Tours and things to do in Manuel Antonio & Quepos

Featured

Tour Agency $$

Tucanes Tours

Quepos

Full-service tour operator headquartered on Route 34 across from Hospital Max Teran Valls in Quepos, booking ocean kayaking and snorkeling, horseback, canopy, whitewater rafting, and catamaran tours under one roof. The snorkeling and kayak tour visits volcanic rock formations and pre-Columbian turtle traps reached by sea kayak from the Manuel Antonio coast. In whale season (July 15 to October 15) the company runs day trips south to Marino Ballena National Park for humpback watching with ICT-licensed naturalist guides.

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Featured

Boat Charter $$$$

Vuelto Loco Charters

Quepos

Private 45-foot Viking yacht based at Marina Pez Vela, run by Captain Eugenio (Cappy) Ramirez and crew. Charters span full-day offshore fishing for sailfish, marlin, and mahi mahi, half-day inshore trips for roosterfish and snapper, private snorkeling and coastal cruises, whale watching, and sunset cruises with private dining events aboard. Bespoke custom trips are available for groups.

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Parasailing $$

Aguas Azules

Manuel Antonio

Beach-based water sports operation with over 35 years on Playa Espadilla, offering winch boat parasailing up to 600 feet above the Pacific, banana boat rides, water-skiing, wakeboarding, and jet ski rentals. Parasailing runs daily from 9 am to 3 pm (1 pm cutoff during rainy season) and requires no prior experience. The operation is located directly on the public beach outside Manuel Antonio National Park.

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Surf School $$

Alejandro Surf School

Manuel Antonio

Surf school on Playa Manuel Antonio run by Alejandro, a local instructor with 15 years of teaching experience, offering private one-on-one lessons, board and bodyboard rental, surf camps for kids, and surf trips to other breaks. Since 2022 the school is certified with Surf Adaptado Costa Rica to provide adapted surf lessons for guests with disabilities, including a beach wheelchair and adapted boards. Lessons include fruit, water, beach chairs, and shade at the surf spot next to the national park entrance.

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Whitewater Rafting $$$

Amigos del Rio

Quepos

Family-run adventure company with more than 25 years in Manuel Antonio, running whitewater rafting on the Savegre, Naranjo, and El Chorro rivers (minimum age 12) plus ocean kayaking and Damas Island mangrove trips (minimum age 8). Its ADR Adventure Park combo day, about 40 minutes from Manuel Antonio, runs $140 per person, with other tours from $79.

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Sportfishing $$$

Atrapasueños Sportfishing

Quepos

Sportfishing charter run by Captain Butch aboard the Gypsy Girl, a 1986 Palmbeach/Gamefisher 30-foot express with a marlin tower, one of the original sportfishing boats built in Costa Rica. The boat fishes offshore for blue, black, and striped marlin and sailfish, plus tuna, dorado, wahoo, grouper, amberjack, and snapper.

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ATV & UTV $$

ATV Real Adventure Tours

Quepos

ATV operator established in 2013, based in Pocares about 10 km north of Manuel Antonio, running 4-hour tours through 25 miles of palm oil fields, jungle pathways, and off-road terrain to three waterfalls with a natural swimming pool. The fleet uses automatic Yamaha Kodiak 450cc ATVs. Tours include snacks, a traditional Costa Rican lunch, and a bilingual guide. Combined ATV and horseback riding tours (5.5 hours) are also available.

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Sportfishing $$$$

Big Eye II Sport Fishing

Quepos

Half day and full day fishing charters out of Quepos aboard the 32 foot Big Eye II, run by Captain Franklin Araya, who has roughly 20 years working these waters. Offshore targets include sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, and mahi mahi, with inshore trips for roosterfish, snapper, and jacks.

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Catamaran & Sailing $$$$

Brisa Elegante

Quepos

A 100-foot wooden sailing gulet, described as the only vessel of its kind in Central America, offering morning and sunset cruises from Marina Pez Vela along the Manuel Antonio coastline. Trips include a meal prepared by an onboard chef, swimming and snorkeling stops, and full bar service. It is positioned as a smaller-group alternative to the large party catamarans, with guests praising the personal service from the crew and captain.

