Costa Rica’s national parks showcase pristine nature just hours from San Jose.
Two standout tours deserve special mention: The efficient full-day Manuel Antonio trip combines jungle trails with beach time, perfect for wildlife spotting and photography.
For serious nature lovers, the comprehensive 11-day tour linking Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio delivers the complete Costa Rican experience.
I’m especially fond of the Tortuguero day trip – its waterways offer intimate encounters with monkeys, sloths, and countless tropical birds.
Small groups (maximum 12 people) ensure personal attention, while included meals and transportation make logistics hassle-free.
Let’s explore these remarkable park tours in detail.
Key Points
- Manuel Antonio National Park tours offer a full-day experience with round-trip transportation, meals, and entrance fees, providing a personalized experience for up to 20 travelers.
- Tortuguero National Park tours from San Jose provide an immersive exploration of the ecosystem, with guided tours, lunch, and air-conditioned transportation, though not recommended for pregnant travelers or young children.
- Tortuguero National Park day trips feature a wildlife-rich cruise, buffet lunch, and hotel pickup/drop-off, also exploring Braulio Carrillo National Park’s cloud forests and waterfalls.
- Comprehensive 11-day Costa Rica tours cover Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio, with accommodations, daily meals, and transportation included for a maximum of 10 travelers.
- Smaller group sizes, up to 10 participants, enhance personalized experiences and facilitate better wildlife sightings and interactions on national park tours.
Manuel Antonio National Park Full Day Tour From San Jose
What better way to experience the natural wonders of Costa Rica than the Manuel Antonio National Park Full Day Tour from San Jose?
This highly-rated tour takes travelers on a full-day adventure from San Jose to the stunning Manuel Antonio National Park. With a Badge of Excellence, this tour operates with a minimum of 2 and maximum of 20 travelers, providing an intimate and personalized experience.
Priced at $162 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, a knowledgeable guide, breakfast, lunch, and entrance fees.
Highlights include stops for coffee, crocodile viewing, and beach relaxation in the park. Travelers can expect to see wildlife like white-faced monkeys and two-toed sloths along the way.
Read our full review: Manuel Antonio National Park Full Day Tour From San Jose Review
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11-DAY Tour From San Jose: Monteverde Cloud Forest and Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio National Parks
This 11-day tour from San Jose takes travelers on an immersive journey through Costa Rica’s most renowned natural wonders.
Exploring Tortuguero’s lush rainforests, Arenal’s volcanic landscapes, Monteverde’s misty cloud forests, and Manuel Antonio’s pristine beaches, the tour offers a comprehensive experience of the country’s diverse ecosystems.
With accommodations in 3.5- or 4-star hotels, daily meals, and all transportation and entrance fees included, the tour provides a hassle-free experience.
While not wheelchair-accessible, the tour can accommodate families with infant seats.
With a maximum of 10 travelers, the tour offers an intimate and personalized adventure through Costa Rica’s stunning national parks.
Read our full review: 11-DAY Tour From San Jose: Monteverde Cloud Forest and Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano and Manuel Antonio National Parks Review
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Manuel Antonio National Park One Day Tour From San Jose
Explore the jewel of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast on a one-day tour from San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park.
This highly-rated 13-hour tour is operated by Destiny Travel Costa Rica and includes round-trip transportation, park fees, meals, and a professional guide.
With a maximum of 30 travelers, you’ll enjoy guaranteed skip-the-line access and the chance to spot sloths, monkeys, and a wealth of birdlife.
The tour earns a 5.0 rating from 12 reviews, which praise the knowledgeable guides, stunning beaches, and excellent meals.
Wheelchair-accessible transportation is available, and infants can join the adventure too.
Complete your registration details, and prepare for an unforgettable day in one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful natural wonders.
Read our full review: Manuel Antonio National Park One Day Tour From San Jose Review
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The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour
Commonly, travelers embark on the Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour from San Jose to enjoy the lush, protected ecosystem of this captivating region.
The tour offers an opportunity to explore the diverse wildlife and natural beauty of Tortuguero National Park, with the chance to spot sloths, monkeys, and crocodiles.
Travelers can enjoy a guided tour, a delicious lunch, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
While the tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or young children, most adventurous visitors can participate.
With an overall rating of 4.5 based on 12 reviews, the Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour provides a memorable and immersive experience in Costa Rica’s stunning natural environment.
Read our full review: The Authentic Tortuguero National Park One Day Tour Review
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Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is a renowned destination for nature enthusiasts visiting the San José province of Costa Rica. Operated by Tico Travel Adventures, this tour offers a comprehensive experience, including lunch, air-conditioned transportation, and a bilingual guide.
