Plage de Manuel Antonio
La plage de Manuel Antonio est une magnifique destination côtière située dans la province de Puntarenas au Costa Rica. Elle fait partie du parc national de Manuel Antonio et offre une combinaison étonnante de plages de sable blanc, d'eaux cristallines et de forêts tropicales luxuriantes. La plage est entourée d'une faune variée, notamment de singes, de paresseux et d'oiseaux tropicaux colorés.
Situation et moyens d'accès
Manuel Antonio Beach is situated within Manuel Antonio National Park, along Costa Rica's Central Pacific Coast, near the town of Dominical. The park entrance is approximately 7 kilometers south of Quepos, a larger hub with transport connections.
- By Car: From Dominical, take Route 34 (Costanera Sur) north for about 45 minutes. Parking near the park entrance is limited; arrive early or use paid lots.
- By Bus: Public buses run regularly from Quepos to Manuel Antonio (15-minute ride). From Dominical, transfer in Quepos.
- By Taxi/Shuttle: Private shuttles and taxis are available from Dominical or Quepos for direct drop-off.
Heures d'ouverture et billets
The beach is accessible during Manuel Antonio National Park's operating hours:
- Hours: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Wednesday to Monday (closed Tuesdays). Last entry at 3:00 PM.
- Entrance Fee: $18 for adults (non-residents), $5.65 for children. Costa Rican residents pay reduced rates.
- Tickets: Purchase at the gate or online via the SINAC website to avoid queues.
Meilleur moment pour visiter
Mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. The dry season (December–April) ensures sunny skies, while the green season (May–November) brings lush scenery but occasional rain.
Activities & Duration
A half-day visit (3–4 hours) allows time to enjoy the beach and short trails. Activities include:
- Swimming in calm, turquoise waters (caution: riptides possible).
- Wildlife spotting (howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas).
- Hiking scenic trails like the Punta Catedral loop (1.3 miles).
- Snorkeling near coral reefs (bring gear or rent nearby).
Installations
- Restrooms: Available near the park entrance and main beach area.
- Food & Drink: No vendors inside; pack water/snacks. Cafés outside the park.
- Accessibility: Partial wheelchair access; some trails are steep or uneven.
- Parking: Limited; arrive early or use paid lots ($5–$10/day).
Ce qu'il faut apporter et porter
- Lightweight clothing, swimwear, and sturdy sandals or hiking shoes.
- Sunscreen (reef-safe recommended), hat, and reusable water bottle.
- Binoculars and a camera for wildlife.
- Cash (small bills) for parking or tips.
Règles et règlements
- No feeding or approaching wildlife.
- Single-use plastics are discouraged; pack waste out.
- Drones and professional photography require permits.
- Pets not allowed in the national park.
Contact
For updates, check the Manuel Antonio National Park page on SINAC's website or inquire at Quepos tourist offices.