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Horseback Riding $$

Brisas del Nara

Quepos

Family-run horseback riding farm 10 miles from Manuel Antonio in the Londres de Quepos foothills, operating within the Naranjo River Biological Corridor. The primary tour is a 4.5-hour ride ($80 per person) through rural trails, mountain farms, and riverside terrain to a waterfall, with hotel pickup, a Costa Rican breakfast, and lunch included. A 4x4 safari alternative visits Los Campesinos community reserve and hanging bridges for $90 per person.

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Sportfishing $$$

Bucket List Sportfishing

Quepos

Daily sportfishing charters out of Marina Pez Vela on a 31-foot boat, with its own website alongside a strong TripAdvisor and FishingBooker review base. Offers offshore trips for billfish, tuna, and mahi mahi as well as inshore options.

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Zipline & Canopy $$$

Canopy Safari

Quepos

Canopy Safari has run zip line tours in Paso Real, Quepos since 1997, making it one of the longest-operating canopy operators on the Pacific coast. The park has 11 zip lines, 20 platforms, two rappel lines, a Tarzan swing, a suspension bridge, plus an on-site butterfly garden and crocodile pond. The company also runs a Savegre River rafting trip and day-pass options for guests who want to explore the property without the zip line.

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Sportfishing $$$

Catch A Lotta Fish Costa Rica

Quepos

Inshore and offshore fishing charter operating a 43-foot Luhrs named Vamonos out of Quepos, run by Captain Dooper Dold. Also lists a private 90-minute sunset cruise from Marina Pez Vela as an add-on trip.

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Boat Charter $$$$

Catch and Relax Private Charter

Quepos

Private-only yacht charter operating a 53-foot luxury cruiser from Marina Pez Vela with two bathrooms, air-conditioned cabin, fly deck, and two sound systems. Captain Everth Chavez has 7-plus years running the boat. Half-day coastal and sunset cruises, full-day charters, and multi-day trips to Cano Island and Corcovado are available with snorkeling, paddleboarding, and fishing add-ons.

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Chocolate Tour $$

Chocolate Tour Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio

A working cacao and coffee farm 15 minutes from Manuel Antonio that covers the full arc from cacao pod to finished chocolate, including fermenting, grinding, and making traditional drinking chocolate. The tour also demonstrates cafe chorreado preparation and traditional sugar cane grinding at a trapiche. Multiple daily departures from 8 am to 3 pm with hotel pickup from Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

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Cooking Class $$

Cooking Class Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio

A three-hour small-group cooking experience with a Costa Rican family that teaches how to make a traditional casado, handmade tortillas from scratch, and cafe chorreado, along with a guided tour of a medicinal plant garden and a sugarcane mill visit. Pickup is at 9 am from hotels in Quepos and Manuel Antonio and the class accommodates a maximum of ten travelers. The session ends with a shared lunch of everything prepared.

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Tour Agency $$

Costa Rica Jade Tours

Manuel Antonio

Costa Rica Jade Tours is a Manuel Antonio-based tour operator founded by Mario Brenes, who started working in Costa Rican tourism at age 15. The agency books around 20 different tours in the Manuel Antonio area (canopy, rafting, horseback, waterfalls) plus trips to Arenal, Monteverde, Jaco, and Tamarindo, and runs a separate private ground transportation service. Reservations go through WhatsApp or the company's contact form.

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Canyoning $$

Creek Canyoning Adventures

Quepos

Canyoning operator running tours through the Naranjo River Corridor, featuring jumps, slides, and rappels through a canyon system with a 35-meter waterfall and a suspension bridge crossing, plus a visit to a rural tourism community. Morning tours run 5-6 hours with 8 am pickup; afternoon tours depart at noon subject to weather. Group pricing starts at $95 per person for 3-12 participants including transportation and a meal.

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Surf School $$

Dante's Watersports

Manuel Antonio

Water sports operator offering beginner surf lessons on Manuel Antonio beach with round-trip air-conditioned van transportation, bilingual instructors capped at 2 to 3 students per instructor, and an optional Beach Day Experience upgrade with loungers and beach games. A regular lesson runs 79 dollars per person and a private lesson 99 dollars, with a summer group rate for teens. The company also runs a waterfall and surf combination tour that has been featured in traveler video content.

