diving is Cano Island, located off the southern Pacific coast. With its pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life, including manta rays, sharks, and sea turtles, Cano Island offers an unforgettable diving experience.

Swim alongside colorful fish, and marvel at the beautiful coral formations.

If snorkeling is more your style, head to the Manuel Antonio National Park, where you can snorkel in the crystal-clear waters and discover the vibrant marine life that inhabits the park's reefs. Keep an eye out for tropical fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional dolphin swimming by.

Mountain biking and ATV adventures in Costa Rica's rugged terrain

For adventure seekers who prefer wheels over feet, Costa Rica's rugged terrain offers ample opportunities for mountain biking and ATV adventures. Explore the country's diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to volcanic trails, and experience the thrill of off-road mountain biking.

Head to the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, located in the Guanacaste province, and you'll find a variety of mountain biking trails suitable for different skill levels.

If you prefer a more motorized adventure, ATV tours are a popular way to explore Costa Rica's rugged terrain.

Conclusion: Embrace the thrill of adventure in Costa Rica

Pack your bags and get ready to embrace the thrill of a Costa Rica vacation. With its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and invigorating activities.

It's no wonder that Costa Rica is a top destination for adventurous families from around the world.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Costa Rican adventure today and get ready to experience the thrill of a lifetime.

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