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Sandy beach beside the sea and a wooded headland in Manuel Antonio.

Costa Rica · Manuel Antonio

Adventure on water and land

Rafting, kayaking, catamarans and ziplines; check each river’s season before booking.

11 places

  1. 1

    AdventureOpen

    Rafting on the Savegre River

    Savegre River, near El Silencio (about 1.5 h from Manuel Antonio)12.2 km from the centre

    Entry
    $130
    Hours
    Not stated
    Booking
    Not stated

    Class II-III rafting suited to beginners and families, starting near El Silencio after a 4x4 ride. It runs all year and includes stops to swim.

    Source: Iguana Tours – Savegre River rafting · 2026 · +2

    Practical details and sources
    Entry
    One operator charges $130 with transport or $95 if you drive yourself, with breakfast and lunch (2026).
    Time needed
    Full day; about 2.5 hours on the river.

    Tip: Minimum age 8. There is also a Class I-II float version. Operators: Iguana Tours, H2O Adventures.

    Nearby: Los Campesinos waterfalls (Quebrada Arroyo) (5.6 km) · Rafting on the Naranjo River (7.5 km) · Extreme rafting at El Chorro (Naranjo River) (7.5 km)

    Sources: Iguana Tours – Savegre River rafting · H2O Adventures – Rafting in Manuel Antonio · My Tan Feet – Manuel Antonio with kids (updated July 2026)

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  2. 2

    AdventureSeasonal

    Rafting on the Naranjo River

    Naranjo River, east of Quepos13.1 km from the centre

    Entry
    $95
    Hours
    Not stated
    Booking
    Not stated

    A half-day run with Class III-IV rapids, the area’s most demanding river in the rainy season, about 40 minutes from Manuel Antonio.

    Only with rainy-season flows: one operator sells it May to October, other sources May to December. In the dry season do the Savegre (all year) or El Chorro (January to April, experts only).

    Source: Iguana Tours – Naranjo River rafting · 2026 · +3

    Practical details and sources
    Entry
    $95 per person with transport, taxes included (one operator, 2026).
    Time needed
    About 4 hours; around 1 h 45 min on the river.

    Tip: Minimum age 10 to 12 depending on the operator; requires good fitness.

    Nearby: Extreme rafting at El Chorro (Naranjo River) (0 km) · Villa Vanilla spice, vanilla and cacao farm tour (0.7 km) · Horseback ride to the Tocorí waterfalls (3.9 km)

    Sources: Iguana Tours – Naranjo River rafting · H2O Adventures – Rafting in Manuel Antonio · My Tan Feet – Manuel Antonio with kids (updated July 2026) · My Tan Feet – Things to do in Manuel Antonio (updated July 2026)

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  3. 3

    AdventureSeasonal

    Extreme rafting at El Chorro (Naranjo River)

    Upper Naranjo River, east of Quepos13.1 km from the centre

    Entry
    Not stated
    Hours
    Not stated
    Booking
    Not stated

    An upper stretch of the Naranjo River through narrow gorges with Class IV (sometimes V) rapids. Only for very fit people.

    Offered only from January to April, when flows drop. Minimum age 16 according to one guide. Outside that window, do the regular Naranjo (rainy season) or the Savegre.

    Source: H2O Adventures – Rafting in Manuel Antonio · 2026 · +3

    Practical details and sources
    Time needed
    About 4 hours in total.

    Nearby: Rafting on the Naranjo River (0 km) · Villa Vanilla spice, vanilla and cacao farm tour (0.7 km) · Horseback ride to the Tocorí waterfalls (3.9 km)

    Sources: H2O Adventures – Rafting in Manuel Antonio · My Tan Feet – Manuel Antonio with kids (updated July 2026) · My Tan Feet – Things to do in Manuel Antonio (updated July 2026) · Wikivoyage – Manuel Antonio

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  4. 4

    WaterOpen

    Catamaran cruise with snorkelling and sunset

    Departs from Marina Pez Vela, Quepos5.2 km from the centre

    Entry
    $95
    Hours
    Not stated
    Booking
    Not stated

    Cruises of about 4 hours from Marina Pez Vela along the park’s coast, with a swim and snorkel stop at Playa Biesanz and a meal on board. Dolphins and, in season, whales are sometimes seen.