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Sportfishing $$$$

Double Nickel Charters

Quepos

Private fishing charters from Marina Pez Vela aboard the Double Nickel, a 42 foot boat taking up to 12 anglers with a professional Costa Rican crew. The operation specializes in light tackle bait and switch fishing for sailfish, marlin, mahi mahi, and yellowfin tuna, with online booking through FareHarbor.

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Waterfall Tour $$

Efrain Nature Tours

Manuel Antonio

Nature tour company offering full-day guided excursions to Nauyaca Waterfalls (5 hours, $150) and the Los Campesinos Private Reserve waterfall and hanging bridge circuit (6 hours, $136 adults). Both tours include certified naturalist guides, round-trip hotel transport from Manuel Antonio and Quepos, and a traditional Costa Rican lunch. The Los Campesinos tour accesses a 33-hectare private protected forest with one of the longest hanging bridges in the Quepos area, about 127 meters.

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Zipline & Canopy $$$

El Santuario Canopy Adventure Tour

Manuel Antonio

A 4.5 hour canopy tour close to Manuel Antonio National Park with 10 double anchored ziplines totaling about 3.6 kilometers, including a twin line of over 4,300 feet billed as the longest in Central America. The circuit adds 14 tree platforms, five hanging bridges, three nature walks, and a double belay rappel, with bilingual guides, a Costa Rican lunch, and round trip hotel transportation from Manuel Antonio or Quepos included.

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Park & Nature Guide $$

Fabio Araya, Private Nature Guide

Manuel Antonio

ICT-certified naturalist guide with over a decade of experience, offering custom private tours of Manuel Antonio National Park through the ToursByLocals platform, including a night-walk option. Profile lists him as Fabio Araya.

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Wildlife Sanctuary $$

Fincas Naturales Wildlife Refuge

Manuel Antonio

A 25-acre private wildlife refuge and butterfly garden on the grounds of the Si Como No Resort, open daily with guided walks through more than 30 butterfly species plus frogs and reptiles. Entrance is separate from the resort and open to the general public, not just hotel guests.

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Sportfishing $$

Fly Legend Fishing

Quepos

Inshore and offshore fishing charter run by Captain Fabian Ramirez aboard a 23-foot Coral center console based at Marina Pez Vela. The boat targets roosterfish, snapper, mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna, and grouper, with fly fishing available on request alongside standard trolling and bottom fishing.

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ATV & UTV $$

FourTrax Adventure Tours

Quepos

ATV tour operator running 4.5-hour guided rides through the villages of San Rafael and La Parcela, palm plantations, river crossings, and rainforest terrain with access to waterfalls and a natural swimming pool. Three daily departures at 7:30 am, 10:30 am, and 1:30 pm, with hotel pickup from Manuel Antonio and Quepos. The fleet consists of semi-automatic ATVs and pricing starts at $110 per person (single) or $140 for two sharing one vehicle.

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Sportfishing $$

Gone Fishing Quepos

Quepos

Family-owned operation based at Marina Pez Vela since 1999, with a four-boat fleet ranging from a 28-foot center console to a 40-foot Luhrs with an air-conditioned cabin. Founder Carlos Rojas leads the team and offers half-day and full-day charters targeting sailfish, marlin, dorado, tuna, and roosterfish.

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Whitewater Rafting $$$

H2O Adventures Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio

Rafting and tubing specialist with about 22 years operating on the Savegre and Naranjo rivers, running private trips from gentle Class I-II river safaris up to Class IV-V whitewater. Tours run 4 to 6 hours, guides include an International Rafting Federation instructor, and the lineup also covers jungle tubing and mangrove and sea kayaking.

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Yoga & Retreats $

HEBE Yoga

Manuel Antonio

A solo instructor operation run by Hannah, offering daily morning group yoga classes at a jungle yoga deck and twice-weekly sunset beach yoga sessions reached by a 15-minute hike. Private classes are available at hotels and villas throughout the Manuel Antonio area. Group sessions are 60 minutes and priced at $15, with all equipment provided.

