This is why you should travel to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, in May

Introduction

Welcome to The Journey Seeker! Find out all about Travel in May Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica!

Are you tired of the same old vacation destinations? Want to mix things up and try something new? Look no further than Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica! This small, beautiful town is the perfect place to visit in May for a variety of reasons, and I’m here to tell you all about them.

Atmosphere/Vibes in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Crocodile on the Lakeside
Photo by Alan Kotok
Manuel Antonio exudes a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for a vacation. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the town itself has a charming, small-town feel. Even though it’s a tourist destination, it never feels overcrowded or overcommercialized.

Weather in May/June

Close up of Plant in Box in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
Photo by Karolina Grabowska
May and June are the perfect months to visit Manuel Antonio, as the weather is warm and sunny, with an average temperature of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s not too hot or humid, so you can comfortably enjoy all the activities and attractions the town has to offer.

Why Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is the Best Place to Be

Aerial Photography of Beautiful Resort in an Island
Photo by Asad Photo Maldives
There are so many reasons why Manuel Antonio is the best place to be in May (or any time of year, really). Here are just a few:
  • The beautiful beaches: Manuel Antonio is home to some of the most stunning beaches in Costa Rica, with crystal clear waters and soft, white sand. You can spend hours lounging on the beach, swimming in the ocean, or trying out water sports like surfing or snorkeling.
  • The amazing wildlife: Costa Rica is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife, and Manuel Antonio is no exception. The Manuel Antonio National Park is home to a variety of animals, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and more. You can take a guided tour through the park to see these creatures up close and personal.
  • The delicious food: Costa Rican cuisine is a blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African flavors, and it’s absolutely delicious. Manuel Antonio has a wide variety of restaurants and cafes that serve traditional dishes like rice and beans, plantains, and empanadas, as well as international cuisine. There’s something for everyone!
  • The vibrant nightlife: Manuel Antonio has a lively nightlife scene, with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. You can dance the night away to salsa or reggaeton, or grab a drink at a cozy bar and watch the sunset.
  • The incredible natural beauty: From the lush rainforests to the sparkling ocean, Manuel Antonio is a natural paradise. Whether you’re hiking through the jungle, relaxing on the beach, or exploring the town itself, you’ll be surrounded by stunning landscapes and breathtaking views.

5 Reasons Why You Should Visit Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica in May

Woman in White Floral Wedding Dress Standing Near Green Trees in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
Photo by Chalo Garcia
Still not convinced that Manuel Antonio is the place for you? Here are five more reasons why you should visit in May:
  1. It’s not too crowded: May is considered the “shoulder season” in Manuel Antonio, which means that there are fewer tourists than in the high season (December through April). This means that you’ll have a more authentic, local experience and won’t have to deal with long lines or crowded beaches.
  2. It’s a great value: May is also considered the “low season” in Manuel Antonio, which means that prices for accommodations, flights, and activities are generally lower than in the high season. You can save money on your vacation without sacrificing quality or comfort.
  3. The weather is perfect: As mentioned before, the weather in May is warm and sunny, with comfortable temperatures and low humidity. You can enjoy all of the outdoor activities that Manuel Antonio has to offer without feeling too hot or sticky.
  4. There are plenty of things to do: Manuel Antonio has a wide variety of activities and attractions, from water sports and beach lounging to hiking and wildlife viewing. You’ll never be bored during your stay.
  5. It’s a great opportunity to try something new: Whether it’s your first time visiting Costa Rica or you’re a seasoned traveler, Manuel Antonio is a great place to try new things and step out of your comfort zone. From ziplining through the rainforest to trying traditional Costa Rican cuisine, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

Cost of Travel

Topless Man Standing At Seashore
Photo by Luis Quintero
The cost of travel to Manuel Antonio will vary depending on your preferences and budget. Here are a few things to consider:
  • Flights: Flights to Costa Rica from the United States can vary widely in price, with round-trip tickets starting at around $300 from some cities and going up from there. It’s a good idea to compare prices and book your flights well in advance to get the best deal.
  • Accommodations: There are a wide range of accommodation options in Manuel Antonio, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels. Prices will vary depending on the type of accommodation you choose and the time of year you visit. In May, you can expect to pay less for accommodations than you would in the high season.
  • Activities: There are many activities and attractions in Manuel Antonio that have an additional cost, such as guided tours of the national park or surf lessons. It’s a good idea to budget for these activities in advance and choose the ones that interest you most.

Top 8 Things to Do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Mountains Under Blue Sky
Photo by Luis Quintero
There’s no shortage of things to do in Manuel Antonio, but here are eight of our top picks:
  1. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park: This beautiful park is home to a variety of animals and plants, and it’s a great place to hike, swim, or simply relax on the beach. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the park’s history and wildlife, or explore on your own.
  2. Try surfing: Manuel Antonio is known for its great surf, and there are many surf schools and rental shops in town where you can learn to ride the waves. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, you’ll find great waves and friendly instructors.
  3. Relax on the beach: Manuel Antonio has a number of beautiful beaches where you can soak up the sun, swim in the ocean, or just sit back and relax with a cold drink. Some of the best beaches include Manuel Antonio Beach and Espadilla Beach.
  4. Go ziplining: Manuel Antonio is home to a number of zipline courses that offer the chance to fly through the rainforest canopy and see the area from a different perspective. It’s a thrilling and unique experience that you won’t want to miss.
  5. Take a boat tour: Manuel Antonio has a number of boat tour options that allow you to explore the coast and see the area’s stunning natural beauty. You can take a sunset cruise, go snorkeling or scuba diving, or visit nearby islands.
  6. Try traditional Costa Rican cuisine: As mentioned before, Costa Rican cuisine is a delicious blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African flavors. You can find traditional dishes like gallo pinto (rice and beans), empanadas, and casado (a plate of rice, beans, meat, and vegetables) at many restaurants in Manuel Antonio.
  7. Experience the nightlife: Manuel Antonio has a lively nightlife scene, with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues. You can dance the night away to salsa or reggaeton, or grab a drink at a cozy bar and watch the sunset.
  8. Visit a nearby town or village: Manuel Antonio is just a short drive from other charming towns and villages like Quepos, Dominical, and Uvita. You can visit these towns to see a different side of Costa Rica and learn more about the local culture and history.

Conclusion

An Aerial Shot of the Manuel Antonio Beach in Costa Rica
Photo by Jake Marsee
In conclusion, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is the perfect place to visit in May. With its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, amazing wildlife, delicious food, and vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the weather is perfect and the cost of travel is generally lower than in the high season. So pack your bags and head to Manuel Antonio for the vacation of a lifetime!


Have you maybe thought about staying in Manuel Antonio for a little longer and working remotely? Here is another blog post about becoming a Digital Nomad in Manuel Antonio

Did you like this post? Have a look at our other blog posts about living in Costa Rica, such as Tamarindo, Jacó or Uvita.