Manuel Antonio Activities
What to do during your stay at Villas Nicolas
During your stay with us there are numerous activities available in the area ranging from active to hammock swinging! The Manuel Antonio/Quepos area is well known for sport fishing as well as white water rafting, sea kayaking, dolphin watches, sunset cruises, horseback riding, and guided tours of Manuel Antonio National Park.
Lying back on our golden sand beaches and enjoying the incredible beauty of the pristine Pacific Ocean is always a good option. In the high season, we strongly advise you to book at least one day in advance of the tour to be sure to secure a spot. In order to secure your reservation, the majority of tours require a cash deposit of approximately 20%. Please be advised that some tour companies have a surcharge of %13 for credit cards (ask at the reception).
Tours are still unregulated here so consequently there are many “fly-by-nighters “who prey on unsuspecting tourists, especially in the National Park area. The Tours & activities that we recommend have all been sampled by at least one staff member as well as many family members and friends. The tours we recommend are run by reputable, certified and trained guides from the community and most have been operating for years. We strongly advise that you book directly with our front desk to be sure that the tour you want is offered by a reputable certified company. Please ask at the reception for more detailed information.
NATURE TOURS
Manuel Antonio National Park Guide Tour (3 ½ Hrs.)
The National Park opens at 8:00 A.M. and closes around 4:00 P.M. All national parks in Costa
Rica are closed on Tuesday. The entrance fee is US $16 per person. You cannot use your receipt to reenter the park the same day, if you go out you would have to pay again. Please, for their own sake, do not feed the monkeys. Please be aware that there are now restrictions as to what kind of food you can bring into the park for your own consumption. For example, junk food IE: chips, peanuts, cookies, will be confiscated because people have been feeding wildlife.
It is recommended that you use a guide (ask at the front desk) and visit as early as possible in the morning, as it is cooler, there are less people, and more animals.
Don’t take a chance and miss any of the diverse plant or animal life within the National Park. Instead, tour the park with an experienced, knowledgeable Costa Rican guide who speaks perfect English and is equipped with a telescope and binoculars.
Price: $50.00 per person. (Cash only)
Includes: Transportation and park entrance fee only.
Bring: Water and snacks if you wish to spend the day in the park.
Rates subject to change without notice
Rainmaker Private Park (5 Hrs.)
Trek through the jungle via suspension bridges and explore the forest canopy walking through
primary forest to pristine waterfalls. the park is open from 8am to 4pm. Located only 30
minutes from Quepos, they also offer sunrise bird watching tours.
Price: $75.00 per person
Bring: bathing suit, camera and binoculars. Guided tours can also be arranged, ask at the
front desk.
Time: 7:30AM (Tuesdays) – 12PM
Rates subject to change without notice.
Jungle Night Tour (3 hrs)
The night tour with Jade Tours is in the stunning Rainmaker Park. Located approximately 30
minutes from the Manuel Antonio Park area. The trails at Rainmaker Park are easy to access and the conditions of this habitat are perfect for amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, insects and much more. The Rainmaker Park is where they’ve discovered the great reappearance of the famous and almost extinct harlequin frog thus becoming an important field of research and scientific studies for herpetologists worldwide.
Price: $60.00 per person
Includes: Transportation, entrance fee to the park, professional LED lights for each customer,
one nature specialist, typical dinner and drinks after the walk.
Bring: Camera, hiking shoes, long pants, insect repellent, bottle of water and your own lights.
Rates subject to change without notice.
Butterflies & Crocs Garden in Sukia Park (2 hrs.)
Enjoy a peaceful visit to the butterfly garden, Sukia is home to many types of these magnificent
insects, as well as the Blue Morpho, which will literally fly all around you. The crocodile lagoon
is home to rescued species that are cared for prevent them from becoming part of the illegal trade.
Price: $40.00 per person.
Includes: Transportation and guided.
Bring: Camera, hiking or tennis shoes, comfortable clothes.
Times: 8AM or 11AM
Rates subject to change without notice.
Kids Safe the Rainforest: Guided Tour ( 2 hrs)
You will begin your tour learning about the history and mission of their organization and the Earth changing work they have been carrying out for over 20 years. During your tour you will hear about some of their recent conservation projects such as installing wildlife bridges, reforestation projects, and rescuing and rehabilitating displaced animals through their wildlife hospital.
Visitors will enjoy a guided walking tour through the wildlife sanctuary that is home to diverse
animals not able to be released into the wild. Learn the stories of these unique animals and the
care they receive by their dedicated staff.