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Park & Nature Guide $$

Héctor Altamirano Solís, Private Nature Guide

Manuel Antonio

Independent certified guide offering private tours of Manuel Antonio National Park. Recommended repeatedly across Costa Rica travel community groups by name for his knowledge and enthusiasm, and bookable directly by WhatsApp rather than through an agency.

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Horseback Riding $$

Horseback Riding Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio

Horseback riding operator taking small groups on mountain jungle trails above Manuel Antonio to a waterfall for swimming, with both full-day and half-day 4x4-plus-horseback options. Guides are described as local campesinos, bilingual in English and Spanish.

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Sportfishing $$

Idra Sportfishing

Quepos

Inshore sportfishing specialist based at Marina Pez Vela, run by owner and captain Riccardo Puliti aboard the 26-foot Idra II center console. The operation targets roosterfish, snapper, snook, triple tail, seabass, and mahi mahi with live bait, and has placed in Marina Pez Vela's roosterfish tournament for two consecutive years.

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Mangrove Tour $$

Iguana Tours

Quepos

Quepos tour agency operating since 1985, best known for its Damas Island mangrove boat tours (offered in daytime and nighttime departures) where covered boats cruise the estuary channels looking for white-faced monkeys, boat-billed herons, crocodiles, and silky anteaters. The office in downtown Quepos also books rafting, sea kayaking, horseback, and national park tours, and the company holds a Kids Saving the Rainforest accreditation.

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Sportfishing $$$

Jackpot Sport Fishing

Quepos

Owner-operated sportfishing charter running the 31 ft Good Day and the 23 ft Regulator Knot Easy out of Marina Pez Vela, founded in 2016 by Benn Gilmour after he and his wife Cathy relocated from Singapore. The boats target sailfish, marlin, tuna, and roosterfish, and the crew practices catch and release with circle hooks on billfish. Captain Manuel Gabuardi has run Good Day for more than two decades and was aboard for a 1,245 lb black marlin catch in 2008.

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Jet Ski $$$

Jet Ski Tour Manuel Antonio

Quepos

A guided 90-minute jet ski tour departing Marina Pez Vela up to four times daily, following a certified local guide along the Manuel Antonio coastline past cliffs and hidden coves. Riders use their own Yamaha jet ski rather than riding as a passenger on a shared craft, with life jackets and a dry bag included. The company is run under the Manuel Antonio Experiences brand, which also operates mangrove and snorkeling tours in the area.

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Park & Nature Guide $$

Johan Chaves Nature and Birding Tours

Manuel Antonio

Three hour nature and birdwatching tours of Manuel Antonio National Park starting at 7:30 am, led by Johan Chaves, an ICT licensed naturalist guide raised in Manuel Antonio. He also runs birding and bird photography trips to Carara National Park, Esquipulas, and the San Gerardo de Dota highlands, plus macro photography outings.

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Night Tour $$

Jungle Night Tour Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio

A 2.5 hour guided rainforest hike starting at 6:00 pm to look for tree frogs, snakes, insects, and nocturnal mammals, priced around $55 per person. The tour includes round trip transportation, entrance fee, and flashlights, and ICT certified guides lead it in English, Spanish, or German with a 2 person minimum.

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Yoga & Retreats $

Jungle Temple

Manuel Antonio

A yoga and wellness studio inside the Alma Vida Hotel on the edge of the Manuel Antonio National Park nature reserve, offering daily yoga, pilates, sound baths, breathwork, cacao circles, and meditation sessions. Classes are priced in Costa Rican colones with local and resident discounts, and reservations are handled by WhatsApp. The facility is open to non-hotel guests and keeps a weekly rotating schedule.

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Wildlife Sanctuary $$

Kids Saving the Rainforest Wildlife Sanctuary

Quepos

A US-registered nonprofit wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in Naranjito, about 40 minutes from Manuel Antonio, that offers guided tours to observe sloths, spider monkeys, squirrel monkeys, kinkajous, and parrots in active rehabilitation enclosures. The 1.5-hour tour runs Tuesday through Sunday at 9 am, 11 am, and 1 pm and covers the center's history, ongoing wildlife bridge and reforestation projects, and current rescue cases. A volunteer day tour is also available for hands-on participation.

