THINGS TO DO DURING THE DAY
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK is a MUST MUST MUST SEE/DO!!! You WILL see all sorts of wildlife here – ESPECIALLY if you’re with the right guide!! Hire your own Personal Guide – I hear GREAT things about Gama (8-818-8207 / HolaGama@yahoo.com) who’s $45/per person(includes tickets, water and fruit) for about 3 hours (discounts for groups). Hire a Tour Guide within the park for about 2 hours - $25 (I’ve also seen $39) + $7 ticket/per person (2 person minimum). It's high but WELL worth it!! HOURS: Tues.-Sun. 7am-4pm (you MUST leave BY 4pm as often the incoming tide cuts off the park’s exit and in come the crocodiles!) - CLOSED on Mon. PRICE: $7 entrance. It’s at the Southern end of this area. Better yet – hire Oscar with Enjoying Costa Rica Tours (871-2900) to drive you from wherever to Manuel Antonio and get an EARLY start so he can lead you into the park. I’ve had MANY Guests do this and each time they said that the OTHER “official” park guides were jumping in on Oscars tours!!! He has AMAZING knowledge (but if you go every so often to live in the jungles to learn more – you’d be pretty darn AMAZING also!!!).
BEACHES
WARNING!!! This area has MANY TREACHEROUS WATERS and there are NO LIFEGUARDS on the beach!! I GOT CAUGHT IN A RIP-TIDE HERE!!!!!! BE CAREFUL AND NEVER SWIM WITHOUT OTHERS IN THE WATER AND ON THE BEACH.
Playa Manuel Antonio
Playa Espidillas Sur
Playa Escondido
Playitta (the nude/gay beach is no longer either [though some try but there’s a hotel there now so please be respectful of the hotel guestsl!! It’s VERY treacherous to climb over the rocks & for the tides so be forewarned)
SPICE TOUR
Rainforest Spices (www.RainForestSpices.com / 8-839-2721 / 2-779-1155-farm / vanilla@racsa. co. cr ) - Owner/Manager Henry Karczynski conducts tours of his Organic/Biodynamic spice Farm featuring Vanilla Beans, Cinnamon Sticks, and some other spices/goodies! I’ve heard Henry speak and he’s VERY informative!!
FISHING
There’s some GOOD fishing in this area.
FISHING EQUIPMENT - Quepos – AsoproQuepos
SURFING
Quepos is perfectly positioned for experiencing a number of internationally celebrated surf breaks. Jaco, Hermosa, Esterillos and Dominical are all accessible. The little-known and spectacular Playa del Rey is nearby, and the local Playitas and Bajo breaks are just outside Manuel Antonio National Park. The water is a warm 78-82 degrees year-round. The biggest surf occurs June through August, however the surf is generally consistent at other times. There are a couple of excellent breaks on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, with Salsa Brava at Puerto Viejo being the most famous.
SURFING LESSONS - Playa Espadilla - Head down to the beach just outside Manuel Antonio National Park where you will meet your bilingual instructor and choose just the right board for your size and skill level. Instructors for these Estrella Tour surf lessons are genuine, kind, and good natured souls who share their knowledge and experience in a supportive and caring atmosphere. Local lifeguards, competitive surfers and visiting instructors provide a dynamic learning experience. Instruction is one-on-one and students are often able to stand up and ride a wave by the end of their very first day. A loaner board is provided for 2 hours after each surfing lesson to further hone your skills. Class schedules depend on the local tides. A half day surfing class lasts approximately 3 hours. 1/2 Day Class $55. 3 Days+ $45/day
SURF SHOPS - Burro
ISLA (Island) Damas Estuary
(between Jaco and Quepos) Caimans, Sloths, Crocodiles, Boas, White face monkeys, egrets, Mangroves, Birds, Sea Kayaking (1/2 day tour $70/pp), Swamps (BRING GOOD STRONG mosquito spray!!). 1/2 day Boat Tour - $60-$65 (includes lunch or dinner, transportation and boat/guide). Time varies by tide. Passive activity.
HIKE - Walk the hour-long hike from Playa Espidillas to the top of Punta Catedral enjoying Tide Pools and looking for monkeys and other animals (please do NOT feed the animals!!).