    Source: My Tan Feet – Manuel Antonio catamaran cruise (updated July 2026) · 2026 · +2

    Practical details and sources
    Entry
    One operator charges $95 with transport or $75 if you get there yourself, taxes included (2026).
    Hours
    Departures at 8:00 or 13:00 (afternoon with sunset); according to one guide the afternoon trip mainly runs in the dry season.
    Time needed
    About 4 hours.

    Tip: Snorkel visibility is often mediocre, especially after rain. Wikivoyage notes complaints that some sunset sails run on engines: ask whether the boat actually sails.

    Nearby: Sport fishing from Quepos (0 km) · Marina Pez Vela (0 km) · Quepos seafront and town centre (0.5 km)

    Sources: My Tan Feet – Manuel Antonio catamaran cruise (updated July 2026) · My Tan Feet – Manuel Antonio with kids (updated July 2026) · Iguana Tours – Catamaran & snorkeling

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  5. 5

    WaterOpen

    Kayaking in the Isla Damas mangrove

    Isla Damas estuary, northwest of Quepos10.2 km from the centre

    Entry
    From $79
    Hours
    Not stated
    Booking
    Not stated

    A kayak trip of just over 2 hours through narrow channels of the Isla Damas estuary, with monkeys, herons, kingfishers, iguanas and sometimes crocodiles or mangrove boas.

    Source: My Tan Feet – Damas Island mangrove kayak tour · 2026 · +2

    Practical details and sources
    Entry
    From $79 per adult including a meal (agency, 2026).
    Booking
    Schedule depends on the tide; minimum age 6 (in a double kayak with an adult up to age 15).
    Time needed
    About 4 hours including transfers.

    Nearby: Isla Damas mangrove boat tour (day or night) (0 km) · Quepos seafront and town centre (4.9 km) · Quepos municipal market and farmers’ market (5 km)

    Sources: My Tan Feet – Damas Island mangrove kayak tour · My Tan Feet – Manuel Antonio with kids (updated July 2026) · My Tan Feet – Things to do in Manuel Antonio (updated July 2026)

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  6. 6

    WaterOpen

    Sea kayaking and snorkelling to Biesanz Beach

    Coast between Quepos and Playa Biesanz3.6 km from the centre

    Entry
    From $85
    Hours
    Not stated
    Booking
    Not stated

    A guided paddle of about 2.5 hours along the coast between Quepos and Biesanz Bay, with time to snorkel or relax on the beach and lunch afterwards.

    Source: My Tan Feet – Ocean kayaking and snorkeling · 2026 · +1

    Practical details and sources
    Entry
    From $85 per adult (agency, 2026).
    Time needed
    About 4 hours in total.

    Tip: Minimum age 8, in a double kayak with an adult. One guide says the afternoon departure does not run from May to November.

    Nearby: Biesanz Beach (0 km) · Punta Quepos trail (0.5 km) · Playitas Beach (0.6 km)

    Sources: My Tan Feet – Ocean kayaking and snorkeling · My Tan Feet – Manuel Antonio with kids (updated July 2026)

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  7. 7

    AdventureOpen

    Zipline canopy tours near Quepos

    Next to La Managua airport, Quepos5.7 km from the centre

    Entry
    $119
    Hours
    Not stated
    Booking
    Not stated

    Zipline courses in private reserves near Quepos; one is 5 minutes from town, with 12 cables, a rappel, a Tarzan swing and a hanging bridge.

    Source: Titi Canopy Tour – official site · 2026 · +2

    Practical details and sources
    Entry
    $119 per person with transport and lunch via a local operator (2026).
    Time needed
    About 3 to 3.5 hours including transfers.

    Tip: Minimum age 5 or 6 depending on the source; small children ride tandem with a guide. Operators: Titi Canopy, El Santuario Canopy.

