Our Local Favorites in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
While White Noise offers a peaceful and private escape from the city, some of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations are just a short drive away in Manuel Antonio and Quepos.
Perfectly located between nature and convenience, you’ll have access to adventure, wildlife, beaches, and vibrant local culture — all within reach.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Located just 40 minutes away, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most popular and bio-diverse parks, known for its lush rainforest trails, white-sand beaches, and abundant wildlife.
Guests can explore scenic hiking paths, spot monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds, and enjoy some of the most beautiful coastal views in the country.
Beaches & Ocean Experiences
From calm, swimmable waters to scenic coastal views, the nearby beaches of Manuel Antonio and Quepos offer something for everyone.
Spend your day relaxing on the sand, exploring hidden coves, or enjoying ocean-based activities such as catamaran tours, fishing, or sunset sails.
Manuel Antonio Beaches
ESPADILLA BEACH – Directly adjoining Manuel Antonio National Park’s main beach, this hidden cove offers the same stunning scenery with a lively mix of activities, local vendors, and fresh food right on the sand.
PLAYA BIESANZ – Just south of here you’ll find a beautiful little beach tucked into a calm cove. The waters are gentler then many nearby spots, and although it requires a short hike down, it’s worth the effort. Once you arrive you’ll find lounge chairs available and a few vendor services
PLAYA PLAYITAS – At the very end of Manuel Antonio’s cove lies a hidden local beach that can only be reached with a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. This stretch of sand is completely free of vendors and has a laid-back, local vibe — people simply park right on the beach and head in for a swim.
Parrita Beaches
PLAYA PALO SECO – Located in the Parrita canton, this incredible virgin beach is tucked away among Parrita’s natural wonders. Its sand shifts from slightly darker at the edges to lighter in the center, and it’s surrounded by lush tropical vegetation. Most days you’ll find this long, beautiful stretch almost empty — perfect for peaceful beach walks, versus swimming due to its rougher tides.
Adventure & Nature
For those looking to explore beyond the beach, the surrounding area offers a wide range of outdoor experiences.
From waterfall hikes and jungle trails to immersive nature experiences, the region offers a rich escape for those seeking connection, exploration, and discovery.
Nauyaca Waterfall
About 1.5 hours from here, the stunning Nauyaca Waterfall Nature Park is worth the journey. Nestled in lush rainforest, this private park features well-kept trails, dense canopy, and cascading waterfalls with pristine natural pools—perfect for a refreshing dip.
Rainmaker Conservation Park
Just minutes from our retreat, Rainmaker Conservation Park is a lush rainforest reserve that many visitors miss. With hanging bridges, jungle trails, small waterfalls, and crystal-clear swimming holes, it’s the perfect balance of adventure and serenity. Unlike busy Manuel Antonio, Rainmaker often feels like your own private jungle—you may even find yourself swimming alone beneath a waterfall. The park is known for its conservation roots, abundant wildlife, and peaceful beauty.
Our Community – San Antonio de Damas
Our tiny mountain town is surrounded by jungle-covered slopes, rivers that whisper through the valley, and views that stretch all the way to the coast. Discover the nature a skip away from your door step with hiking and natural pools to discover.
Recommended Dining Experiences
Discover a selection of our favorite local restaurants, perfect for everything from quick bites to memorable dinners.