BIOLOGICAL RESERVE - rioSPAraiso Biological Reserve (293-5465 - near Quepos) has a couple tour packages - Their 3-in-1 Tour entails a Canopy Tour, Hot Springs (102ª water) and Horseback Riding (though I heard it could get rather steep!!). The 5-in-1 Tour adds Lunch at Pecari Lodge.
SEA KAYAKING - $65/pp
COASTAL PADDLE - A more challenging open ocean paddle along one of CRs most beautiful coastlines. Nearby islands are nesting sites for boobies and frigate birds. We stop for a swim and snacks in isolated Biesanz Bay and we lunch at the end of the trip, near the National Park of Manuel Antonio. Requirements :Some experience or reasonable fitness as waves and surf are common TOUR HOURS: 8am-noon OR 1-5pm. $65
DOLPHIN WATCH Coast Tour - Marvel At the mysterious islands with their jagged rock formation, towering cliffs and nesting grounds with numerous species of marine birds and their young. Listen to the blowholes; whistle with each surge of the waves. Help us count the varies types of dolphins, and whales that frolic just beyond the islands. Learn interesting facts about the National Park and history of Quepos Indians. Join us and witness those unforgettable offshore sunsets, taking a moment to relax and enjoy another beautiful afternoon in paradise. HOURS: 8:30am-noon, 1-6:30pm or 2pm-sunset. $70
TOCORI WATERFALLS and HORSEBACK RIDING - This horseback riding tour is a half day, through a typical Costa Rican area called Villa Nueva, where you will have a good opportunity to see the local country side and jungle. This excellent tour is 30 minutes driving from Quepos, and includes 1 hour riding, also don’t forget your bathing suit to take a swim in a beautiful waterfall on the way. For birdwatchers we recommend going in the afternoon for a better chance to see toucans and some other exotic birds. HOURS: 8am-1pm and 1:30-5:30pm. Transportation, guide, snacks and lunch or dinner. Requirements : Ability to ride for 1 hour approx. Easy ride. $60
WALK through RANCHO Don Gilberto - An excellent way to explore the plants and animals in the mountainous jungles near Manuel Antonio National. This walk takes you on partly shaded trails, allowing you to explore and discover. Snacks and refreshments are offered during the trip. HOURS: 7:30am-noon. Requirements : None, easy walk. Recommendations: Walking shoes, mosquito repellent hat or visor, and binoculars. $55
ATV TOURS - Drive your own fully-equipped ATV into the rugged mountains of Quepos, where your professional bilingual guides lead you through rustic tropical settings, unpaved roads, giant African Palm Plantations, working cattle farms, and typical Costa Rican towns like Naranjito and Villanueva. Savor the adventure as you ride through muddy trails, crystal clear streams, and winding mountain paths – all surrounded by Costa Rica´s diverse tropical rainforest. Then reward yourself by indulging in two breathtaking waterfalls, where you can swim in refreshing, crystalline waters. End your exotic journey with a delicious Tico-style meal at our private Finca Anita. Relax and unwind in pure tranquility, watching lively birds swoop overhead all while viewing stunning mountain vistas and Costa Rica´s unique tropical rain forest ecosystem. Overall, this is a Costa Rican adventure not to be missed! $95/1, $120/double (2 on one atv).
SAIL TOURS - Your adventure aboard our sail ships begins as you sail down the scenic coast, past the beautiful beaches and islands of Manuel Antonio Park. As the boats glides quietly under sail you’ll probably see dolphins which frequently swim in the boat’s bow wake. Occasional whales and giant sea turtles are a special thrill, and the ever present abundance of sea birds are enjoyed by even the most avid wildlife enthusiast. Our professional crew will guide you through this aquatic paradise while attending to your safety and comfort. They will personally serve you plentiful portions of delicious food, in the tradition of the great cruise ships but with a homemade touch. Good cooled beer, long drinks and soft drinks are included. On the morning and sunset cruise you will stop in a scenic jungle bay where you can swim or snorkel in the calm, refreshing water. All of your snorkel gear is provided just bring a towel and your swim dress with you. Also necessary is, that you have a good sun protection crème. On the sunset sail, after dinner, you may view one of the often spectacular sunsets. It is truly a romantic ending to a memorable day in paradise. $69.
