 From world-class sport fishing off the Central Pacific coast to leisurely hikes through Manuel Antonio National Park, the port town of Quepos and neighboring Manuel Antonio offer something for everyone. Visitors will delight in the opportunities and tranquility of this tropical retreat.
Numerous tour operators specialize in everything from canopy tours to kayak excursions through the estuaries of Damas Island. Visitors can arrange tours through their hotels or directly with one of the tour operators in town. Tours typically include round-trip transportation, a bilingual naturalist guide, beverages and necessary equipment.
Our Quepos & Manuel Antonio Travel Blogs include our experiences with activities and local tour operators in the area. (August 2007) 
Air Activities:
Air Boat Tours
Skim over the blue Pacific waters in a hydro ultralight boat tour, a great opportunity to enjoy the sun and scenery. Flying boat tours visit the beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park and the mangrove estuaries of Damas Island.
Canopy Tours
There are no fewer than four canopy tour companies in the area. All offer naturalist guides as part of the canopy tour experience. Tours can include combinations of zip lines, rappel lines, suspension bridges, waterfalls and Tarzan swings. One even offers child care for children of adventurous parents. Read more about canopy tours
Land Activities:
ATV Tours
Experience the cattle farms and African palm plantations that surround Quepos and Manuel Antonio on an all-terrain vehicle. Half-day excursions often include a pit stop to swim in cool waterfalls.
Bird and Wildlife Watching
Travelers are likely to see tropical species like toucans, white-faced and squirrel monkeys, iguanas and sloths.
An organized tour with a naturalist guide is a sure way to encounter hidden wildlife and learn more about local flora and fauna. Manuel Antonio National Park is a hot spot for wildlife viewing.
Caving
Visitors can explore the caves of Damas Island where stalactites and stalagmites can be viewed. The caves are part of an 800 acre private reserve and feature natural water pools and 30-meter cathedral ceilings. Morning and afternoon caving tours are available.
Hiking
The well-marked trails of Manuel Antonio National Park offer excellent hiking for both novice and seasoned hikers. Night hikes (starting at 6 p.m.) are available by reservation at Fincas Naturales Butterfly and Tropical Gardens. Several private reserves on the outskirts of Quepos also feature hiking trails.
Horseback Riding 
Guided horseback trips are a fun way to explore the rainforests and mountains in the area. Most excursions visit waterfalls for a refreshing swim. Overnight horseback trips can also be arranged.
Mountain Biking
Visitors can rent mountain bikes and arrange biking tours with local tour operators. Most tours visit the back country roads of neighboring farming communities, like Villanueva.
Spas
There are several full-service day spas in Manuel Antonio. Travelers can indulge in natural treatments using tropical fruits and therapeutic hot stone and oriental massages. Facials, aromatherapy, body scrubs and aloe treatments are all offered.
Study Spanish
Quepos and Manuel Antonio are home to many Spanish schools. Most feature month-long intensive courses that include home-stays with a local family. Students receive four hours of classes per day and  can participate in cultural activities such as salsa dancing and cooking classes.
Casinos
Hotels Byblos, Kamuk and Divismar have casinos as does the night club Atlantis. Games include Texas hold-em, Caribbean poker, black jack, slot machines and roulette.
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Water Activities:
Boating and Kayaking
Kayak to Damas Island, famous for its lush mangrove forests and home to a variety of wildlife including crocodiles,  howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, boobies and herons. Covered-boat or kayak tours travel through the island's estuary and backwater canals.
For the more adventurous, sea kayak tours are available through several tour operators. Half-day trips include a challenging ocean paddle near Biesanz Bay.
Dolphin Watching
Spotted dolphins, migrating humpback whales and sea turtles are some of the marine life you will see in the waters off Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Tours often pass by islands inhabited by pelagic birds.
Fishing
Sport fishing in Quepos is excellent year round. Anglers flock here to catch marlin, sailfish, mahi mahi, wahoo, roosterfish, tuna and billfish. Single and multi-day packages are available to suit just about any budget. (See list of tour companies at the top of the page)
Surfing
Several surf shops in Manuel Antonio offer board rentals and surf lessons. More official surf schools offer pre-booked lessons and excursions to other hot surf breaks in the area.
-Quepos: There is a break directly in front of town at the river mouth that breaks mostly left and is only good when the surf gets big.
- Manuel Antonio: There are often good beginner waves  along the Manuel Antonio stretch of beach. Waves break to the left and right and are ideal for all surfing abilities.
Check out all of the Central Pacific Surf Breaks
Jet Skis
Jet skis are available to rent in Manuel Antonio. Guided tours are offered to isolated bays, beaches and islands—tours last approximately two and a half hours. Sunset tours are also available. Look for those companies using the cleaner, quieter four-stroke engines that are fast and stable.
Whitewater River Rafting
Trips to the Naranjo and Savegre rivers are available from the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area. River runners can enjoy Classes II to IV rapids on a variety of trips ranging from half to multi-day or even multi-week adventures.
Sailing
Beautiful catamarans and sailboats set sail on a daily basis from the pier in Quepos. Sunset sailing tours are also available. Some outfits specialize in half-day cruises which include snorkeling, dolphin watching, and a fresh seafood lunch with open bar.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Snorkeling tours are available in the Quepos / Manuel Antonio area. Some offer half-day excursions aboard catamarans that feature sailing, dolphin watching and fresh lunches in addition to snorkeling. Others take visitors to coral reefs which host colorful schools of fish.
Snorkeling equipment can be rented from many shops in town and from several hotels. Equipment can also be rented at Playa Biesanz (where underwater attractions are just a short distance offshore).
There are two diving companies in Quepos, both offering a range of courses from discovery diving to advanced open water and specialty courses. Live coral reefs can be found at  Punta Gorda. The inshore coral reefs were destroyed in a hurricane over 40 years ago and, for this reason; coral is uncommon in the shallower waters of the Central Pacific.
Events:
Saturday Farmers Market
An outdoor farmers market is held every Saturday from 6 a.m. until 1.p.m. on the seaside boardwalk in Quepos. Local vendors sell fresh produce, flowers, rainforest spices, artisan cheeses and handicrafts.
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