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Sportfishing $$$

Los Monos Sportfishing

Quepos

Multi-boat sportfishing operation with a fleet based in Quepos: the Mono Grande, a 52-foot Viking offering day and overnight trips with hot meals and full crew; the Monkeyshine, a custom 35-foot express built specifically for offshore fishing; and the Monkey Sea, a 31-foot Bertram once owned by King Hussein of Jordan, suited to both billfish and inshore roosterfish. The company is affiliated with the Tulemar resort and its Casa Los Monos villas.

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Chocolate Tour $$$

Luna Vida Adventures

Manuel Antonio

A small-group tour company run by Cara Naylor that combines a hands-on cacao processing and chocolate-making workshop at Chorro Ecolodge with a waterfall hike and a lunch cooked by a local family. Tours run approximately six hours and depart at 8 am from hotels or rental homes in the Manuel Antonio and Quepos area. The company also offers yoga-hike day experiences and private custom tours.

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Jet Ski $$

Majetski

Manuel Antonio

A multi-activity water sports operator running guided jet ski tours (90 minutes to 3 hours) plus catamaran, mangrove kayak, snorkeling, and parasailing outings from Manuel Antonio and Quepos. Its private 2 and 3 hour Jurassic Boat jet ski tours are guided rides along the coastline with stops for wildlife viewing. Reviewers mention seeing dolphins and whales on the guided rides depending on season.

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ATV & UTV $$$

Manuel Antonio ATV Tour

Manuel Antonio

This operator runs single and double ATV tours on a mountain property 20 to 30 minutes from Manuel Antonio, following dirt roads and jungle trails to a 160-foot waterfall with a swimming pool. The roughly four-hour trip includes hotel pickup, bilingual guides, and a Costa Rican lunch of fish, rice, beans, and plantains. Riders need a driver's license to operate the ATV themselves; non-license holders ride as passengers.

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Jet Ski $$$

Manuel Antonio Jet Ski Tours

Quepos

Guided jet ski tours departing from Marina Pez Vela with four daily departures at 8 am, 10 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Tours cover the Manuel Antonio coastline with opportunities to spot dolphins and sea turtles, and include round-trip hotel transfers, bilingual guides, life jackets, water, and tropical fruit. Minimum driving age is 14; children as young as 4 may ride as passengers.

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Park & Nature Guide $$

Manuel Antonio Nature Tours

Manuel Antonio

Daily walking tours inside Manuel Antonio National Park led by Edwin Castillo, a bilingual guide certified by the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (ICT) who was born and raised in the Quepos and Manuel Antonio area. Tours focus on spotting sloths, monkeys, birds, snakes, and frogs, and can be customized to group preferences and budget. Online booking runs through FareHarbor with live availability.

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Park & Nature Guide $$

Manuel Antonio Official Tour Guides

Manuel Antonio

Association of Certified Tour Guides of the Canton of Quepos, recognized by SINAC (the national park service) as the official guide body for Manuel Antonio National Park. Visitors contact the association directly to book a certified bilingual guide rather than hiring freelancers at the entrance.

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Tour Agency $$

Manuel Antonio Quepos Tours

Quepos

Manuel Antonio Quepos Tours is a local booking agency that arranges national park guided walks, ATV trips, horseback riding at Brisas del Nara and on the beach near Damas Island, whitewater rafting, sport fishing charters, mangrove tours, jet skiing, and private transport. The park tour meets at the entrance or at Donde Alex Restaurant, and the agency also puts together multi-day lodging and activity packages on request. Booking runs through a web form that hands off to WhatsApp for confirmation.

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Surf School $$

Manuel Antonio Surf School (MASS)

Manuel Antonio

Surf school teaching 2 hour lessons on Manuel Antonio's beginner-friendly beach breaks, with a maximum ratio of three students per instructor and group, semi-private, and private formats for all ages. Instructors are lifeguard and CPR certified, boards and rash guards are included, and private lessons start around $95.

