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Activities, Nature Tours & Wildlife at Arenas del Mar Resort,
Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers much more than just “drinks by the pool” and tropical beaches. Our country is famous for its flora and fauna and Arenas Del Mar Beach & !ature Resort is the perfect base from which to explore its natural treasures. We invite you to become active, have fun and learn about Costa Rica, its people, nature and culture…
Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort offers you the most exuberant flora and fauna in the country. We invite you to explore Manuel Antonio, one of the most famous National Parks in Costa Rica. Many first-time visitors to Costa Rica plan their vacation around seeing the park, and it is no surprise why: the views from the hills overlooking Manuel Antonio are spectacular, the beaches are idyllic, and its jungles are inhabited by howler, white-faced, and squirrel monkeys, sloths and parrots, among other forms of exotic wildlife. You are invited to experience and taste the sights and sounds of a tropical rainforest that grows right down to the white sands and crystal clear water of the beaches. You will also be supporting the Costa Rican National Parks system and contributing to the conservation of our natural resources. By protecting the flora and fauna, you are ensuring that future generations will have the same opportunity to experience the magnificent biodiversity of Costa Rica.
Our hotel has a resident naturalist guide that is always available in case you have questions about nature or tours. If you want to get in touch with him just ask at the front desk! He will be more than happy to answer all your questions!
Onsite Guided Tours
Manuel Antonio National Park Tour
Early in the morning or in the afternoon, enjoy the charms of Manuel Antonio National Park, with its striking white-sand beaches, clear tranquil waters and abundant wildlife. Though the highlights of this park are its two white sand beaches Espadilla Sur and Manuel Antonio - it also protects coastal rain forest, a mangrove swamp, coral formations and 12 islands that serve as seabird sanctuaries. Our guide will teach you about the park's distinctive plant life and point out some of the resident fauna, which include 109 mammal species, including 3 species of monkeys, agouti, three-toed sloth and 184 species of birds.
“Besides spotting the wildlife in the part with our guide, we enjoyed the time to hang out at the beach and swim in the calm waters of the park. This is a “must do” tour here in Manuel Antonio.”
“We did the tour with the hotel’s onsite guide and it was an incredible experience! 100% recommended.”
What to bring: sun block, hiking shoes or hiking sandals, insect repellent, binoculars, hat, swimsuit, towel, camera and plastic bags for your camera.
Departure time: 8:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m. (park closed on Mondays)
Arrival time: 11:45 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.
Driving time: 15 minutes
Length of tour: 3-4 hours
Difficulty Level: low
Includes: transportation, bilingual guide, entrance fee and snack.
Manuel Antonio National Park Private Tour
A hike which captivates your spirit, taking you deep into the jungle and alongside beautiful white sand beaches. Your guide will point out the abundance of wildlife that lives in the area, including monkeys, sloths and agoutis. Over 100 types of birds live in the Park and your guide will point them out to you, along the way. Having a private tour of Manuel Antonio allows you to set the pace and is a chance for a one-on-one experience with you and your guide, which is an uncommon, but very special, opportunity. You will be able to choose what you would like to do during the hike, whether it’s spending more time at the beach or further exploring the jungle. This tour will captivate you, leaving you with unforgettable memories to take back home.
“Having the undivided attention from our guide was worth the extra cost of the tour. We learned more about wildlife and the ecosystems then during the rest of our trip in Costa Rica.”
What to bring: sun block, hiking shoes or hiking sandals, insect repellent, binoculars, hat, swimsuit, towel, camera and plastic bags for your camera.
Departure time: at your discretion (park closed on Mondays)
Driving time: 15 minutes
Length of tour: 3-4 hours
Difficulty Level: low
Includes: transportation, bilingual guide, entrance fee and snack.
Early Bird Watching Tour
Costa Rica is a birder's paradise. With over 856 different species, you just need to go for a short walk to see a multitude of colorful exotic birds. Here, in Arenas Del Mar, the trees, bushes and flowers planted just outside your room, were chosen because they attract different species of tanager, euphonias, flycatchers, robins, woodpeckers and over 180 different species of birds. During the early hike we usually see monkeys, sloths and agoutis as well. Come and join us for a fascinating nature experience!
“We are not expert birders, but to be out in nature bright and early and learn about the different varieties of birds has been a great experience that I would not have wanted to miss on my trip.”
“We say at least 30 different bird species on the property grounds. Amazing!”
What to bring: bottle of water, hiking boots or tennis shoes, camera, binoculars, light clothing.
Departure time: 6:00 a.m.
Arrival time: 7:30 a.m.