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SCUBA DIVING Trip - For clients taking our Discover Scuba Diving Course or involved with other courses, Pick up time may be as early as 7am. The dive shop is the first stop: all divers must complete some simple paperwork. This is a PADI guideline. At this time we also get equipment sizing if it wasn’t taken on the reservation phone call. Within a few minutes the divers will be on their way to the pier where the dive team will welcome them on the boat. All gear will be prepared and ready for the divers. The first dive site is within 15 to 25 minutes. As we leave the pier the PADI Certified Dive master or Instructor onboard will brief the divers as to where the dive site is and their expectations. Divers begin to suit up, and go down for their first dive. Upon completion of the first dive the divers have fruits, juices and water during the surface interval, along with a fresh water shower. Surface time is spent cruising the Manuel Antonio waters, visiting with the Dolphins and the Whales, as we cruise around the park. Within 30 to 45 minutes we are ready for dive #2 at a different dive site. Once again the divers will get a briefing from the Divemaster. Upon completion of dive #2 the boat begins its return to the pier; transportation will be waiting for the clients. There will be a brief stop at the dive shop for divers to complete logbooks, then back to your hotel.
Fun Dive: for certified divers, includes total equipment package. 2-tank dive. $100
Discover Scuba Diving Course: 5 hours with instruction and dives, includes scuba lesson at the pool, with 2 ocean dives. Must dive with dive instructor no deeper then 40ft/12mtr. All equipment included. $175
HOURS dive times are 8am and 1pm (Pick up times are scheduled 45 minutes prior to the dive time).
SHOPS
MANUEL ANTONIO - On beach next to sidewalk (near Mono Loco and Marlin) - street artists. Souvenirs - Cay Costa. Art Gallery at Se Como No.
QUEPOS (downtown) - BEST area for Souvenirs – L’Aventura (in front of Hotel Kanuk – 2-777-1019 / 2-777-2472). Italian Clothes (men and women) - La Dolce Vita. Italian Clothes (male, female, kids) - Jungle Avenue. Lots of small Art Galleries.
RESTAURANTS
FAV RESTAURANTS:
ITALIAN Gato Negro at Tutu's Gay Bar (open to everyone). Aromas de Luz Hamburgo - They also have Movie Night every night at 9pm.
BREAKFAST Cafe Milagro. Condominiums Tulemar have a DELISH Breakfast BUFFET for $10 and spectacular ocean views (open to the public)
BURGERS Agua Azul
GRILL Steakhouse & seafood on the grill - La Cantina.
Barba Roja - REALLY good - also great for sunset & they have the BEST Nachos
INTERNATIONAL Bamboo Jam (the BEST restaurant in town, classier crowd. Live Latin Music on Tues. & Fri. 9pm-1am)(FRENCH).
ITALIAN / PIZZA Escalo Frio.
LIVE MUSIC Dos Locos (Quepos) - Wed. & Fri. 7-10pm
LIVE DANCING Salsa & Merengue Music for Dancing - Rio Azul (Quepos?)
LUNCH Marlin's on the Beach.
SEAFOOD Mar y Luna
Barba Roja - REALLY good - also great for sunset & they have the BEST Nachos.
Se Como No Hotel - one of 2 different restaurants at this hotel.
TAPAS Salsipuedes.
TEX MEX Se Como No Hotel - one of 2 different restaurants at this hotel
VIEWS - Agua Azul - AMAZING VIEWS
PLACES THAT WILL COOK THE FISH YOU CATCH - El Gran Escape, Banco Bar, Dos Locos
OTHER RESTAURANTS:
2x1 Pizza (2-777-4236) - PIZZA, buy one pizza – get the 2nd one FREE! ITALIAN. EXPRESS (800-621-2121). HOURS: Daily 7am-11pm.
Agua Azul - AMAZING VIEWS
Bamboo Jam - I’ve heard a few people refer to it as the BEST restaurant in town with a classier crowd. FRENCH / INTERNATIONAL. LIVE MUSIC (Latin) on Tues. & Fri. 9pm-1am.
Banco Bar - Bring the fish you’ve cooked & they’ll cook it for you!!!
Barba Roja Restaurant & Bar (2-777-0331) - GREAT for SUNSET VIEWS! BEST Nacho’s I’ve heard!! Great fish specials. Closed now for low/green season. GF
DIRECTIONS: in front of Casino Divisamar
Billy Beach’s Karolas (2-777-1557) - SEAFOOD. Award winning Bourbon Molasses BBQ Baby Back RIBS!! They claim they invented the original Coconut Margarita!! Nestled in the jungle el Fresco (open-air). Relaxing music in the background.
