Manuel Antonio - Homes and Condos

Retirement, Real Estate, and Lifestyle in Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

If you’re considering retiring, moving to, or buying real estate in Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, you’ll be captivated by this iconic destination’s blend of natural beauty, history, wildlife, culture, and infrastructure. Manuel Antonio is famous for its stunning beaches and the renowned Manuel Antonio National Park, attracting both travelers and real estate investors from around the world.

The Enchanting Coastal Community

Playa Manuel Antonio is known for its pristine beaches and breathtaking rainforest landscapes. The national park, a haven for wildlife, offers a unique opportunity to witness native species up close while being just steps away from beautiful white-sand beaches. The communities of Quepos and Manuel Antonio embody the authentic Costa Rican spirit, with a mix of local charm and a vibrant international community. Here, you can enjoy a balance of old and new, surrounded by natural beauty and a range of amenities.

Marina Pez Vela and Infrastructure

The recently developed Marina Pez Vela adds a new dimension to the community. This world-class resort marina offers a full-service boatyard, accommodating private and charter bill-fishing boats, as well as serving the growing yachting community along the coast. The marina features a commercial plaza with diverse gastronomic offerings, shops, services, tours, a pharmacy, and a medical center. Ongoing expansion plans will further enhance the area and attract international attention and investment and retirement.

Real Estate Opportunities

Playa Manuel Antonio’s real estate market offers attractive investment opportunities. The region’s supply and demand dynamics create a secure and stable environment for investors, with properties offering both personal enjoyment and the potential for healthy rental income and appreciation. Whether you’re seeking ocean view homes, estates, luxury rental properties, or villas, there is a diverse range of options available. While condo development is limited, several luxury projects offer two, three, and four-bedroom ocean view condos. With over 50 years of combined experience, our team can provide expert guidance and ensure a successful investment in Manuel Antonio.

Vacations and Attractions

Playa Manuel Antonio is a paradise for beach lovers, offering three stunning beaches along its coastline. Playa Espadilla provides opportunities for surfing, swimming, and body surfing, while Playa Biesanz is ideal for snorkeling during certain times of the year. Manuel Antonio Beach, located within the national park, offers an unrivaled tropical paradise experience.

Within the national park, several trails wind through the rainforest, offering excellent bird-watching and wildlife viewing opportunities. Although the trails are not challenging, hiring a guide is recommended for in-depth knowledge about the rainforest ecosystem. It’s important to note that the park has a daily visitor limit, so arriving early, especially during peak season, is advisable.

In the Manuel Antonio village center, you’ll find a collection of small shops, restaurants, bars, and street vendors selling souvenirs. The hill connecting Manuel Antonio and Quepos is lined with exceptional hotels, spas, restaurants, and bars, offering stunning ocean views. Adventure seekers will find a host of activities, such as rappelling, ziplining, whitewater rafting, scuba diving, and riverboat safaris through the Damas Island Estuary.

Planning Your Visit

For a vacation in Manuel Antonio, we recommend a 3 to 5-day stay, allowing ample time to enjoy the beaches and explore the region. Most hotels are located along the hillside, providing breathtaking views. However, there are a few beachfront options available. Mid-range hotels include La Vela Boutique Hotel, The Falls Resort, Si Como No Resort, and The Shana Hotel, while luxury options include Si Como No, Los Altos Resort, Arenas del Mar Resort, Parador Resort, Gaia Hotel, and La Mansion Inn. Budget accommodations can be found in Quepos, along with great restaurants and a lively bar scene.

Transportation in Manuel Antonio is convenient, and a rental car is unnecessary, as parking can be limited. A beach bus runs every half hour between Quepos and Manuel Antonio, and taxi services are readily available.

Reasons to Visit and Considerations

Manuel Antonio offers a range of compelling reasons to visit, including its abundant wildlife, stunning beaches, natural feel, diverse activities, eco-friendly hotels, and a reliable bus system. The region is also known for excellent sport fishing and swimming opportunities. However, it’s important to note that most hotels are situated on the hillside, and the end of August through November can be rainy. The nightlife is limited, and visitors should be mindful of monkeys that may attempt to steal food.

Manuel Antonio may not be the best choice for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience or all-inclusive resorts. Additionally, if you prefer beachfront hotels over jungle-lined beaches or if you prioritize a boardwalk, other destinations might be better suited to your preferences.

Traveling to Playa Manuel Antonio

Playa Manuel Antonio is a short 3-hour drive from San Jose, making it easily accessible. From San Jose, you can take the Autopista del Sol (Caldera Highway) west to Orotina and then connect to the Costanera Sur Highway towards Jaco. From Jaco, it’s a straight drive to Manuel Antonio, with the option to stop for a meal along the way.

Weather and Packing

Manuel Antonio experiences fairly stable temperatures throughout the year, with average daytime highs in the upper 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit and nighttime lows in the upper 70s. The dry season, from December to April, offers abundant sunshine and blue skies. When packing, be sure to include beach clothes, a swimsuit, hat, beach towel or sarong, flip flops, shorts, t-shirts, rain gear (especially during the wet season), insect repellent, sunblock, and aloe vera gel.

Playa Manuel Antonio is an enchanting destination that combines natural wonders with a vibrant community and numerous amenities. Whether you’re looking to retire, move, or invest in real estate, this coastal gem offers a unique and fulfilling lifestyle.

With equal efforts dedicated to wildlife preservation and a beach-getaway atmosphere, Manuel Antonio has surely earned its reputation as one of Costa Rica’s most gorgeous locales. The lively resort town is a popular tourist destination that offers a variety of activities and attractions that many tourists dream of. The natural features that the town boasts of include white sand beaches on the Central Pacific shores, ever-blossoming tropical rainforests, and perfect weather conditions. 

Nearby is Manuel Antonio, a small national park in the Central Pacific Conservation Area. Established in 1972 with a land area enumerating 1,983 hectare, it is considered the smallest of any Costa Rican national park. The park caters to as many as 150,000 visitors annually, and is well known for its beautiful beaches and hiking trails. In 2011, Manuel Antonio was listed by Forbes as among the world’s 12 most beautiful national parks.