This past weekend was our first excursion to the Manuel Antonio National Park. On the way to the park we stopped to see a spot known to have lots of crocodiles. These weren't crocodiles like I've seen before. These were HUGE crocodiles. I'm guessing they sometimes feed on the cattle that seemed to be nearby because I don't know how else they could have grown to be so big and taking into account how many there were! After getting settled into our hotels we spent our first night on the beach with a bonfire. In the midst of this little social session we saved a giant "puffer-fish" that was stuck on the sand using flip flops to carry it back to the ocean.
The next day we went into the park. It started with a guided tour through the conservation to show us all the animals living there. The park is a conservation for native animals such as monkeys, raccoons, sloths, bats, various types of spiders, insects such as the rainbow grasshopper, lizards, crabs, and many other types of animals. After the tour our guide led us to the beaches inside the park.
I've been to a lot of beaches growing up but this beach shoots to the top of my list. I would 100% recommend it for anyone's bucket list. The water was warm enough that you didn't have to force yourself in but refreshing enough that you didn't want to get out. Big rocks were on the side of the beach near the forest but other than that it was all sand and few shells to stumble over. The day was so relaxing; some exploring, some swimming, and lots of sun. When I say lots of sun I mean that even though we loaded up on sunscreen, we were all hurting the next day. We learned very quickly just how powerful the sun is here and not to mess around when it comes to putting enough sunscreen on. I'm sure we won't be making that mistake again this upcoming weekend. If you do ever visit the Manuel Antonio Park keep your belongings close-by. The raccoons and monkey's aren't as innocent as you think and will take advantage of you being in the water and that really shiny camera sitting on your towel. They have been known to steal peoples belongings whether it be shiny objects, food, or even a whole bag if they can get away with it. I didn't see it but apparently a raccoon came on the beach and stole chips from a family while they were gone.
That night consisted of a little happy hour and then ladies night. Somehow there always seems to conveniently be a ladies night nearby. This means free drinks for the girls and guys asking us to get free drinks for them too. It seems like a win-win because all us college kids don't have to spend money on something we would rather use it for like parasailing or banana boating. It is a perfect town for college kids to go to. I even saw a hostel for $10 USD a night. The rooms looked clean and I couldn't believe that's the cost for a night in paradise.
The next day was free to us until we had to leave. After we all got over complaining about how red we were, most of us loaded on more sunscreen and went to the beach. It was a different beach right on the main strip overlooked by shops, restaurants, and bars. The waves were huge. I got knocked around a few times just trying to get out far enough to be beyond the point where they crashed. Someone unfortunately lost their waterproof camera in the ocean due to the large waves.
The trip to Manuel Antonio was unforgettable and I wouldn't doubt I go back if I have the time before I leave Costa Rica. ¡Pura Vida!
The next day we went into the park. It started with a guided tour through the conservation to show us all the animals living there. The park is a conservation for native animals such as monkeys, raccoons, sloths, bats, various types of spiders, insects such as the rainbow grasshopper, lizards, crabs, and many other types of animals. After the tour our guide led us to the beaches inside the park.
I've been to a lot of beaches growing up but this beach shoots to the top of my list. I would 100% recommend it for anyone's bucket list. The water was warm enough that you didn't have to force yourself in but refreshing enough that you didn't want to get out. Big rocks were on the side of the beach near the forest but other than that it was all sand and few shells to stumble over. The day was so relaxing; some exploring, some swimming, and lots of sun. When I say lots of sun I mean that even though we loaded up on sunscreen, we were all hurting the next day. We learned very quickly just how powerful the sun is here and not to mess around when it comes to putting enough sunscreen on. I'm sure we won't be making that mistake again this upcoming weekend. If you do ever visit the Manuel Antonio Park keep your belongings close-by. The raccoons and monkey's aren't as innocent as you think and will take advantage of you being in the water and that really shiny camera sitting on your towel. They have been known to steal peoples belongings whether it be shiny objects, food, or even a whole bag if they can get away with it. I didn't see it but apparently a raccoon came on the beach and stole chips from a family while they were gone.
That night consisted of a little happy hour and then ladies night. Somehow there always seems to conveniently be a ladies night nearby. This means free drinks for the girls and guys asking us to get free drinks for them too. It seems like a win-win because all us college kids don't have to spend money on something we would rather use it for like parasailing or banana boating. It is a perfect town for college kids to go to. I even saw a hostel for $10 USD a night. The rooms looked clean and I couldn't believe that's the cost for a night in paradise.
The next day was free to us until we had to leave. After we all got over complaining about how red we were, most of us loaded on more sunscreen and went to the beach. It was a different beach right on the main strip overlooked by shops, restaurants, and bars. The waves were huge. I got knocked around a few times just trying to get out far enough to be beyond the point where they crashed. Someone unfortunately lost their waterproof camera in the ocean due to the large waves.
The trip to Manuel Antonio was unforgettable and I wouldn't doubt I go back if I have the time before I leave Costa Rica. ¡Pura Vida!