Your visit not only supports their various conservation projects and wildlife hospital/nursery,
but leaves you with the knowledge on how to get involved with conservation work.
Price: $65.00 per person.
Includes: Ticket fee, snacks and drinks.
Bring: Camera, hiking or tennis shoes, comfortable clothes.
Time: 9AM-11AM or 2PM
Rates subject to change without notice.
Vanilla Farm Tour (2 hrs.)
A walking tour of a local Vanilla Farm located 10 miles east of Quepos. This farm is a tropical laboratory for sustainable agriculture and contains cash crops such as vanilla, cinnamon, cocoa, black pepper, all spice, as well as a collection of orchids, bromeliads and tillandsias. It is a very informative tour in a country setting. There is also a local shop to purchase many of the items you see grown there.
Price: $70.00 per person.
Include: Transport, tasting, lunch and drinks
Times: Mon-Fri 9AM & 1PM. Saturday only 9AM (traveling time is approximately 30
minutes each way)
Rates subject to change without notice
Chocolate Tour in El Rocio Farm (3-4 hrs)
In the tour you will have the opportunity to learn interesting aspect of cocoa and chocolate, from the origin and history, participating in all the production process from the harvesting of the fruit, drying and grinding of the seed. Enjoy the sweetest rainforest experience, discovering the ancient secrets of chocolate. In El Rocio Farm you can find family atmosphere, local flora sighting, subsistence crops and handmade products, trails and natural pools (it depends on the season)
Price: $70.00 per person
Includes: Transportation, guide, water, fruits and tastings.
Times: 8AM or 1PM.
Rates subject to change without notice
Bird Watching Tour in Esquipulas Rainforest
A long the way to Esquipulas Rainforest since there is a lot of different spices of birds to spot.
When you arrive to the restaurant at their place you will enjoy a delicious typical Costa Rican breakfast while you have not just the birds to watch, but also the sound of nature surrounding you, after some time in the restaurant area you will go to the humming birds trail were the experience to watch hermits humming birds and other species birds is a little bit wilder. At the end of the tour, there is a long list of birds spotted in a single morning!
Observe unique species in the area, enjoy 54 hectares of land where you will find very special
species.
Price: $85.00 per person.
Includes: Transportation, breakfast, guided tour.
Bring: Hiking shoes, comfortable shoes, insect repellent, camera
Times: 5:30AM
Rates subject to change without notice
ADVENTURE TOURS
ATV Four-Wheeler in the Rainforest Real Adventure (4 hrs.)
Four wheelers adventure tour includes a magnificent waterfall river side, natural ponds for swimming and breathtaking views of the Rainforest Mountains will give you an exhilarating experience while driving your ATV through the road-trails that are hidden away in the mountain side. Also, you will have the opportunity of bird-watching and observe the incrediblevirgin forest surrounding the area.
Price: $110.00 single per person & $140.00 double
Includes: Transportation, bilingual guide, lunch, snacks and drinks
Times: 7:30am, 10:30am or 1pm.
Bring: Sunscreen, hiking shoes, insect repellent, small backpack, bathing suit, towel and extra
set of clothes.
Rates subject to change without notice
Canopy “El Santuario” (4.5 hrs.)
El Santuario gives you a glimpse into the amazing bio diversity of the rain forest. Climb up a Lechoso tree, zip off the platform in the Chilamata and see the orchids growing all up and down the trees, and rappel down the side of the giant Ceiba tree. Butterflies and hummingbirds will join you as you relax in the rancho at the beginning and end of your zip line adventure. It features beautiful landscapes, ocean views from the top of the mountains and trees, primary
and secondary forest and the longest zip line in the whole country. Excellent safety standards and service, we can recommend it highly with no hesitation.
Price: $90.00 per person.
Includes: Transport, lunch, professional guides and all equipment.
Times: 7:30AM, 10:30AM or 1PM
Rates subject to change without notice
Canopy Titi (2 ½ hrs.)
Breathtaking mountain and valley views can be captured while resting in a bungalow high upon
the hill. Titi Canopy Tour is nestled within a private natural refuge in the tropical rainforest surrounded by many amazing shades of green vegetation, offering one of the most spectacular sceneries of Costa Rica – The perfect place to gather with friends and family and life one-of-a kind lifetime adventure! A series of 12 zip line cables reaching up to 450 meters (1,475 ft.) take guests throughout the unspoiled rainforest canopy on an exclusive tour.
Skillfully designed nature walks rivaling those found in Manuel Antonio National Park and a beautiful butterfly garden are all incorporated on the grounds of the Titi Canopy Tour
Price: $90.00 per person
Includes: Transportation, fruits, water, one traditional meal after the tour, all equipment and
certified bilingual guides.