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Zipline & Canopy $$$

Manuel Antonio Zip Line Adventures

Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio Zip Line Adventures runs a canopy course with tree platforms, hanging bridges, nature walks, and a double belay rappel, with three daily departure times and hotel pickup across Manuel Antonio and Quepos. Tours include a Costa Rican lunch, bilingual guide, drinks, and snacks, with a professional photographer available for purchase at the end. The company also offers private group departures on the same schedule.

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Catamaran & Sailing $$$

Ocean King Catamaran Adventures

Quepos

Cruises along the Manuel Antonio coastline aboard the Ocean King, a 100 foot catamaran billed as the largest in the area, with morning and sunset departures plus private charter options. Tours include snorkeling equipment, lunch or dinner with unlimited juices and fruit, dolphin and whale searching, and round trip transportation from Quepos or Manuel Antonio.

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Scuba Diving $$$

Oceans Unlimited

Quepos

PADI 5-Star IDC Resort and Technical Dive Resort based at Marina Pez Vela, offering two-tank certified dives, Discover Scuba for beginners, and courses from Open Water through Divemaster and Instructor. Eight PADI instructors on staff, with dives at 20-plus local sites typically reaching 7-25 meters, plus day trips to Isla del Cano biological reserve. The operation also runs a marine conservation non-profit with workshops integrated into the dive program.

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Park & Nature Guide $$

Official Guide Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio

Independent ICT-certified guide service run by Mauro, offering Manuel Antonio National Park tours plus birding, mangrove kayak, and Carara and Corcovado day trips. The park tour uses a Swarovski spotting scope to find sloths, white-faced capuchins, and howler monkeys and is rated the top-reviewed park tour on TripAdvisor for the area.

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Kayaking & SUP $$

Paddle 9

Manuel Antonio

An adventure tour company established in 2012 that runs pedal-drive ocean kayak tours along the coastline near Manuel Antonio National Park, mangrove kayak tours at Isla Damas, stand-up paddleboard sessions, and full-day Nauyaca Waterfall hikes. The ocean kayak tour visits four to five secluded beaches in about three hours using pedal kayaks that free the hands for wildlife watching. Bilingual guides hold ICT certification and the company holds a TripAdvisor Best of the Best designation.

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Sportfishing $$$$

Pez Loco Fishing Charter

Quepos

The largest sportfishing vessel based at Marina Pez Vela, a 60-foot Viking accommodating up to 11 anglers. Full-day trips run 7 am to roughly 4 pm and include a full breakfast, hot lunch, snacks, and drinks prepared onboard. Half-day and nearshore options are available through partner boats. Slip E-15.

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Catamaran & Sailing $$$

Planet Dolphin Catamaran Adventures

Quepos

Catamaran operator with around 36 years in business, running snorkeling and dolphin watching cruises from Marina Pez Vela in Quepos on large catamarans (capacities of roughly 110 and 150 guests). Tours include lunch or dinner, open bar, fruit platters, snorkeling gear, a bilingual crew, and round trip transportation from Manuel Antonio hotels.

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Canyoning $$

Quepo Canyoning

Quepos

Canyoning and waterfall rappelling operation running tours on private jungle property in Los Campos outside Quepos, featuring a suspension bridge crossing, a Monkey Drop assisted free fall, two ziplines, tree climbing ladders, waterfall rappels, and a treetop rappel. The full circuit is suitable for ages 8 and up and includes hotel transportation and a meal. Guides Alejandro and Junior receive consistent praise in recent reviews for safety and professionalism.

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Sportfishing $$$

Quepos Fish Adventure

Quepos

Owner-operated fleet out of Marina Pez Vela run by Andy Couch and Connie Balusek since 2019. The company owns all vessels, including the 40-foot air-conditioned Blue Daze and the 32-foot Ocean Master Stress Reeliever. Captains Junior Smith, Mike Meza, Jessy Smith, and Kenny Alvarez cover offshore sailfish and inshore roosterfish charters.

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Waterfall Tour $$

Rainmaker Conservation Park

Quepos

Private conservation project in the foothills near Quepos with marked trails, hanging suspension bridges, and a series of waterfalls and swimming holes in the Quepoa Biological Corridor. Offers guided and self-guided hikes plus a separate amphibian and reptile night tour, and hosts yoga tours and weddings on its platforms.

