Mangrove lagoon of Manuel Antonio National Park
Nature spot · Central Pacific
About 18 hectares of red and other mangroves line the trails that run behind Playa Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur. The roots shelter crabs, small fish and mollusks, and it is a good stretch for spotting wildlife.
closed on Tuesdays; open Wed–Mon 7:00–15:00; outside food and drinks are not allowed
- Cost
- about $18
- Time there
- 20 min
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 7 / 10
- View
- 5 / 10
- Crowds
- 4 / 10
- Swimming
- 0 / 10
- Effort
- 1 / 10
- Location
- 9.386581, -84.145486 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Entry
- $16 for visitors · ₡1,600 for residents · foreigners 2–12: $5 + IVA, under 2 free; residents 6–12: ₡500, under 6 and over 65 free · park entry only; foreign prices are + IVA (13%)
- Payment
- online
- Tickets
- Online only, book ahead
- Parking
- No parking
- Facilities
- restrooms, showers, lockers, food, drinking water
- Kids
- Good for kids
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Bring
- ticket bought online at serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr, ID or passport, reusable water bottle
- Fewer people
- come at the 7:00 opening; September–October is the quietest period
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
Walk the beach trails slowly and quietly; most animals here are spotted from the path by people who stop and wait.
Be careful
Stay on the trail and out of the mangrove water.
Getting there
Inside Manuel Antonio National Park: tickets online only, closed on Tuesdays.
Places nearby
- Restaurante Marlin (Playa Espadilla)Food & CoffeeBeachfront restaurant facing Playa Espadilla, known for grilled calamari, octopus, whole fried fish and fish casados at fair prices, with cold beer and piña coladas and a relaxed family atmosphere.
- Morpho Beach BarFood & CoffeeOpen-air beach bar and restaurant steps from Playa Espadilla near the park entrance, with live music and salsa nights; howler monkeys and birds in the trees around.
- Aguas Azules Parasailing (Playa Espadilla)Surf, Boats & Diving · from $40Parasailing from Playa Espadilla with 10-13 minute flights over the Manuel Antonio coast, plus jet ski rentals and tours, banana boat, snorkeling, surf lessons and a sunset cruise.
- Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest ResortStaysSustainable luxury resort set in 11 acres of rainforest next to Manuel Antonio, with direct access to two beaches.
- La Terraza Café Bar RestauranteFood & CoffeeTerrace restaurant next to Hotel La Arboleda with a wide Pacific view; best known as a sunset spot.
- Si Como No Resort & Wildlife RefugeStaysEco-minded resort on the Manuel Antonio hillside with its own wildlife refuge.
Sources: https://www.sinac.go.cr/EN-US/ac/acopac/pnma/pages/default.aspx · https://www.komoot.com/highlight/7325529