Activities and Recreations at Arenas del Mar Beach & Nature Resort, Manuel Antonio

Arenas Del Mar Beach & Nature Resort is the perfect base to explore the natural treasures. Just outside of your room, you can find an extensive trail infrastructure that can be used by guests to explore the natural rainforest setting of the hotel's grounds. Arenas Del Mar is blessed with two unparalleled beaches - Playa Espadillas and Playitas Beach, which are contiguous with the property of the hotel. An abundance of outdoor activities are available including white-water rafting, mangrove kayak and boat tours, guided rainforest hikes, ocean kayaking, sport fishing, canopy tours and horseback riding. The resort's activity and tour desk will be happy to assist with making arrangements.

THE BEACHES
Playa Espadillas
Stunning beach on the south side of the grounds with natural rock outcroppings protecting warm tide pools and where tropical shore birds are seen to roost. The natural jungle which surrounds Arenas Del Mar touches the sand, offering natural shade where you can relax in comfort while watching the waves breaking onto the shore. This beach is a little over a mile long and connects to the National Park, which makes it ideal for taking a long walk or run and yet is secluded and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean with its 85 degree water. This beach is recommended for those with children and for guests who would like to take walks, swim or surf and enjoy wonderful views of the National Park, which is at the end of the bay. If you wish to use this beach the resort will take you and pick you up by electric car or you are welcome to walk the road or by a lovely path through the jungle which arrives at the entrance to the beach. If you plan on spending the day, the resort can pack a lunch for your family so you can enjoy the whole day uninterrupted at this beautiful sandy beach. Resort guests are welcome to use the bathrooms at the Welcome Pavilion which, just about 100 yards from the entrance.

Playitas Beach
This is the spectacular but cozy beach on the north side of the grounds which ends at Punta Quepos, a peninsula of primary forest and beautiful rock formations. This beach was previously a European-style, clothing-optional beach before the resort was built, and although very uncommon, you may still see some 'au natural' bathing at the end of the beach. However, Arenas Del Mar requests that all beachgoers wear bathing suits in accordance with the law of Costa Rica. This beach is recommended for adults and those who are accustomed to this kind of sunbathing. There is a bar/restaurant close by and a swimming pool for those who wish to watch the ocean but prefer to swim in fresh water.

Convenient Day Trips & Activities
* Manuel Antonio National Park
* Canopy Tour
* Rainmaker Tour - The Rainmaker is a 1500-acre rainforst reserve
* Damas Island Mangrove by Kayak
* Butterfly and Aquatic Gardens Nature Reserve
* Morning / Sunset Sailing Tour
* White Water Rafting (the Savegre and the Naranjo)
* Horseback Riding Tour - through the jungles and hills to nearby waterfalls
* Surfing Lessons at Playa el Ray

Included Tours
Your stay includes two complimentary on-property tours. Information is subject to change, please confirm times and days on arrival.

• Tortillas at Petatillo Tour - Join the on-site guides for an authentic Costa Rican experience. This walking tour takes you around the property and behind the scenes to Petatillo, home to many of the resort's staff. You will learn about Costa Rican customs and discover the meaning behind their national symbols. They will show you how tortillas are made the old fashioned way, and if so inclined you will make your own tortilla and savor it with a good cup of coffee or a cup of agua dulce ("sweet water"), just like their grandparents used to do.
  What to bring: camera, comfortable shoes or sandals
  Departure time: 2:30 p.m.
  Arrival time: 4:00 p.m.
  Driving time: none (on-site tour)
  Length of tour: 1.5 hours
  Difficulty Level: low
  Includes: interpretative guide, history and national symbols explanation, fresh tortillas and coffee
• Easy Being Green Tour - Learn about history, nature and green practices all in one. They will take you behind the scenes and show you how being green can be easy! You will see the resort's native plant nursery and hydroponic vegetable gardens; and in the vermiculutre and compost area they'll show you what they do with organic wastes. In the recycling center they'll share their philosophy for reducing waste and saving energy. This unique experience will show you how your stay at Arenas Del Mar, while relaxing and fun, is also having a positive impact on our environment.
  What to bring: camera, comfortable shoes or sandals
  Departure time: On request
  Arrival time: Depends on starting time
  Driving time: none (on-site tour)
  Length of tour: 1.5 hours
  Difficulty Level: low
  Includes: interpretative guide, green drink