Manuel Antonio, one of the most popular beach destinations in Costa Rica, is set high above the enchanting national park. With its dazzling white sandy beaches backed by tropical rainforest, shimmering blue water and the fresh ocean breeze and also a diverse array of wildlife, Manuel Antonio area offers nearly all of the country’s enchanting attractions in one place. Conveniently located on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, Manuel Antonio area has everything to offer from top beaches to lush rainforest, wild rivers, abundant wildlife, mangrove estuaries and the popular Manuel Antonio National Park. The pristine sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean along this area is perfect for enjoying a variety of adventure activities. Here goes a list of 7 water adventures to do in Manuel Antonio.

Whitewater Rafting:

Rafting on the Naranjo River:

Both nature lovers and adventure seekers will love to enjoy white water rafting adventure trips on the Naranjo River. You can go down to the river for class III and IV rapids that are intended for more advanced paddlers. This river drops sleepy from the Costa Rican mountains Quepos, through pristine jungle gorges. Then you will go for a wild ride to sea level, passing nearby farmlands and palm plantations. During this adventure tour you can take help from internationally-trained, bilingual guides and enjoy a thrilling adventure. The best time to enjoy this adventure tour during the time of May to December.

Rafting on the Savegre River:

In Costa Rica, the Savegre River is one of the most pristine rivers. Surrounded by lush vegetation and meandering waters, this river features class II and III rapids that are absolutely perfect for beginner rafters. With the help of a highly experienced guide, you will go along this amazing trip and during the trip you will stop along the way at the swimming spots and cascading waterfalls. While floating on the calmer waters, you can also enjoy watching the amazing rainforest view and spot wild inhabitants, colorful birds such as osprey, egrets, toucans and many more.

Manuel Antonio Kayaking:

Manuel Antonio Kayaking tour will give you the opportunity to enjoy experiencing one of the most striking coastline and National Park of Costa Rica by open-seat ocean kayak. You can start from near the Marina in Quepos and winds along the Manuel Antonio coastline. With the help of your bilingual naturalist guide you can visit the best snorkeling spots and enjoy experiencing three small but growing, active, and astounding coral reef systems nestled very close to the shore of Biezans Bay.

Manuel Antonio Mangrove Kayak Tour:

Just minutes outside of Manuel Antonio, there is the Damas Island estuary. Where the ocean waters meet fresh water rivers, creating an underwater rooting system amongst the trees, mangroves are born there. In this area you can enjoy kayaking through the protected inland waters and explore the coastal mangrove areas as well as discover a variety of wildlife within the mangrove forests. While floating under a lush canopy of rainforest silently, you can spot different species of colorful birds, crocodiles, snakes, many groups of white face monkeys and many more.

Ocean Kayaking and Snorkeling Manuel Antonio:

If you want to enjoy exploring Costa Rica’s marine and coastal wonders, you can go for ocean kayaking tour that is much easier than river kayaking. Advanced kayakers as well as beginners can go for this trips. This adventure will take you past islands and inlets for incredible views and bird watching. During this tour you will get the opportunity to get a close look at a myriad of life below and above the ocean’s surface, from flying fish and sea turtles to frigate birds and pelicans.

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Manuel Antonio:

During your vacation in Costa Rica you can enjoy all of its charms in just one place and that is Manuel Antonio. You can enjoy exploring the wonderful marine wildlife under the crystalline waters of the Pacific. Scuba diving is the best option to enjoy a close view of the stunning underwater world of Manuel Antonio. This underwater world is full of volcanic formations and a multitude of colorful tropical fish. In the surrounding area of Manuel Antonio there is only 5 star PADI scuba diving center that offers guided dive and snorkeling trips, PADI dive courses, introductory resort courses and Nitrox. No matter whether you are a beginner or already advanced diver, you can take help from the certified professional instructors and dive crew who will lead you to enjoy the best of Costa Rica’s world under the sea.

Manuel Antonio offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy snorkeling. You can go for a tour or just can slip on a mask and float right off the National Park’s beaches. While snorkeling, you can enjoy watching plenty of tropical fish, crustaceans, rock formations, mollusks and many more.

Jet Ski Tour:

You can enjoy cruise out on the ocean on individual wave runners along the Manuel Antonio National Park coastline and you can use Yamaha and Honda wave runners that are easy to use. You can enjoy riding around small islands and spot marine life from a close view.  You can also jump off and enjoy swimming at any time and even enjoy a bit of snorkeling. During this tour you can also enjoy watching dolphins if you are lucky enough as the sea doesn’t give any guarantee. You can also spot different types of fish and birds.

Manuel Antonio Sportfishing:

All ranges of fishermen including beginners and advanced fisherman can enjoy world class sport fishing in the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. You can choose from half-day, three-quarter, and full day charters, as well as can ask for a customized multi-day trips. We can enjoy catching a variety of fishes such as Sailfish, black, blue, Yellow Fin Tuna, striped Marlin, Snapper, Wahoo, Spanish and Sierra Mackerel, Roosterfish and many more.

Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour:

You can go for Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour both in Morning and Afternoon and enjoy watching wonderful views and explore amazing marine life along the stunning pacific waters of Manuel Antonio. During this tour you can also enjoy gliding along the blue waters in search of playful dolphins. When there will be a break, you can enjoy swimming in the warm Pacific waters and watch the underwater beauty through snorkeling gear.

Surfing:

Manuel Antonio’s waves are perfect for enjoying surfing both for the beginners and advanced surfers. In the surrounding area you will find several surf school where you can take surf lessons and also can rent boards from there and enjoy brushing the waves.