Damas Island Beach
A coastal rainforest paradise teeming with wildlife, pristine beaches, and lush jungle trails. A must-visit in Costa Rica.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal sightings
Damas Island Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A coastal rainforest paradise teeming with wildlife, pristine beaches, and lush jungle trails. A must-visit in Costa Rica.
"One of the best parks to visit in Costa Rica and a recommended spot for anyone visiting the country."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Entry is limited; buy tickets in advance on the SINAC website.
🐒 Watch Your Belongings
Monkeys are notorious for stealing food and items left unattended on the beach.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Abundant Wildlife Sightings
Throughout the park, especially on Punta Catedral Trail
Spot sloths, monkeys, toucans, lizards, and more in their natural habitat. Binoculars are highly recommended!
Pristine Pacific Beaches
Playa Manuel Antonio, Playa Espadilla Sur
Relax on beautiful sandy shores, swim in calm waves, and enjoy breathtaking coastal views.
Lush Rainforest Trails
Punta Catedral Trail, Mangrove areas
Hike through vibrant jungle, explore mangrove ecosystems, and discover hidden natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets Online in Advance
Pack Smart: What to Leave Behind
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Entry is limited; buy tickets in advance on the SINAC website.
🐒 Watch Your Belongings
Monkeys are notorious for stealing food and items left unattended on the beach.
🧴 No Aerosol Sprays
Only cream-based sunscreen and bug spray are permitted.
💧 Bring a Refillable Bottle
Bottled water is not allowed; refill stations are scarce.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Entry is limited; buy tickets in advance on the SINAC website.
🐒 Watch Your Belongings
Monkeys are notorious for stealing food and items left unattended on the beach.
🧴 No Aerosol Sprays
Only cream-based sunscreen and bug spray are permitted.
💧 Bring a Refillable Bottle
Bottled water is not allowed; refill stations are scarce.
🔭 Consider a Guide
Guides with telescopes significantly enhance wildlife spotting.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Walking shoes or sturdy sandals are recommended for trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Manuel Antonio National Park is a highly recommended destination, praised for its stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and beautiful beaches. Visitors love the easy trails and the chance to see sloths and monkeys up close. Some find the park crowded and advise caution with unofficial guides and strict rules on what to bring.
"One of the best parks to visit in Costa Rica and a recommended spot for anyone visiting the country. Entrance fees can be paid ahead of time online(recommended). When you’re driving up be weary of unofficial people offering you tickets and guides. Additionally, the park does offer guides but I always opt for the self service tour. The park has an amazing nature trail that leads to a beautiful beach. Keep walking down the beach for another hike with some great overlooks and monkeys!"
Adam Thompson
"Trails are great, overall experience is satisfying. We saw almost all birds and animals there. It’s better to come in the very morning(7am) not to encounter too many people and to see more animals.
Didn’t like guides there at all, they are very mean, rude and annoying. If you are enough attentive, you could spot all animals on your own, just check any crowd of people watching smth))
also be aware of monkeys on a beach, they can steal your stuff if you leave it on the ground."
Alex Vinogradov
"Manuel Antonio National Park was one of the highlights of our trip. We saw sloths, monkeys, tiny frogs, colorful crabs, and so much more. The park is stunning, with lush trails, mangroves, and breathtaking coastal views.
We visited in August and were blessed with cool weather and no rain, despite a forecast for showers all day. The morning is the best time to go—get there as early as possible (we recommend by 8 AM) to enjoy the park before it gets crowded. Be sure to book your reservation in advance.
We changed into swimsuits before reaching the first beach and spent a couple of hours playing in the calm waves—perfect for kids. Afterward, we showered to rinse off the sand. I stayed in my swim dress for the rest of the hike, while others changed into dry clothes. I wore Teva sandals, but other family members wore walking shoes.
Tips:
• No spray sunscreen or bug spray is allowed inside—rangers check bags at the entrance.
• No outside food is permitted, but there’s a small restaurant inside for snacks and drinks.
• The mangrove areas are beautiful and fun to explore, especially for kids.
• Bring binoculars for the best wildlife viewing.
• Don’t wear your swimsuit under your clothes on the hike in—it’s humid, and you’ll be glad to change before swimming.