Bring: Sneakers or climbing shoes, long pants, bug spray & light weight clothes
Times: 8AM,11AM or 2:30PM
Rates subject to change without notice
Horseback Riding (5hrs or ½ day)
Highly recommended! For an experience you won’t soon forget, see the outlying areas in typical
Costa Rican fashion – on horseback. Experienced guides lead you into the mountains where
you’ll ride through the jungle and swim under beautiful waterfalls. This small intimate tour
finishes up with a delicious full typical course meal.
Price: $80.00 per person.
Includes: Transportation, bilingual guides, equipment, snacks and lunch
Times: 7AM & 12PM
Rates subject to change without notice
WATER TOURS
Catamaran Boat Tours with Planet Dolphin (4 hrs.)
Experience the ‘Pura Vida’ with an adventurous day on the best Catamaran Eco Adventure cruise from Quepos, sail along the shoreline of Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the most majestic coastlines in Costa Rica Swim & snorkel in the clear waters of Biesanz Bay, soak up the Pacific sun while enjoying the views with a cold beverage.
Price: $80.00 per person.
Includes: Transportation, fruit, lunch or dinner, drinks and snorkeling equipment with guide.
Times: 8AM & 1PM
Rates subject to change without notice
Brisa Elegante (Sailing Cruiser on the Pacific Ocean. (5 hrs)
Come aboard Brisa Elegante for a sumptuous brunch, kicked off by a glass of sparkling wine.
Indulge yourself on a luxurious day cruise.
Have a laid-back start in the day, Cruise on the Pacific Ocean and be on the lookout for turtles
and dolphins while sailing along the outstanding coastline of Manuel Antonio and the
national park. Select your favorite dishes from the Brunch buffet with authentic Tico dishes,
chef’s specialties, desserts, and fresh fruits, all freshly prepared by our chef aboard.
Listen to live music presented by talented artists from the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area.
Price: $135.00 per person
Includes: Diner, drinks, fruits, transportation.
Times: 8AM & 1PM
Rates subject to change without notice
Kayaking in the Mangroves Isla Damas Estuary (4 hrs.)
Quepos/Manuel Antonio is a perfect place to experience this unique form of water sport. Kayak through the mangroves and explore the abundant wildlife that resides therein.
Paddle protected inland waterways. This is the perfect place to explore the coastal mangrove area and view local wildlife.
Included: Lunch is in the afternoon, breakfast in the morning
Price: $75.00 per person
Time: The time of this tour is dependent on high tide. Ask at reception
Rates subject to change without notice
Rates subject to change without notice
Mangrove Boat tours at Damas Island Estuary (4 hrs.)
*Highly recommended for the whole family*. Treat yourself and your family regardless of age to a relaxing half-day cruise while enjoying warm breezes, abundant wildlife, and the exquisite beauty of Isla Damas.
Price: $75.00 per person.
Includes: Transportation to and from the hotel, food, beverages and bilingual naturalist guide.
Time: Ask for the pick-up times at the front desk as it depends on the tides.
Rates subject to change without notice
Rafting in Naranjo or Savegre Rivers. (4 hrs. / 6hrs)
Savegre River Class I & II (4 hrs.): The lower section of the Savegre is a relaxing adventure.
The guides have full control of the raft and nobody is required to paddle. It is an easy and scenic
ride to the put in. After a brief safety talk, they would give you a personal flotation device and
NO helmet; this is the time to show off your hat! Your feet will get wet so wear the appropriate
shoes.
The river trip is about 1 ½ to 2 hours depending on the water level. You will float and enjoy the
lush scenery surrounding you
Price: $130.00 per person.
Include: Transportation, drinks, river snacks (Pico de Gallo, chips, cookies), all the specialized
gear needed for the activity, professional & bilingual white water rafting guides.
Bring: Swimsuit and/or shorts of a quick drying material, towel, sunscreen, bug repellent,
complete change of clothes, rubber soled shoes that stay on and can get wet (Strap on sandals,
tennis shoes or similar).
Rates subject to change without notice
Savegre River Class II & III (6 hrs.): Wheter you are an experienced rafter or rafting for the first time, the Quepos/Manuel Antonio area offers all classes of white-water rafting.
Experienced guides lead you safely down some of the most beautiful mountain rivers in the world coupled with pleny of excitement and challenge. Half and full day trips are available.
Price: $165.00 per person.
Include: Transportation, drinks, rivers snack (Pico de gallo, chips, cookies), all the specialized gear needed for the activity, professional and bilingual white water rafting guides.