    Nearby: Quepos municipal market and farmers’ market (3.9 km) · Kids Saving the Rainforest (wildlife rescue) (4.2 km) · Quepos seafront and town centre (4.2 km)

    Sources: Titi Canopy Tour – official site · Iguana Tours – Titi Canopy Tour · My Tan Feet – Manuel Antonio with kids (updated July 2026)

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  8. 8

    AdventureOpen

    Horseback ride to the Tocorí waterfalls

    Tocorí, Naranjito, northeast of Quepos13 km from the centre

    Entry
    $95
    Hours
    Not stated
    Booking
    Not stated

    A horseback ride through rivers and forest in a private reserve at Tocorí, north of Quepos, ending with a swim at a waterfall and a meal.

    Source: Iguana Tours – Horseback riding at the Tocorí waterfalls · 2026 · +2

    Practical details and sources
    Entry
    $95 with transport or $70 if you get there yourself (one operator, 2026); an agency offers another ride from $89.
    Hours
    Departures at 8:00 or 14:00.
    Time needed
    About 4 to 5 hours.

    Tip: Minimum age 7 and each child rides their own horse. Afternoon departures may not run in the rainiest months.

    Nearby: Villa Vanilla spice, vanilla and cacao farm tour (3.4 km) · Rafting on the Naranjo River (3.9 km) · Extreme rafting at El Chorro (Naranjo River) (3.9 km)

    Sources: Iguana Tours – Horseback riding at the Tocorí waterfalls · My Tan Feet – Horseback riding through the jungle · My Tan Feet – Manuel Antonio with kids (updated July 2026)

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  9. 9

    AdventureOpen

    Parasailing at Espadilla Beach

    Playa Espadilla (public beach)1.6 km from the centre

    Entry
    Not stated
    Hours
    Not stated
    Booking
    Recommended

    Parasail flights towed by boat over Playa Espadilla, with an aerial view of the park and coast; one guide describes rides of about 15 minutes.

    Source: My Tan Feet – Things to do in Manuel Antonio (updated July 2026) · 2026 · +1

    Practical details and sources
    Booking
    Book with the operators on the beach itself; in high season it is worth reserving ahead.

    Nearby: Surf lessons at Espadilla Beach (0 km) · Espadilla Beach (0.3 km) · Manuel Antonio National Park (0.7 km)

    Sources: My Tan Feet – Things to do in Manuel Antonio (updated July 2026) · My Tan Feet – Manuel Antonio with kids (updated July 2026)

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  10. 10

    WaterOpen

    Surf lessons at Espadilla Beach

    Playa Espadilla (public beach)1.6 km from the centre

    Entry
    Not stated
    Hours
    Not stated
    Booking
    Not stated

    Local schools teach beginners and families at Playa Espadilla and move to other spots depending on the swell. The area’s oldest school has run since 2004.

    Source: My Tan Feet – Manuel Antonio with kids (updated July 2026) · 2026 · +1

    Practical details and sources

    Tip: One guide recommends a private lesson for families. Operator: Manuel Antonio Surf School.

    Nearby: Parasailing at Espadilla Beach (0 km) · Espadilla Beach (0.3 km) · Manuel Antonio National Park (0.7 km)

    Sources: My Tan Feet – Manuel Antonio with kids (updated July 2026) · Manuel Antonio Surf School – official site

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  11. 11

    WaterOpen

    Sport fishing from Quepos

    Marina Pez Vela, Quepos5.2 km from the centre

    Entry
    $455
    Hours
    Not stated
    Booking
    Not stated

    Quepos is one of the country’s main sport-fishing ports: there are half- and full-day offshore trips (sailfish, marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna) and fishing in the Isla Damas mangrove.

    Source: My Tan Feet – Manuel Antonio with kids (updated July 2026) · 2026 · +3

    Practical details and sources
    Entry
    Mangrove fishing costs $455 per group of 1–4 without transport (one operator, 2026); offshore charters are quoted per boat.

    Tip: Marina Pez Vela hosts tournaments: Dorado Derby (14 and 21 November 2026) and Marlin Invitational (10–12 December 2026). Not suitable for young children.

    Nearby: Catamaran cruise with snorkelling and sunset (0 km) · Marina Pez Vela (0 km) · Quepos seafront and town centre (0.5 km)

    Sources: My Tan Feet – Manuel Antonio with kids (updated July 2026) · Marina Pez Vela – official site · Iguana Tours – Fishing in the Damas mangrove · Wikivoyage – Quepos

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