Manuel Antonio is a must-do when in Costa Rica. The combination of wildlife, natural beauty, and beach time made it an unforgettable experience. We highly recommend getting a tour guide like we did—you’ll see and learn so much more."
Hannah Backman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by bus (TRACOPA is a recommended company) which takes about 3-4 hours. Taxis and private shuttles are also available but more expensive.
Parking can be challenging. Be wary of unofficial parking attendants who may try to direct you to their lots. It's best to ignore them and find official parking or be prepared for a bit of a hassle.
Yes, taxis can drop you off at the park entrance. However, be aware that the park itself is a protected area and vehicle access is restricted.
Buses are a popular and affordable option for intercity travel in Costa Rica. TRACOPA is a reliable bus company that serves the Manuel Antonio area.
Local buses run frequently along the main road connecting Quepos and Manuel Antonio, making it easy to get to the park entrance and surrounding areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees are typically around $16 USD per person. It's crucial to purchase tickets online in advance through the official SINAC website, as daily entry is limited.
No, tickets are generally not sold at the park entrance. You must buy them online in advance. Be cautious of individuals selling tickets outside the park, as they may be unofficial or overpriced.
The park is typically open from Tuesday to Monday, from around 7 AM to 4 PM. It is closed on Tuesdays. Always check the official SINAC website for the most up-to-date hours.
Many visitors find a guide with a telescope invaluable for spotting wildlife, as they can see animals you might otherwise miss. However, some visitors have successfully spotted wildlife on their own.
Prohibited items include aerosol sprays (sunscreen, bug spray), outside food, and single-use plastics. Your bags will be checked at the entrance.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can expect to see a variety of animals, including sloths, several species of monkeys (howler, capuchin, squirrel), iguanas, toucans, coatis, and numerous birds.
Most trails are well-maintained and relatively flat, making them accessible for most visitors, including those with minor injuries. The Punta Catedral Trail is particularly rewarding.
Yes, the park has beautiful beaches like Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur where you can swim. The waves are generally calm and suitable for families.
Light, breathable clothing is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals are essential for the trails. Consider bringing a swimsuit if you plan to swim.
There is a small restaurant inside the park that offers snacks and drinks. However, options are limited, and lines can be long, so bringing your own refillable water bottle is advised.
📸 📸 Photography
The Punta Catedral Trail offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography. The beaches provide stunning coastal vistas, especially during sunrise and sunset.
While you can get decent shots with a smartphone, a telephoto lens or binoculars will greatly enhance your ability to capture clear images of distant wildlife.
Drones are generally not permitted in national parks in Costa Rica to protect wildlife and maintain the natural environment. Always check park regulations before flying.
Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light, ideal for photography. The golden hour before sunset can be particularly magical for capturing the park's beauty.
Yes, you can take photos of the animals, but always maintain a respectful distance and never feed them. Feeding wildlife can lead to negative consequences for both the animals and visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Wildlife Encounters: What to Expect
It's important to remember that these are wild animals, and while they are accustomed to human presence, they should be observed from a safe distance. Never feed the animals, as this can disrupt their natural behaviors, lead to aggression, and cause health problems for them. Be particularly mindful of monkeys on the beach, as they are known to be opportunistic and may try to snatch food or belongings.
Navigating Park Entry and Regulations
The park is closed on Tuesdays. While many visitors opt for self-guided tours, hiring a certified guide can significantly enhance the experience, especially for spotting wildlife. Guides often carry telescopes, allowing for close-up views of animals that might otherwise be missed. If you choose to go without a guide, be attentive to where other visitors are gathered, as this often indicates wildlife sightings.
Beach and Trail Experience
The park boasts several picturesque beaches, such as Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla Sur. These beaches are perfect for relaxing, swimming in the calm waters, and enjoying the coastal scenery. Visitors often change into swimsuits before reaching the beach to maximize their time enjoying the ocean. While the beaches are beautiful, be aware that the sand area can be narrow, and waves may reach your belongings. The sand can also be covered in natural debris like branches and leaves. Comfortable footwear, such as walking shoes or sturdy sandals, is recommended for exploring both the trails and the beach areas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit