ISLAND GUIDE
The tours and day trips worth booking.
The 15 top-rated things to do in Quepos — the boat trips, beach days, volcano hikes and old-town wanders worth building a day around, with real prices and who to book each one with.
Ocean King catamaran in Manuel Antonio: dolphin watch, snorkeling and slides, plus an included fish dinner and 4 cocktails.
Most Popular“They packed a ton in 3+ hours. Saw Humpback Whales, had a delicious early dinner, great drinks, etc.”
All-inclusive Manuel Antonio national park tour from Quepos with binoculars, a naturalist guide, and park admissions included in a 2.5-hour plan.
“Ariell was incredible!!! He was so knowledgeable and passionate about the rainforest. We were able to see so many animals that we would have never seen if we had gone on our own! Best excursion we did while in Costa Rica!”
A guided, customized nature walk in Manuel Antonio with an English-speaking guide, telescope, and wildlife-spotting gear. Park admission extra.
“We had an incredible time with Javier as our guide during our visit to Manual Antonio National Park. We had already pre booked our entrance to the park as we know it sells out, but wanted to make the most of our visit with the help of an expert. (Most guided tours don't include the…”
Beginner-friendly surf lessons at Playa Espadilla Norte with pro coaching, small groups, and a board rental you can keep surfing all day.
“The best. My first surf lesson, and I was nervous. But the owner and his brother (who's a professional surfer and was the instructor) were wonderful. I picked it up much more quickly than I expected. You won't regret going with them!”
Kayak Isla Damas mangroves from Manuel Antonio with Tucanes Tours. Wildlife spotting, tide-timed paddling, lunch or dinner, and pickup included.
“The two tour guides told us a lot about Costa Rica, the surrounding area of Quepos, the animals and the national park. Food and drink were enough and were pretty good.”
A small-group Savegre River rafting day from Manuel Antonio with Class II–III rapids, wildlife spotting, lunch, and photo options for $125.
“Mario was very patient with our special needs 11 year old son. We all had an excellent time and also enjoyed the educational aspect of the drive to the rapids. Excellent experience!”
Relax on Cacha Beach in Manuel Antonio with chairs, umbrella, fruit and water, boogie boards, and flexible time from 1–8 hours for $25.
“We had a great time. Nice that you have a small restaurant next door for food and drinks. We stayed for 5 hours and when we were ready to leave they drove us back to the hotel.”
Peaceful mangrove boat tour on Isla Damas near Manuel Antonio with wildlife, a certified naturalist, and lunch, all with hotel pickup.
“Our Guide was the best. We feek nature, we met quiet and harmony. Very good organization. We spent our time im the wonderfull płace with very profesional and cimunicative Guide Danny.”
Ebano Waterfalls rainforest safari near Quepos: small-group hike at Hacienda Ebano, wildlife spotting, and a double waterfall swim.
“Juan Carlo was a wonderful guide! Very knowledgeable about the environment of Costa Rica. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone.”
Two-hour Manuel Antonio night safari on a private reserve with torch and telescope, round-trip transfers, and changing wildlife sightings.
“We did our tour with Dillion. He was so great, he very clearly loves what he does and his enthusiasm made our tour that much better. We were able to see a sloth, scorpions, snakes, a tarantula, and several tree frogs. We loved this tour so much we told others at our hotel to book,…”
A private morning walk in Hacienda Baru near Manuel Antonio. Spot monkeys, sloths, birds, and more with a phone HD telescope.
“Freddie did an outstanding job as a guide he is amazing at finding wildlife He saw animals that were invisible to us so I would highly recommend if you go here hire Freddy as your guide he grew up on the reserve and knows the area”
Private, one-way transfer by air-conditioned minivan from Manuel Antonio (Quepos) to La Fortuna with hotel pickup and drop-off.
“Hugo was fantastic! He treated our family of 4 with care for the duration of the trip. Our son felt a little carsick for a portion of the drive, and Hugo was very accommodating and helpful. We would highly recommend him!”
Early start, big wildlife chances, and two guided hikes from Quepos to Sirena Ranger Station in Corcovado National Park.
“Amazing experience! Saw whales, tapirs, crocodiles, sloth, birds incl. toucan and all 4 types of monkeys! 2 hr drive to Sierpa and then another 2 hr boat drive just to arrive so it’s a long day but completely worth it!”
Manuel Antonio herping at night: small groups, certified guides, provided flashlights and scope, and a jungle hunt for frogs and snakes.
“Manuel is an amazing and very knowledgeable guide we actually had him on two tours. The jungle is a different experience at night. I”
Paddle Quepos mangroves in a calm kayak, learn from top guides, spot wildlife at Nacarcosta, and finish with farm-grown pineapple.
“Not a lot of distance to cover, but it was fun! The animals weren’t super active, but the kayaks were clean and in good shape.”
Every archipelago, and the best of each island in it.