DIRECTIONS: in front of Café Milagro
B.S. Bar & Grill (2-77-5280) - AMERICANA, SPORTS BAR, BURGERS, great VIEWS - Across from Latitude 9 Realty
Cafe Milagro - Good for BREAKFAST
Coconuts on the Beach
Condominiums Tulemar has a DELISH Breakfast BUFFET for $10 and spectacular ocean views (open to the public)
Dos Locos (2-777-1526) - QUEPOS – MEXICAN. Bring the fish you’ve cooked & they’ll cook it for you – COOK YOUR CATCH!!! LIVE MUSIC Wed. & Fri. 7-10pm
El Avion (the Airplane) (http://CostaVerde.com/avion01.htm / 2-777-0584 / reservations@CostaVerde.com ) - Located at the Costa Verde Hotel - this restaurant, bar, coffee store has a VERY scandalous story behind it!!). GREAT for SUNSET!! The hotel now has a 2-bedroom Boeing 727 Fuselage Suite made out of a REAL airplane (for just $400-$500+/night - http://CostaVerde.com/727.html)
El Gran Escape (2-777-0395) - QUEPOS – Oceanfront in the center. Bring the fish you’ve cooked & they’ll cook it for you – COOK YOUR CATCH!!! FRESH SEAFOOD. Tropical Sushi popular
Escalo Frio - ITALIAN / PIZZA
Gato Negro Restaurant & Bar (2-777-0408) - Get`s busy every night around midnight. GF
DIRECTIONS: in front of the airplane
La Cantina - STEAK house & SEAFOOD on the grill
La Hacienda Restaurant (2-777-3473) - GF.
DIRECTIONS: Plaza Yara
Latin Lounge - On the Hill side of the road north of Café Milagro. VERY good food and it is a good value!! YUMMM Fish Sandwich with freshly-made plantain chips!! On Thurs. night they have something Jwatson referred to as “a great dinner table for gays” saying it’s a great way to meet locals and other gay visitors and to ask Jim or Eric for details.
Mar Luna Restaurant (2-777-5107) - SEAFOOD and meat specialties. Claim to have the tastiest Mariscada? Tropical Acoustic Music. GF
DIRECTIONS: Near the School of Manuel Antonio on the main road. 150 mts North of the school
Marlin's on the Beach - Especially good for Lunch
Mono Loco - a rancho at the end of the beach - opening soon. If the rumored new manager takes over - this is going to be THE HOT SPOT on the weekends for sunset!!! (for gay & straight!!).
Salsipuedes Cantina (2-777-5019) - Great prices on "bocas"/TAPAS that you can make into meals. AWESOME ocean views!! GF
Se Como No Hotel - one of 2 different restaurants at this hotel has TexMex
QUEPOS
MEXICAN - Dos Locos (2-777-1526) - LIVE MUSIC Wed. & Fri. 7-10pm (coupon for free margarita with dinner at http://cupotico.com/coupons/business/coupon50/coupon50.html
OTHER RESTAURANTS:
Coconuts on the Beach
Billy Beach’s Karolas - Nestled in the jungle el Fresco (open-air) (2-777-1557) – in front of Café Milagro Relaxing music in the background.
Mono Loco - a rancho at the end of the beach - opening soon. If the rumored new manager takes over - this is going to be THE HOT SPOT on the weekends for sunset!!! (for gay and straight!!).
QUEPOS
MEXICAN - Dos Locos (2-777-1526) - LIVE MUSIC Wed. and Fri. 7-10pm (coupon for free margarita with dinner at www.cupotico.com/coupons/business/coupon50/coupon50.html
HAPPY HOUR
Barba Roja
Salsi Puedas
NIGHTLIFE
Mon. 4-8pm - GAY - VILLA ROCA Gay B&B has their own BAR by the pool though it’s not open to “the public” (but I hear if you stop in and inquire about the property they’ll be happy to give you a little tour and invite you to hang by the bar!!)