Coffee & Breakfast
- Cafe Milagro – Quepos
- Pastelería y Cafetería La Panera – Quepos
- Runaway Grill – Quepos Marina – Host Pick Marina and Ocean Views
- Emilio’s Cafe – Manuel Antonio – Host #1 Favorite with Ocean View
- Anaconda Cafe – Manuel Antonio
Casual Lunch and Dinner
- Mangata Restaurant Fusión Peruana – Manuel Antonio
- Namaste Indian Restaurant – Manuel Antonio
- Samui Thai – Manuel Antonio
- Ensō Sushi – Manuel Antonio
- Bonding Restaurant & Coffee Roaster Café – Quepos
- Emilio’s Cafe – Manuel Antonio – Host Pick Ocean Views
- Colina’s Wood Fired Pizza – Manuel Antonio – Host Pick Rustic
- MAR Y SOL – Parrita – Host Pick Beach Front for Sunsets
Fine Dining
- Ronny’s Place – Manuel Antonio – Host Pick Ocean View Sunset
- Le Papillon Restaurante – Manuel Antonio
- Casa Lamia Restaurant – Manuel Antonio
- The Butcher Block – Quepos Marina
Lounges & Bars
- Ape Eclectic – Manuel Antonio
- Yolo Social – Manuel Antonio
- Blue Marlin – Quepos
Desserts
- Gelateria Amorosi – Quepos Marina – Host Pick Marina Views
- Emilo’s Cafe – Manuel Antonio – Host Pick Ocean Views
Explore Like A Local – Without The Guess Work
Every detail, expertly arranged – so you can be fully present. From immersive excursions to tranquil escapes, each experience is handpicked and tailored to your pace. With our complementary concierge services, you’ll have access to the area’s finest guides and tour providers.
Private Excursions
- ATV Tour
- Horseback Riding to Secrete Waterfall
- National Park Guided Tour
- Ocean Jet Ski Rental
- Ocean Parasailing
- Picnic on the Beach
Group Excursions
- ATV Tour
- Chocolate Tour
- Jungle Night Walk
- Jungle Waterfall Zip Lining
- Luxury Sailing Tour (Sunrise or Sunset)
- Mangrove Kayaking Tour
- National Park Guided Tour
- Ocean Kayaking Tour
- Surfing Lesson
- White Water Rafting
Tour Details & Information
ATV to Rainmaker Waterfall
The ATV experience in San Antonio Damas offers thrill-seekers an exhilarating adventure through Costa Rica’s lush landscapes. Navigating rugged trails surrounded by dense rainforest, participants can explore the region’s diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery. Whether crossing rivers or climbing hills, this experience provides a powerful and safe ride, perfect for adventurers looking to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying the adrenaline rush of off-road exploration. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, this excursion promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Costa Rica’s natural beauty. The ATV tour is a short 5 minute drive from White Noise Butterfly Sanctuary & River Retreat.
Chocolate Tour
The chocolate tour starts with the cultural and biological background of cacao in the world and here in Costa Rica. It further introduces you into the collecting, fermenting, grinding and finally the making of chocolate, the drink of the gods. They talk about coffee and its importance for Costa Rica’s economic and cultural development before heading to a showroom with important coffee picking instruments and real producing plants to better explain the process of coffee production. You will learn how to make Café-Chorreado, the real Costarican practice of preparing coffee. Finally, guests will look at one of the most important aspects of Costarican culture and tradition, the trapiche (mechanic sugarcane-mill). Here you’ll learn to grind sugar cane to extract the juice and make delicious cocktails. for sure the sweetest tour in the area. Additional excursion activities include visiting a medicinal plants garden and experiencing a chocolate factory. This location is a private jungle-preserve only 10 minutes from Manuel Antonio. The presence of wild animals like sloths, monkeys, birds and frogs is common. Be ready for anything. A $15 deposit is due at the time of booking.
Jungle Horseback Riding to Remote River Pond
Guests will drive two minutes up the road where they will be paired with their horses. You will ride across lush pasture through the rainforest on various trails crossing a river and resting at the river backs of the Rio Damas. The ride will be adjusted in length and difficulty according to rider experience. Includes crackers, fresh fruits and water. The local guide speaks English.
Luxury 4hr. Yacht Cruise w/Dinner & Cocktail (Sunrise or Sunset)
Brisa Elegante is a luxurious two-mast Gulet built by world-class craftsmen in 2010 in Turkey. Built and maintained to provide guests with exquisite comfort and a unique sailing experience. The yacht features two expansive teak decks for sun or shade, grand banquet tables, a wet bar, multiple spacious lounge areas, and a selection of water toys. Morning & sunset cruises are 4-hour cruises from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm, in September 10 am to 2 pm. The cruise includes a welcome cocktail, soft drinks, water, coffee, fresh fruits, and freshly prepared lunch or dinner by our chef. Also included is the use of our water sports equipment like kayaks, SUPs, and snorkeling gear. Their specialty is “Walk the Plank.” Additional alcoholic beverages can be purchased at the wet bar aboard. Payment is due at check-in in the Brisa Elegante office. Disclaimer: NO OPERATION IN OCTOBER.
