Manuel Antonio - Getting There
Obviously the first step in getting to the Manuel Antonio National Park is getting yourself to Costa Rica. The good news is that for a U.S. citizen that’s fairly easy. There are no visa requirements or international driver license requirements (your U.S. driver license is valid). Really all you need is a return ticket back to the States.
Assuming you’re landing in the San Jose airport as we did you’ll have about a 3 hours drive ahead of you. A couple of things to note about driving in Costa Rica. The ‘rules of the road’ are more like ‘suggestions of the road’. You’ll be passed on the left and right. Be prepared to stop at a moment’s notice; you can suddenly be confronted with men pushing a wheel burrow down the road, cows being herded down the streets, or perhaps someone in a wheelchair making their way down the street. Be prepared for anything!
Finally, have some local currency (colons) on hand. You’ll pass through many toll booths. My biggest fear was holding up the line of locals while I fished for the toll money.
Support
Our mission is a labor of love, but it does come with overhead. If you’d like to support our efforts we’d certainly appreciate it. Currently, we’re actively participating in the following field research:
- COASST Beached Bird Surveys
- Wild and Scenic River Project
Thank you.
Maneul Antonio - Diversity
Manuel Antonio is the most popular National Park along with Ticos. One reason for this is the unspoiled beaches that lie within easy walking distance of the entrance station. The overhanging palms are a refreshing break from the condos, bars, discos, hotels, and restaurants surrounding the park.
Red-backed squirrel monkeys are a big attraction, surviving only in Corcovado, and Manuel Antonio. The park is actually too small to support a viable population, and the monkeys travel to surrounding areas aided by aerial bridges over the road sponsored by local school children. White-faced Capuchin and Mantled Howler Monkeys commonly hang around the entrance station looking for handouts (it is illegal to feed wildlife). Two- and Three-toed Sloths, Raccoons, White-nosed Coatis, and Agoutis are other common mammals.
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One of the best things about volunteering for citizen-science projects is the opportunity to spend time in some truly breathtaking places. And with fall just around the corner, it's an especially beautiful time to be outdoors. There's nothing quite like watching the leaves change colors and feeling that fresh autumn breeze on your face. It's a great way to connect with nature and make a difference at the same time.
Our only tide window to conduct this month’s #COASST bird survey was just before sunset. Not only did we have the beach to ourselves, but we were rewarded with this view when we rounded the point. Had to pause the survey and just enjoy the view and tranquility.
We're spending the weekend exploring the 'Great Bend' of Hood Canal. We found a nice private campground to base out of. This is just one of the many views to be found on North Shore Drive.
Taking a brief pause to appreciate the beautiful sunset on the Long Beach Peninsula.
I recently went hiking in the Olympic Peninsula forests and stumbled upon this beautiful waterfall. It was such a serene and peaceful spot, and I felt so lucky to have found it. There are so many hidden gems to discover when exploring the great outdoors!
With the hot weather we've endured, I'm looking forward to Fall and the dramatic weather. Here's a sunset over North Head Lighthouse.
After a short hike along Murhut Creek, which originates from a narrow basin on the south side of the lower Duckabush River valley, we arrived at the lower half of Murhut Falls. The falls consist of two sections with a combined height of 153 feet, although only the lower half was visible from our vantage point.
I haven't had the opportunity to take a stroll around Waughop Lake lately, yet I couldn't help but notice the abundant greenery that now adorns the trails.
During our recent camping trip on the Washington coast with friends, we took a bike ride to Cape Disappointment State Park. We came across the Northhead Lighthouse, but unfortunately, it was closed at the time due to an ongoing cliff rescue operation.
Spent an incredible day immersed in nature's wonders with my adventurous partner, Theresa! 🌿🌈 We hiked along the majestic Chehalis River, mesmerized by its crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings. And then, we stumbled upon the magnificent Rainbow Falls waterfall, its cascading waters painting the landscape with vibrant colors! 🏞️💦 Moments like these remind us of the pure magic that awaits when we embrace the great outdoors.
Looking forward to this sunny weekend getaway at Rainbow Falls State Park Exploring the stunning beauty of nature and immersing ourselves in the serenity of the namesake waterfall.
On a sunny day at the beach, the four of us enjoyed riding our bikes along the shoreline, feeling the sun's warmth on our skin. We laughed and chatted as we pedaled, the refreshing sea breeze accompanying us. Eventually, we reached the breathtaking Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, where we paused to take in the stunning view of the sparkling ocean and rugged cliffs. It was a perfect moment of friendship and natural beauty.
I had to stay close to home this weekend, but the Lakewood Summerfest was fun. Hot air balloons lit the venue.
We recently adopted a new #COASST beach for our beaches bird surveys. You can find more articles and photographs in the link above. #YourShotPhotographer #conquernorthwest #nextstop24traveler
A trail leading through the coastal forest on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Read the latest article about our new #COASST beach. Link in the description.
Looking at the turnaround point to our new survey beach, which lies just to the west of Murdock Beach.
Over 350 species of birds call Manuel Antonio home, and many more visit the park. You’ll certainly see brown pelicans fishing offshore, and five species of kingfishers including the brilliant emerald amazon species working the streams and lakes. Despite their brilliant colors, Fiery-billed Aracaris and Chestnut Mandibled Toucans blend with the forest remarkably well. Other species including Lineated Woodpeckers, Barred Woodcreepers, Red-capped Manakins are even harder to spot, and a good guide might help here.
Especially near the shore, iguanas and ctenosaurs are easily spotted. Other reptiles and amphibians including Jesus Christ Lizards, Big-headed Anoles, Leaf Litter Geckos, Smoky Jungle Frogs, and a symbol of the rainforest, the Red-eyed Leaf Frog abound but are more difficult to find.
Manuel Antonio - Do It Over Again?
So, yes, there are a number of reasons to visit Manuel Antonio NP, but it does have a couple of caveats you should be aware of.
Firstly, the last few miles are some of the most nerve-wracking driving I’ve done; narrow, steep, clogged and windy streets lead up the mountainside. And you’ll probably meet a tour bus coming in the opposite direction.
Secondly, once you’re close, or not so close, you’re going to be waylaid by vendors dressed to appear as if they’re park officials directing you to park in their paid parking spot. This is regardless of how many empty spots are available at the park entrance. We just ignored them and kept going. When I mention kept going I mean at the discretion of the crowds blocking the street!
You’re last two hurdles are getting tickets at the park entrance; huge line. It’s well worth purchasing them online if you have a printer available and taking that to the entrance. Otherwise, get in line but make sure you’re in the correct line. When we were there they had one of cash and one for credit.
Finally, it seems everyone is a park guide. Not really but you’ll have multiple offers to guide you through the park. Authentic park guides will have a badge. But the easiest might be to make your arrangments online.
We elected to explore the park without a guide. I can say we saw everything we might have had we walked with a guide, but we enjoyed the freedom of going at our own pace. We saw plenty of wildlife. One last warning….if you have lunch as we did on the beach, keep your head on a swivel! The White-faced Chapins are expert thieves and will relieve you of our food before you know they’re even there.
So would we do it over again? Absolutely!