4-10pm - Bowling at Bobby D's Bar and Restaurant in Palm Tica (2-777-3202)
9pm - Movie Night - Aromas de Luz Hamburgo
Ladies Night - Byblos Casino
Tues. 10am - Bowling at Bobby D's Bar and Restaurant in Palm Tica (2-777-3202)
4-8pm - GAY - VILLA ROCA Gay B&B has their own BAR by the pool though it’s not open to “the public” (but I hear if you stop in and inquire about the property they’ll be happy to give you a little tour and invite you to hang by the bar!!)
9pm - Movie Night - Aromas de Luz Hamburgo
Ladies Night - The Lounge
Live Latin Music - Bamboo Jam
1-5am - THE After Hours dance club - Arco Iris (VERY mixed! Food is served till 5am also). Big Disco with restaurant outside.
Wed. 4-8pm - GAY - VILLA ROCA Gay B&B has their own BAR by the pool though it’s not open to “the public” (but I hear if you stop in and inquire about the property they’ll be happy to give you a little tour and invite you to hang by the bar!!)
4-10pm - Bowling at Bobby D's Bar and Restaurant in Palm Tica (2-777-3202)
7-10pm - LIVE MUSIC - Dos Locos Mexican Restaurant in Quepos (2-777-1526) (coupon for free margarita with dinner at
9pm - Movie Night - Aromas de Luz Hamburgo
Reggae Night - The Lounge
1-5am - THE After Hours dance club - Arco Iris (VERY mixed! Food is served till 5am also). Big Disco with restaurant outside.
Thurs. 4-8pm - GAY - VILLA ROCA Gay B&B has their own BAR by the pool though it’s not open to “the public” (but I hear if you stop in and inquire about the property they’ll be happy to give you a little tour and invite you to hang by the bar!!)
4-10pm - Bowling at Bobby D's Bar and Restaurant in Palm Tica (2-777-3202)
GAY - Latin Lounge has something Jwatson referred to as “a great dinner table for gays” saying it’s a great way to meet locals and other gay visitors and to ask Jim or Eric for details. He said the food is very good and it is a good value
9pm - Movie Night - Aromas de Luz Hamburgo
DJ playing Gringo Dance and Ladies Night - The Lounge
1-5am - THE After Hours dance club - Arco Iris (VERY mixed! Food is served till 5am also). Big Disco with restaurant outside.
Fri. 4-8pm - GAY - VILLA ROCA Gay B&B has their own BAR by the pool though it’s not open to “the public” (but I hear if you stop in and inquire about the property they’ll be happy to give you a little tour and invite you to hang by the bar!!)
4-10pm - Bowling at Bobby D's Bar and Restaurant in Palm Tica (2-777-3202)
7-10pm - LIVE MUSIC - Dos Locos Mexican Restaurant in Quepos (2-777-1526) (coupon for free margarita with dinner at
9pm - Movie Night - Aromas de Luz Hamburgo
Live Latin Music - Bamboo Jam
Latin Night (DJ) - Barba Roja
1-5am - THE After Hours dance club - Arco Iris (VERY mixed! Food is served till 5am also). Big Disco with restaurant outside.
Sat. 4-8pm - GAY - VILLA ROCA Gay B&B has their own BAR by the pool though it’s not open to “the public” (but I hear if you stop in and inquire about the property they’ll be happy to give you a little tour and invite you to hang by the bar!!)
4-10pm - Bowling at Bobby D's Bar and Restaurant in Palm Tica (2-777-3202)
9pm - Movie Night - Aromas de Luz Hamburgo
Latin Night (DJ) - Barba Roja
1-5am - THE After Hours dance club - Arco Iris (VERY mixed! Food is served till 5am also). Big Disco with restaurant outside.
Sun. 4-8pm - GAY - VILLA ROCA Gay B&B has their own BAR by the pool though it’s not open to “the public” (but I hear if you stop in and inquire about the property they’ll be happy to give you a little tour and invite you to hang by the bar!!)
4-10pm - Bowling at Bobby D's Bar and Restaurant in Palm Tica (2-777-3202)
9pm - Movie Night - Aromas de Luz Hamburgo
1-5am - THE After Hours dance club - Arco Iris (VERY mixed! Food is served till 5am also). Big Disco with restaurant outside.
QUEPOS
Arco Iris - truly a locals club, and you might only see a handful of gringos if you go there. NOTE: It’s pretty dead before 11pm.
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