The park’s opening hours are from 7 AM to 7 PM daily, and the tour lasts approximately 3 hours, with 1 hour and 20 minutes spent at the beach. Traveler feedback highlights the guide’s expertise in finding wildlife, but some have noted limited legroom and comfort during the ride.
The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with serious medical conditions, and accessibility needs are accommodated. Prices start from $185, with a lowest price guarantee and a reserve now, pay later option.
Read our full review: Manuel Antonio National Park Review
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10 Days Essential Costa Rica – Package With Manuel Antonio National Park
This all-encompassing 10-day package by Destination Services offers travelers a comprehensive introduction to Costa Rica’s essential highlights.
It includes transportation, meals, and shared tours to Tortuguero, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde, and the famous Manuel Antonio National Park. Priced from $1,826.62 per person, the package provides 9 nights’ accommodation and a private airport transfer.
While personal expenses, some meals, and gratuities are excluded, the inclusions ensure a well-rounded experience. Travelers should note that Manuel Antonio is closed on Tuesdays, and infants must sit on laps.
With a maximum group size of 25, this Costa Rica tour provides a balance of convenience and exploration.
Read our full review: 10 Days Essential Costa Rica – Package With Manuel Antonio National Park Review
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Tortuguero National Park Day Trip From San Jose
While San Jose may not be the immediate destination that comes to mind for national park tours, travelers can embark on a captivating day trip to Tortuguero National Park from the city.
The full-day tour includes a cruise through the wildlife-rich reserve, known for its diverse fauna like monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and endangered green sea turtles. Visitors will also explore Braulio Carrillo National Park’s cloud forests and waterfalls.
With a rating of 4.5 out of 8 reviews, the tour offers a typical Costa Rican buffet lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off.
Though wildlife sightings and park accessibility may vary, the tour’s professionalism and comfortable transportation receive positive feedback, making it a recommended excursion for nature enthusiasts.
Read our full review: Tortuguero National Park Day Trip From San Jose Review
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Manuel Antonio National Park (Transportation)
Travelers can easily access Manuel Antonio National Park from San Jose via a comfortable private transportation service. This exclusive, crowd-free service accommodates up to 15 passengers and offers pickup and drop-off at most hotels, Airbnbs, and vacation rentals.
The service runs for up to 10 hours per day, and passengers are responsible for arranging their own food, drinks, and activities. Child and infant seats are provided at no extra cost, and the vehicles are stroller-accessible, though not wheelchair-friendly.
Passengers must also arrange their own medical and travel insurance. With a perfect 5-star rating based on reviews, this reliable transportation option makes exploring Manuel Antonio National Park from San Jose a breeze.
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Tortuguero National Park Eco Adventure Canoe Tour From San Jose
The Tortuguguero National Park Eco Adventure Canoe Tour from San Jose offers an immersive rainforest experience, allowing visitors to explore the diverse plant and wildlife of this renowned ecotourism destination.
The tour includes canoeing, providing a unique perspective of the park’s waterways and abundant wildlife, including nesting turtles, monkeys, crocodiles, and more.
Travelers can expect round-trip transportation from San Jose, breakfast, lunch, a professional guide, and National Park fees.
While the tour gets positive reviews for its wildlife sightings and excellent guides, some customers have reported communication and service issues.
The company acknowledges feedback and encourages open dialogue to address any concerns.
Read our full review: Tortuguero National Park Eco Adventure Canoe Tour From San Jose Review
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Private Day Trip From San Jose to Cahuita National Park (Caribbean Coast)
This private day trip from San Jose to Cahuita National Park on the Caribbean Coast offers an immersive experience amidst picturesque beaches and turquoise waters.
It includes breakfast, lunch, and entrance fees, with all transportation provided. Travelers can expect a knowledgeable guide, wheelchair accessibility, and a maximum group size of 10.
The tour has received positive reviews highlighting excellent service, memorable experiences, and wildlife sightings.
With inclusions like national park fees, bottled water, and gratuities, this excursion provides a hassle-free way to explore Cahuita’s natural beauty, starting from convenient pickup locations in the San Jose area.
Read our full review: Private Day Trip From San Jose to Cahuita National Park (Caribbean Coast) Review
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The Sum Up
San Jose offers a variety of national park tours, from the stunning beaches and wildlife of Manuel Antonio to the lush forests of Tortuguero and Cahuita. These tours provide an excellent opportunity to explore Costa Rica’s natural wonders, with convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides. Whether you’re interested in a full-day excursion or a multi-day adventure, there are options to suit different travel plans and budgets.