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Horseback Riding $$

Rancho Típico Don Juan

Manuel Antonio

Rancho Típico Don Juan is a family-run horseback riding operation on a roughly 300-acre ranch that has belonged to the Mora family for three generations. Rides are guided by Juan and his son Randall and combine trail riding with stops to point out frogs, birds, and other wildlife on the property. The family markets the ranch partly as a wildlife refuge project, alongside its tourism rides.

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Sportfishing $$$

Reel Freedom Sport Fishing

Quepos

Offshore sportfishing charter operating out of Marina Pez Vela with full-day, three-quarter day, and multi-day FAD trips targeting marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, and dorado 20 to 130 miles offshore. Boats include an air-conditioned salon and onboard Starlink wifi, and multi-day FAD trips include overnight bunks for two nights at sea. The company also runs a Tortuga Island snorkeling excursion as an add-on option.

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Sportfishing $$$

Reel In Luxury Sport Fishing

Quepos

Luxury-focused charter operation at Marina Pez Vela running a fleet of vessels from 26 to 60 feet, with air-conditioned cabin options. Offers half-day inshore, 3/4-day, and full-day offshore charters plus mangrove fishing and yacht rentals for groups up to 12. Shared-boat options are available for smaller parties.

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Freediving $$$

Rica Freedivers

Quepos

Freediving school and spearfishing operation run by PADI Master Instructor Brad, who relocated to Quepos in 2013 and launched Rica Freedivers as a full-time training center. Courses run under both Molchanovs and PADI certification systems from Wave 1 through instructor level, with open water sessions six days a week and pool training twice weekly. Access to depths of 90 meters is a 20-minute boat ride from the marina.

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Whitewater Rafting $$

Roots2River White Water Rafting

Quepos

Roots2River runs whitewater rafting trips on the Naranjo River (Class III-IV), the Savegre River (Class II-III), and El Chorro (Class IV-V), guided by twin brothers who grew up on the rivers and have competed internationally for Costa Rica in rafting. Trips include pickup, a light breakfast, fresh fruit, and action photos and video from a kayak guide who follows the group. The company holds a 5.0 rating across more than 200 Google reviews and an Excellent rating on TripAdvisor.

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Catamaran & Sailing $$$

Sailing Manuel Antonio

Quepos

A private sailing and catamaran charter company departing from Marina Pez Vela in Quepos that offers morning, sunset, and full-day charters along the coast between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. Whale watching is a seasonal specialty from July through October and December through February when humpbacks pass through. All boats carry snorkeling gear, fishing rods, and optional stand-up paddleboards.

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Catamaran & Sailing $$$

Sea Quest Catamaran

Quepos

A 55-foot, 100-passenger catamaran running morning and afternoon 3.5 to 4 hour cruises from Quepos Pier to Manuel Antonio National Park and back, capped at 75 guests per departure for comfort. Trips include a full meal (grilled fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option), snorkeling gear, four alcoholic drinks per guest, and round-trip transportation from Quepos and Manuel Antonio hotels. The boat is also booked for private events with optional DJ service and custom menus.

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Sportfishing $$

Soleil Sport Fishing

Quepos

Year-round sportfishing charter out of Quepos owned by local captain Elier Duran, running a 27-foot center console boat. One of the most heavily reviewed operators in the marina, with 250-plus FishingBooker reviews for both offshore and inshore trips.

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Yoga & Retreats $$$

Soul Root Collective

Manuel Antonio

A Yoga Alliance registered school and wellness center in Manuel Antonio offering 200-hour teacher training intensives, multi-day retreats with meals and sound healing, and individual yoga classes from a private jungle villa with an octagonal yoga shala overlooking a waterfall. Upcoming programs include a July 2026 teacher training and an October 2026 wellness retreat. The center also offers spa treatments and wellness consultations.

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Zipline & Canopy $$

Sukia Park Zip Line Canopy Tour

Manuel Antonio

Sukia Park is a wildlife refuge and zip line canopy tour located directly in Manuel Antonio, combining 10 zip lines, 16 tree platforms, four suspension bridges, and an optional 100-foot waterfall rappel with a butterfly garden and a lagoon for rescued crocodiles. The park operates under new ownership focused on conservation and education, and also runs standalone jungle day and night walking tours led by certified guides. Landing point for the zip line sits right on the main Manuel Antonio road.

