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• Snorkel and dive the living coral reefs
• Take a turtle tour and see the endangered Leatherback turtle lay her eggs
• Eat at Maxi's Restaurant

What to Do in Manzanillo

What's there to do here? We've got the inside scoop on Manzanillo as it is one of our favorite places to visit. We have a few local guides we recommend for the following tours. We will take great care of you in Manzanillo! And the prices are really affordable.

Nature & Adventure Activities

Bird & Wildlife Spying

The Wildlife Refuge's rich ecosystems are teeming with numerous species of birds, mammals and reptiles . You don’t have to go far to have close encounters with howler and white-faced capuchin monkeys, sloths, toucans, iguanas, butterflies and tons of marine creatures swimming off-shore and among the reefs.You might even get lucky and see a manatee.

This Refuge is home to several endanged species including the West Indian Manatee, Harpy Eagle and Baird's Tapir.

Diving & Snorkeling -- What's Under These Waters?

• Diving

  With over ten dive sites between Punta Uva and Manzanillo you will enjoy open ocean diving especially when the waters are calm and visibility is high, so go have an under-water world experience!

• Snorkeling

  If you're gonna snorkel this is the place to do it. Spectacular living coral reefs are great in this area from Punta Uva around to Punta Mona. You can swim out to the reefs from the beach in Manzanillo and snorkel to you heart's content. Best time to do it?

Dolphin Watching

Fishing -- There Really are lots of Fish in the Sea!

Manzanillo will expose you to a new kind of fishing, yet it's not new to the local fishermen who have been doing artisan fishing for generations. On these tours you will hop into a small dugout canoe or wooden panga and use a hand-reel and line. Bet you can't do this one at home...

Hike the Great Outdoors!

Explore the sandy footpaths and rain forest trails of Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge or go on an early bird watching walk from your hotel. We'll send the guide to you!

Kayak the Canals

Explore the canals of the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge by renting kayaks from a local tour company and venturing out on your own or take a guided tour and see more wildlife. You can combine this with dolphin watching too. 

Massages

Surfs Up!

There is a surf break near Punta Mona.

• Punta Uva: Ten minutes before arriving to Manzanillo, this spot is known for its calm, clean surf. It's great for newbies, experienced and whoever wants to lap in the surf.

Turtle Tours

If you're into turtle watching come for the season from March-July and sign up for a guided night hike. You can see leatherback sea turtles (the largest sea turtle in the world, also known as the baula turtle) nesting. This is something you only see on National Geographic!

Extra Goodies!

Panama is so close, and we can set you up on a great tour to Bocas del Toro. Contact us for a variety of excursions.

Culture, Festivals & Events

Shop till you Drop

Chances are you will not drop from the shopping here. However, you will get a kick out of the few unique and hand-made souvenirs sold by the local vendors.

In Puerto Viejo there is a restaurant and shop called 'Mighty River Ice Cream & Coffee Shop'. Here you can buy locally made organic goodies like dark chocolate, jams and other unique wholesome treats... not to mention the home-made Pensylvania Dutch style ice-cream. It is located along the road that goes along the beach in Puerto Viejo. Also, next door is a little restaurant called 'The Mission'. They serve a delicious buffet lunch at a great price. 

Festivals: Music to my Ears!

The Caribbean is never short of music. And don't think it's only for teens and twenty something’s. The South Caribbean Music & Arts Festival, held every year for 3 - 4 weekends in April / May ending the weekend before Easter, is for EVERYONE! Featuring Costa Rican musicians and artists who play a variety of music: ska, jazz, reggae, calypso and more. Plus the fest includes poetry readings, dance, theatre presentations and children’s activities. So grab a beer and / or a fruit smoothie and dance to the rhythm.