Driving time: none (onsite tour)
Length of tour: 1.5 hours
Difficulty Level: low
Rainforest Hawk’s Trail
This tour is designed to provide nature experiences in the tropical rainforest to families with children of all ages. The tour is on the grounds of Arenas del Mar and can be shortened or extended according to the families’ interest and energy level. Leave at the reception building and head down to the river and eventually the Playitas beach. Our expert nature guide will explain the flora and fauna of the tropical rainforest where the resort is situated. You will be surprised how much there is to see, hear, touch and smell. It has been said that going into the rainforest without a guide is like going to a library without knowing how to read. There is a good chance of seeing a variety of birds and wild animals on this tour.
“This was the highlight of our Costa Rica trip for our 5 and 8 year old children. The tour is ideal for children and we loved how learning about nature was presented in such a fun way.”
“A unique way of having children learn about the rainforest!”
What to bring: bottle of water, hiking boots or tennis shoes, camera, binoculars, light clothing.
Departure time: upon request
Driving time: none (onsite tour)
Length of tour: 1 hour
Difficulty Level: low
Tortillas at Petatillo
Join our onsite guides for an authentic Tico experience. This walking tour takes you around our property and behind the scenes to Petatillo, home to many of our staff. You will learn about Costa Rican customs and discover the meaning behind our national symbols. We will show you how tortillas are made the old fashion way, and if so inclined you will make your own tortilla and savor it with a good cup of coffee or a cup of agua dulce ("sweet water"), just like our grandparents used to do.
“This is a great way to interact with the employees behind the scenes and learn about Costa Rican culture. If you want to go a bit beyond being a tourist, I strongly recommend this tour.”
“I loved to get to know a few of the staff members I would have never met during my stay. The tortilla making was awesome.”
What to bring: camera.
Departure time: 2:30 p.m.
Arrival time: 3:30 p.m.
Driving time: none (onsite tour)
Length of tour: 1 hour
Difficulty Level: low
Includes: interpretative guide, history and national symbols explanation, fresh tortillas and coffee.
“Easy Being Green” Tour
Learn about history, nature, and green practices all in one. We will take you behind the scenes and show you how being green can be easy! You will see our native plant nursery and butterfly farm; and in the vermiculutre and compost area we'll show you what we do with our organic wastes. In our recycling center we'll share our philosophy for reducing waste and saving energy; and lastly, key bits of history about Costa Rica, Quepos, and our hotel will come alive in our museum. This unique experience will show you how your stay at Arenas Del Mar, while relaxing and fun, is also having a positive impact on our environment.
“We learned a lot about how this hotel is very sustainable and hope to take back some of those practices home with us and apply in our everyday lives.”
“Great change to get to know the staff in charge of the gardens, waste separation and much more and the importance of their jobs.”
What to bring: camera.
Departure time: 1:00 p.m.
Arrival time: 2:00 p.m.
Driving time: none (onsite tour)
Length of tour: 1 hour
Difficulty Level: low
Hanging Bridges and Waterfalls
For those who love nature and hiking, the Rainmaker Reserve is just the right tour! Hand rails and easy to follow footpaths, along with observation platforms, allow you to observe waterfalls, discover the area’s rich biodiversity and explore the majesty of the forest from a bird’s eye view. The Rainmaker is a 1,500-acre reserve mainly consisting of primary rainforest and home to thousands of unique plant species, many varieties of birds, morpho butterflies, and the colorful poison dart frog. The Canopy Bridge system consists of suspension bridges of six sections total, spanning from platforms attached to massive hardwood trees to create the most impressive canopy walk in Costa Rica. At the end of the walk, there are several beautiful waterfalls where you can a refreshing dip.
“Wow! The views of the primary rainforest from the bridges were breathtaking…Morpho butterflies fluttered around us and birds chirped overhead as we easily hiked along the paths.”
“The flora and fauna were remarkable. Our favorite part was the hanging bridges – we were really able to experience the natural world at their level.”
What to bring: sun block, swimsuit, towel, hiking shoes, insect repellent, camera, binoculars and hat.
Departure time: 8:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.
Arrival time: 12:30 a.m. & 5:00 p.m.
Driving time: 30 minutes
Length of tour: 4 hours
Tours Offered by the Community
Mountain Adventure Tour
Experience a unique piece of Costa Rican rural heritage on a country drive just an hour away from Quepos. This guided nature, conservation and cultural expedition takes you along the Fila Chonta Mountain Range. Explore a 3 kilometer nature trail where the guide will share its knowledge on this pristine mountain sanctuary. Different activities are offered while the tour takes place: swimming in the waterfall natural pools, organic tilapia fishing, horseback riding or a visit to a typical sugar cane mill. Submerge yourself on the real ‘pura vida’ meaning!
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, drinks, transportation and bilingual guide.
