Manuel Antonio National Park

The Manuel Antonio National Park is located on the Pacific coast in the south of Costa Rica. The national park is the smallest national park in Costa Rica, covering seven square kilometers. It includes palm forests along the Pacific as well as small islands off the coast. In addition to over 350 plant species, there are 109 different mammal species, such as sloths, white-nosed coatis, capuchin monkeys, and armadillos. Almost all reptiles of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica can be found in the park. However, it turned out to be quite difficult to spot the animals with the naked eye. Our guide had a telescope and skillfully set it up for us so that we could catch a glimpse of the well-camouflaged sloths, iguanas, howler monkeys, and white-faced monkeys in the treetops.

The park has several public beaches where snorkeling is allowed. We had a private sunset snorkeling trip with our diving guide Fredi (aka 'the fish'). The boat took us out to the rocks in front of the Manuel Antonio Park, and we snorkeled towards the rocks at a brisk pace. Underwater, we saw volcanic rock, white corals, parrotfish, starfish, a lobster, surgeonfish, and many small marine creatures. The highlight was definitely when a little pufferfish swam near us and puffed up into a round ball.