Bring: Swinsuit and/or shorts of a quick drying material, towel, sunscreen, bug repellent, complete change of clother, rubber soled shoes that stay on and can get wet (strap on sandals, tennis shoes or similar)
Rates subject to change without notice
Naranjo River Class III & IV (May-December): A half day challenge for more
experienced paddlers. The Naranjo drops steeply from the mountains above Quepos, through
a beautiful jungle gorge and takes you on a wild ride to sea level passing nearby farmlands and
palm plantations. Water levels can rise quickly on this river upping the difficulty and
adrenaline levels, so rafters should be physically fit and adventurous.
Price: $150.00 per person
Includes: Transportation, drinks, river snacks (Pico de Gallo, chips, cookies), all the
specialized gear needed for the activity, professional & bilingual white water rafting guides
Time: 4 Hours
Bring: Swimsuit and/or shorts of a quick drying material, towel, sun screen (spf-15 or higher),
bug repellent, complete change of clothes, rubber soled shoes that stay on and can get wet
(Strap on sandals, tennis shoes or similar), flip flops are not recommended.
Rates subject to change without notice
Full Day Waterfall Tour (7 hrs)
Jump off waterfalls and slide down natural rock slides for the more adventurous or enjoy cozy swimming holes nestled under the jungle canopy for those who like to take things a little slower.
You will be visiting 3 waterfalls on this tour, each waterfall can be interacted with, whether jumping from it, swimming behind the waterfall or even sliding down 20ft natural waterfall slide, you also will visit a beautiful beach with volcanic lava tube caves that lead out to the Pacific Ocean.
Price: $130.00 per person.
Includes: Transportation, lunch, fruits, water, snacks, bi-lingual guides, dry bags and life
jackets
Duration: 7 hours (Approximately pick-up time: 8:30AM)
Bring: Bathing suit, shoes or rugged sandals, extra set of dry clothes, towels, sunscreen.
Rates subject to change without notice
Nauyaca Waterfall (7 hrs.)
One of the most impressive waterfalls in all of Costa Rica- Nauyaca is mother nature’s waterpark. You will stop at waterfall and swimming hole to cool off and do some small jumps, after you will be driving to Nauyaca and hike through the jungle about 25 minutes and learn about the area, flora and fauna. This waterfall consists of 2 tiers, the bottom fall is ideal for swimming and jumping and tops off at about 75ft. The upper waterfall stands about 150ft tall.
Price: $130.00 per person.
Includes: Transportation, lunch, fruits, water, bi-lingual guides, dry bags and life jackets
Bring: Bathing suit, shoes or rugged sandals, extra set of dry clothes, towels, sunscreen
Rates subject to change without notice
Surf Lessons (3 hrs.)
Have you always dreamed of riding those waves? The bathwater temperature and consistent waves of Manuel Antonio make our beach a perfect classroom. Local surfer’s start you off right in the waves, on big, stable learner long boards so that you can get up your first day. Lesson times vary with the tide. They also offer a full day for experienced surfers at Playa Rey located an hour or so south of here.
Price: $90.00 for a three-hour session. $130.00 for a private surfing lesson.
Includes: Transportation, beach chairs, tent, water and fruits.
Times: 9AM to 12PM or 1:30PM to 4:30PM
Rates subject to change without notice
Sportfishing Charters
If sport fishing for Sailfish, Mahi-Mahi, Marlin, Yellow Fin Tuna or a variety of other fish is of interest, then Quepos/Manuel Antonio is just the place for you. Prices range from $350.00 to $1000.00 depending on whether you share a boat, the size of boat, full or half-day trip, and in-shore or offshore fishing. All of the fishing tours include equipment, bait, snacks, and beverages. A one-time fishing license fee of $15.00 per person (1 year expiration) will be charged at the dock.
In Room Massage
After a busy day touring the area, why not treat yourself to a relaxing massage on your deck or in the privacy of your villa. Swedish and/or deep tissue style massages are offered by our favorite local qualified masseuse. Very reasonably priced from $85.00 per 60 minutes (must book at least 24 hrs. in advance).
Terra Spa at Gaia
Gaia offers a full range of treatments from facials and body polishes to pedicures and hot stone massage. We have their spa menu in our reception for your perusal. Reservations in advance are strongly recommended.
Yoga and Pilate Classes
Everyone is welcome at HOLIS regardless of your level. Holis is just a 5 minute walk from our property. Classes are offered daily and some packages are available . Ask at reception for more details.
PLEASE Contact us with any questions you may have regarding these activities.