Driving time: 1 hour
What to Bring: Comfortable clothes, tennis or hiking shoes, sun block, towel, extra change of clothes.
Departure Time: 7:30 a.m. // Arrival Time: 3:00 p.m.
Length of Tour: 8 Hours.
Surf Lessons
Surfing is one of the healthiest and most natural sports. It gets you in shape, gives you a nice tan, and most of all is FUN! From kids to grandpas, pros to novices, we have you covered. Playa Espadilla has wonderful right and left breaks on its different points, “El Frente ” is great for beginners with perfect breaking 2 to 5 feet waves! Before you get into the water, our bilingual instructors will give you a safety talk, some theory and demonstrate the first steps of surfing and after that you are ready to try out your first waves.
Includes: A/C vehicle, surf board, leash, lycra top, beverages, snacks and a surf instructor.
Driving time: 30 minutes.
Departure Time: Upon Request
LENGTH OF TOUR: 3 hours.
WHAT TO BRING: Appropriate swimsuit (make sure it won’t fall-off with the waves), towel, waterproof sun protection and camera.
White Water Rafting - Savegre
The rivers of Costa Rica are famous for their White Water Rafting and the Savegre River is renowned in the world. This full day adventure will take you on a journey of unsurpassed beauty, jungle vegetation and exploding whitewater. At the lower Savegre, the whitewater rapids are exiting but no so demanding and you will have time to enjoy the spectacular tropical scenery. This is one of the most pristine rivers in the country and lurking just behind the shroud of lush foliage, you will find a number of truly magnificent waterfalls. Get to explore the natural swimming pools in the area surrounded by blooming heliconias! Class: II-III.
Includes: river gear, soft drinks & fruits, bilingual guide & air-conditioned transportation.
Driving time: 60 minutes
Departure Time: 8:00 a.m. // Arrival Time: 4:00 p.m.
LENGTH OF TOUR: Full day.
WHAT TO BRING: Rubber-soled shoes, swimsuit, shorts of a quick-drying material, hat with a brim for sun, towel, waterproof sun protection, T-shirt is optional. Bring an extra change of dry clothes for after rafting.
Horseback Riding
Experience a picturesque ride through the jungles and hills to nearby waterfalls and explore exuberant natural world of tropical plants and wildlife in a non-intrusive manner. Discover the secrets of the forest; learn about medicinal and curative plants. Find toucans in our exotic primary forest. Time for a swim! Enjoy a relaxing stay at waterfalls and natural pristine pools.
Includes: transportation, bilingual guides, horseback riding equipment, fruit, snacks, beverages and Costa Rican Typical lunch or dinner.
Driving time: 45 minutes
Departure Time: 8:00 a.m. // Arrival Time: 1:00 p.m.
LENGTH OF TOUR: Half day.
WHAT TO BRING: Long pants, sturdy footwear (not sandals), hat/visor, swimsuit, sunscreen and camera. A change of clothes is recommended.
White Water Rafting - Naranjo
If you are looking for more action and higher adrenaline then it is only 30minutes away from the Manuel Antonio / Quepos area where the Naranjo River forms the natural southern border of Manuel Antonio National Park. The Naranjo River drops steeply from the coastal mountain range above Quepos through a beautiful jungle gorge, and takes you on a wild ride to sea level passing nearby farmlands and palm plantations. These are 8 miles of whitewater and famous rapids. The river banks are overgrown with jungle and the canyon walls meet the water at 90 degree angles. The whitewater, jungle, canyon, and sky make for an unforgettable day. Class: III – IV
Includes: river gear, soft drinks & fruits, bilingual guide & air-conditioned transportation.
Driving time: 45 minutes
Departure Time: 7:00 a.m. // Arrival Time: 12:30 p.m.
LENGTH OF TOUR: Half day.
WHAT TO BRING: Rubber-soled shoes, swimsuit, shorts of a quick-drying material, hat with a brim for sun, towel, waterproof sun protection, T-shirt is optional. Bring an extra change of dry clothes for after rafting.
Butterflies Botanical Garden & Amphibians Aquatic Garden
We all appreciate the magnificent butterflies we see in the wild, but do you know how they hatch and how long they can live? Visit the first butterfly garden and private nature reserve tour in Manuel Antonio and find more than 20 species (such as the famous Monarch butterfly and the Blue Morpho) inside a uniquely designed 1,000 sq. foot atrium garden. You will also learn about Tropical Aquatic Gardens where a variety of species of frogs and toads live; including the red-eyed tree frog, the glass tree frog and the wet forest toad, all endemic species of Costa Rica. The tour also offers the opportunity to see the reptiles’ exhibition. This experience can also be enjoyed at night and experience the thrill of the wild nocturnal life.