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Catamaran & Sailing $$$

Sunset Sails Tours

Quepos

Sailing tours out of Marina Pez Vela aboard the 49 foot trimaran Lorelei or the 54 foot sailboat Camaradien, with a 3.5 hour morning cruise (9:00 am to 12:30 pm) and an afternoon sunset cruise (2:00 pm to 6:00 pm). Trips include hotel transportation, snorkeling equipment, fruit, snacks, drinks, and a meal, with dolphin watching along the Manuel Antonio coast. Listed with the Costa Rica Tourism Board.

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Sportfishing $$$

Sweet Dreams Sportfishing

Quepos

Captain Carlos Picado runs a 2004 Cabo 35 Express powered by twin Cummins 430 hp engines out of Marina Pez Vela. The boat holds up to 6 guests and offers half-day inshore (5 hours), 3/4-day, and full-day offshore (9 hours) charters targeting sailfish, marlin, dorado, tuna, and roosterfish.

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Surf School $$

Tico Surf School

Manuel Antonio

Surf school founded by native Quepos surfer Ronald, offering beginner through advanced group and private lessons on the gentle waves of Playa Espadilla, plus surfboard and beach chair rentals. Lessons run about 90 minutes for group sessions or 1 hour for private lessons, with on-land training before entering the water. The school books through its own website and is listed on Google, Facebook, Instagram, and TripAdvisor.

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Zipline & Canopy $$$

Titi Canopy Tour

Quepos

The closest zipline course to Manuel Antonio, located about 5 minutes from downtown Quepos near the airport, which cuts out the 45 minute to 1 hour drive other canopy tours require. The roughly 3 hour ICT certified tour runs 13 ziplines and accepts kids from age 5.

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Sportfishing $$$

Top Notch Fishing Costa Rica

Quepos

Owner-operated 45-foot Viking custom sportfisher out of Marina Pez Vela, run by Captain Rolando Gonzales Cruz with 35-plus years on the local grounds. Full-day offshore charters include all tackle (Penn and Shimano), bait, hot lunch, and drinks. Current ownership has operated under this name since 2022.

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ATV & UTV $$$

Vacation Buggy Tours

Manuel Antonio

Vacation Buggy runs custom-built ATV limousine buggy excursions that seat up to 14 guests across one or two vehicles, aimed at families and groups who want to tour together rather than ride solo four-wheelers. Trips include a jungle and waterfall route and a shorter welcoming tour around Quepos and Manuel Antonio. The company has held TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence for multiple consecutive years.

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Spice & Farm Tour $$

Villa Vanilla Rainforest Spices

Quepos

A 155-acre family farm founded in 1987 that grows more than 20 products including vanilla, Ceylon cinnamon, cacao, black pepper, and turmeric. The two-hour guided walk follows an epiphyte garden path with hands-on stops and a tasting platform where pastry staff serve vanilla, cinnamon, and chocolate preparations. Tours run Monday through Saturday; closed Sunday.

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Tour Agency $$

Voyagez Futé au Costa Rica

Dominical

An independent, French-speaking travel agency and tour operator founded by Emilie Verhee, a 14-year Costa Rica expat based in Dominical. Books nature excursions, guided national park visits, and whale/dolphin tours across multiple regions, plus custom day-by-day itinerary planning as a standalone paid service.

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Yoga & Retreats $$

Yoga con Cyn

Manuel Antonio

Private yoga instruction run by Cyn, a certified teacher offering Vinyasa Flow, Power Yoga, Yin Yoga, and Hot Yoga classes at hotels, rental villas, and Airbnbs across Manuel Antonio since 2012. Sessions run 60 minutes and are booked directly by email, with classes also held on the beach.

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Zipline & Canopy $

Zip Coaster

Quepos

Also known as the Avatar Zip Coaster, this attraction runs a seated, self-braking coaster cable that dives and turns through the jungle canopy rather than a straight zipline, located on the main road just below El Avion and El Wagon restaurants. Also offers a slower pedal-powered option for wildlife viewing.

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