Beaches of Manuel Antonio: 
Playa Espadilla
Known as the first beach, this is the long, white sand beach in front of the village of Manuel Antonio. Accessible from a few hotels and from town, it has several restaurants along the beach and vendors selling granizados (local version of a snow cone), cold beverages and aguas pipas (cold young coconut water).
Currents are often strong here, and swimming should be done with caution. There are lifeguards on the beach area closest to town. Visitors can rent beach chairs, kayaks, snorkeling gear and surf boards from merchants on the beach.
Playa Playita
This small, secluded beach northwest (back towards Quepos) of Playa Espadilla Norte, is known as a gay and lesbian gathering spot. Although nudity is not permitted anywhere in Costa Rica, nudists have frequented this beach for more than 30 years, though not so much in recent years. Unfortunately, there is a new development project underway just behind this beach, threatening its seclusion. Access to Playa Playita is closed off for roughly two hours during the hours before and after high tide when waves crash against the rocks.
Playa Biesanz
Biesanz is a pristine beach frequently visited by locals and moderately crowded on the weekends. The turn for this beach is the same as for the Parador Hotel. Just follow the gravel road until it dead ends. There is good snorkeling directly offshore and equipment is usually available for rent at a small stand on the beach. There is a cozy restaurant serving typical Costa Rican dishes. Parking is available alongside the road and the beach is a short downhill hike. A parking attendant is typically on hand and will watch your car for ¢1000 ($2) per day. A public bus from Quepos services this road daily.
There are three more secluded beaches inside Manuel Antonio National Park 
Parks, Farms and Wildlife Refuges:
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park attracts more than 160,000 people each year, all drawn to its wide beaches and troops of monkeys that frequent the area. The park consists of mangrove swamps, primary rainforests and marshy woodlands and is bordered by the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. It is a haven for more than 100 mammal species including the highly endangered squirrel monkey, or mono titi. Read More...
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Damas Island Estuary
Located 15 minutes from Quepos and accessed by boat, Damas Island is famous for its lush mangrove forests. The backwater canals are home to wildlife including crocodiles, white-faced capuchin monkeys, iguanas, herons and other waterfowl. Half-day tours to Damas Island can be booked through a number of eco-tour operators in town. Tours include transportation, beverages and a bilingual naturalist guide.
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Villa Vanilla Spice Plantation
Located in the small pueblo of Villanueva (about a 35-minute drive from Quepos), Villa Vanilla is a spice farm and tropical laboratory for sustainable agriculture. Vanilla, cacao, black pepper and cinnamon are cultivated on the 150 acre farm. Farm tours are available by reservation. Visitors can also stock up on organic vanilla beans, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and hot chocolate – all grown on the farm.
Farm Telephone: 2779-1155 or 8839-2721
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Fincas Naturales (Private Wildlife Refuge)
This 30 acre wildlife refuge is located between Quepos and Manuel Antonio, across from the Si Como No Resort and Spa. The refuge features a reptile lagoon, butterfly garden and amphibian aquatic gardens. Guided tours and interpretive night walks are available by reservation. Excellent handouts with a butterfly guide, amphibian list and map are included.
Telephone: 2777-1043
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Rainmaker Conservation Project
A privately-owned rainforest reserve situated in the Fila Chonta Mountains, 30-minutes from Quepos. Visitors can observe a variety of flora and fauna on an early morning birdwatching tour or join a river walk and canopy bridge tour. Amphibians and reptiles are commonly spotted on the reserve’s night tours, offered from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Telephone: 2777-3565
RioSPAraiso Biological Reserve
Offers birdwatching, horseback riding, hiking, canopy tours and hot mineral springs in a 5-in-1 package excursion. Tours to this ecological reserve can be arranged through several operators in Quepos.
Waterfalls:
Several canopy tour and horseback riding outfits offer tours to view and swim in these waterfalls:
• La Culebra Waterfall
• Matapalo Waterfall
• Tocori Waterfall
• Nauyaca Waterfall
Shops and Markets:
Quepos: The Talisman (also with a Manuel Antonio location) and other gift shops located near the bus station in central Quepos have a good selection of handicrafts and souvenirs. The Bamboo, located behind the central market, is another souvenir shop with an excellent selection of Costa Rican products.
Manuel Antonio: Buena Nota has great prices on gifts, clothing, beachwear, souvenirs and shoes. On the second floor is an excellent store selling used books with titles available in English, Spanish, French and German. The shops are located on the right side of the main road shortly before arriving in Manuel Antonio village. They also rent boogie boards.
Sidewalk Vendors in Manuel Antonio: beach-side booths feature handmade jewelry, t-shirts, sarongs and other gifts. Prices are often negotiable, especially if more than one item is purchased.
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