Includes: air-conditioned transportation, bilingual guide and entrance fee.
Driving time: 10 minutes
Departure Time: 8:30 a.m. // 12:30 p.m.
LENGTH OF TOUR: 1 to 3 Hours.
WHAT TO BRING: Cool comfortable clothes and shoes, hat & sun block.
Damas Island Mangrove by Kayak
This is a once in a life time opportunity to be within arms reach of the spectacular nature of the mangroves. Kayaking through this unique and protected inland waterway is truly a great adventure. You will combine adventure with education, as the Damas Island Mangroves is the perfect place to learn about one of the most important ecosystems in the world, the Mangrove Forest. Enjoy the enchanting, primordial mangrove estuary and observe fascinating wildlife such as the whiteface capuchin monkeys and a vast array of birds. Board your kayak for a relaxing enjoyable trip exploring wild jungle waterways, which you cannot normally reach. You will paddle in a sit-on-top kayak, under the shade of the tall mangroves, but if you prefer you can travel by motor boat instead of a kayak.
Includes: transportation, bilingual guide, equipment and tropical fruit buffet.
Driving time: 30 minutes
Departure Time: Depending on tides schedule
LENGTH OF TOUR: Half day.
WHAT TO BRING: Cool comfortable clothes and shoes, sun block, insects repellent, hat, binoculars and camera.
Canopy Tour
Sail high above the rainforest canopy and experience the jungle from its richest perspective. Drive for approximately one hour to the ranch house, snugly set beside a freshwater stream at the base of a mountain, where you’ll be served a delicious typical breakfast or lunch (depending on tour time). You will be led through magical trails that gently wind through the forest, where you can see poison dart frogs, toucans, squirrel monkeys and more tropical plants than you can believe! Then you will have the adventure of your life, flying from platform to platform at the very top of the rainforest canopy. Featuring: 21 Platforms, 9 zip lines, 2 repel lines, one suspension bridge, and one “Tarzan Swing”.
Includes: breakfast or lunch, air conditioned transportation, equipment and bilingual guide.
Driving time: 45 minutes
Departure Time: 6:50 a.m. - 9:50 a.m. // Arrival Time: 12:30 p.m - 3:30 p.m.
LENGTH OF TOUR: Half day.
WHAT TO BRING: Long pants, sun block. comfortable shoes or tennis shoes, camera, insect repellent
Spices, Garden & Flavors Tour
Villa Vanilla is located 10 miles east in the foothills overlooking Manuel Antonio National Park. The farm consists of 27 acres in tropical agriculture production surrounded by 125 acres of primary and secondary rainforest. This farm is certified organic/biodynamic by Demeter USA.
This tour offers you the opportunity to experience the sights, tastes and aromas of tropical spices, essential oil plants, sustainable farming practices, spice drying and packaging. Crops include vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa, black pepper, allspice plus a variety of exotic fruits, essential oil and medicinal plants.
Tour begins in the post harvest/warehouse where you will observe spice drying, processing and packaging. Then you will enter the plantation by way of our unique “Epiphyte Trail”, (Orchids, Bromeliads & Tilandsias) where you will smell and taste aromatic spices and herbs. Then we continue past our pasture and fish pond on to savor vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate treats and mountain vistas.
Departure Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. // Arrival Time: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
LENGTH OF TOUR: 3 Hours.
WHAT TO BRING: Comfortable clothes, tennis or hiking shoes, sun block, insect repellent, cash for shopping vanilla beans and extracts (they don’t take credit cards).
Whale Watching Tour
In the Whale Watching Tour you will experience one of the greatest moments of nature. This tour will bring you to some of the most beautiful spots along the pacific coast of Costa Rica, which includes the Marino Bahia Ballena National Park. If the boat captain sees the conditions safe to do so, he will allow you to get off the boat and swim around, where you may be able to listen the whale sounds and you could also have the opportunity of seeing dolphins swimming close by.
The whales can be normally seen from November to March and from July to September. In this tour you can usually see Humpback and Pilot Whales. Dolphins are seen all year around. Our recommendation is to visit between December and February and during August and September, as this has been the time where whales have been mostly seen. However, please always have in mind that this is nature and it may vary without notice.
Includes: Lunch, transportation, bilingual guide, snack, snorkel equipment.
Recommendations: total door to door time of tours is of about 6 hours, please inquire at the Front Desk and we will gladly give important facts, tips and feedback on the tour and if it is accessible and recommendable based on your needs and interests.
Departure Time: Available upon request. // Driving time
LENGTH OF TOUR: Full Day.
WHAT TO BRING: Sunblock, hat or cap, shorts, sandals, swimsuit, camera, towel, extra changing of clothes, etc.
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