Manuel Antonio National Park Tour
Get ready for an unbelievable adventure with the best tour guide in Manuel Antonio. Our selected guide is certified by ICT and has over 17 years of experience. Enjoy a guided walk through Manuel Antonio National Park, spotting animals amongst the flora and fauna before reaching the most stunning beaches of Manuel Antonio. Disclaimer: PARK TICKETS MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE.
Night Jungle Tour
Get ready for an unbelievable adventure with the best tour guide in Manuel Antonio. Our selected guide is certified by ICT and has over 17 years of experience. Enjoy a guided walk as the sunsets and discover the nightlife of the Costa Rica jungle.
Picnic on the Beach
Relax by the waves on a private dining experience under a tent at a private beach. Perfect for couples looking for a romantic evening dining experience. This experience includes one welcome cocktail and four difference dining options to choose from: Garden – Veggie Pintos, Make your own Flatbread and Mushroom Tacos OR Oceano – Ceviche, Make your own flatbread and Shrimp Tacos OR Farmer – Mushroom Bruschetta, Make your own flatbread and Chicken Pesto Tacos OR Love It All – Tuna Crispies, Make your own flatbread and Beef Tacos. *10% Service fee NOT included in pricing*
Mangrove Kayaking
Quietly explore the protected estuaries of Damas Island. Easily paddle the lush mangroves to watch the abundant wildlife which includes many shy birds, mammals, and reptiles that live in this tropical habitat known as the mangroves. *TIDE VARIANT*
Ocean Kayaking
A very unique way to enjoy the Quepos and Manuel Antonio coastlines from a new perspective. A sea kayaking tour is an opportunity to get a close look at the myriad of life below and above the ocean’s surface, from flying fish and sea turtles to frigate birds and pelicans.
Parasailing
This excursion provides a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Manuel Antonio coastline from up to 600 feet above the Pacific Ocean. With over 25 years of experience in parasailing and all water sports, so you can relax knowing you are in the safest and most experienced hands.
Jet Ski’ing
Take off from Espadilla Beach, directly attached to the Manuel Antonio National Park Beach and jet ski around an island just off the National Park. Enjoy views of the park and the entire span of the beach while riding in the open ocean. Disclaimer: Weight of 300lbs can ride on each jet ski.
Surf Session + Beach Chair
Manuel Antonio has a surf break for every level of surfing including beginner, intermediate and advanced. With the perfect surf board for all level of those looking to enjoy a day in the surf and instructors that work with you to make it happen. This tour includes one beach chair per person to enjoy after surfing to relax and enjoy the stunning beach.
Savegre White Water Rafting
The Savegre River is a magnificent stretch of whitewater that begins its course by winding out of a sparsely inhabited valley in the mountains. For the adventuresome beginner and experienced rafter the Class II and III rapids will have you filled with adrenaline as you paddle hard over the waves. *AVAILABLE AS RAIN PERMITS*
Naranjo White Water Rafting
The Naranjo River drops steeply from the coastal mountain range above Quepos through a beautiful jungle gorge, and takes you on a wild ride to sea level, passing nearby farmlands and palm plantations. It is a Class III/IV half day challenge for more experienced paddlers that runs from May-early December. *AVAILABLE AS RAIN PERMITS*
Chorro White Water Rafting
Exploding water, steep drops, tight rock walls, and technical routes will get your adrenaline pumping. The “Chorro” section of the Naranjo River has Class IV and V rapids, for those of you looking for a more intense rafting expirence. Here we will run some of the best and most challenging rapids available in Costa Rica. *AVAILABLE AS RAIN PERMITS*
Zip-Lining Adventure Park
This isn’t your typical zip line tour, you will zip line through the canopy, above waterfalls, free fall into a waterfall pool, rappel down canyons and waterfalls, and swing like Tarzan. On this tour you will get the chance to hike through the jungle while your guide points out interesting flora and fauna along the way. Transportation from White Noise is provided with this tour.
