Why April Is the Best-Kept Secret for Visiting Manuel Antonio

Most travelers flock to Manuel Antonio during the peak dry season months of December through March, and for good reason, the weather is gorgeous and the beaches are pristine. But if you want the same tropical paradise with fewer crowds, greener landscapes, and better rates, April might just be your perfect month to visit.

April is the last month of Costa Rica's dry season, with the green season proper beginning in May. Late in the month you start to feel the transition, as occasional afternoon showers arrive. Mornings in April are typically sunny and warm, perfect for beach time, hiking, and exploring Manuel Antonio National Park, and those brief afternoon showers cool everything down and keep the jungle looking impossibly lush and vibrant.

As the peak season crowds begin to thin out, April offers a more tranquil experience at one of Costa Rica's most beloved destinations. Manuel Antonio National Park has implemented capacity limits and mandatory pre-booked online tickets to protect its delicate ecosystems, which means even during busier months the park feels less hectic than it once did. But in April, the trails and beaches are even quieter, giving you a more intimate connection with nature. You are far more likely to spot sloths, monkeys, and toucans when the paths are not packed with visitors. One important exception to note: Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is the busiest domestic travel week of the Costa Rican year, and its dates move from year to year. Check when it falls before you book, since coastal hotels fill and the roads to the Pacific get busy. It is also worth remembering that the park is closed every Tuesday when planning a short stay.

Costa Rica was recently named Best Nature Destination at the Forbes Travel Awards, and it's easy to see why. The country generates nearly all of its electricity from renewable sources, and roughly 30% of its territory is protected land. Here in Manuel Antonio, that commitment to sustainability is everywhere, from eco-certified lodges and solar-powered local businesses to guided nature tours that emphasize education and minimal environmental impact. Travelers in 2026 are increasingly seeking out these kinds of meaningful, low-impact experiences, and Manuel Antonio delivers them beautifully.

April is also a fantastic month for ocean adventures. Dolphin sightings are common year-round on catamaran tours departing from nearby Marina Pez Vela, and you may even catch the tail end of humpback whale migration season in early April. Snorkeling near protected coves, sunset cruises along the coastline, and kayaking through calm Pacific waters are all at their best when the seas are warm and the tour boats are not fully booked.

One of the perks of visiting later in April is value. Once Semana Santa has passed, rates begin easing down from their dry-season peak ahead of the green season proper in May, so you can get the same incredible experience for less. At Hotel Las Cascadas, we are just a five-minute walk from Marina Pez Vela and a short drive from the national park, giving you the perfect home base to explore everything Manuel Antonio has to offer, with the added bonus of our peaceful, jungle-surrounded property where monkeys and wildlife visit daily.

If you have been dreaming of a Costa Rica getaway and can travel after Semana Santa, late April is your golden window. Pack a light rain jacket for those afternoon showers, bring plenty of sunscreen for the sunny mornings, and get ready to experience Manuel Antonio at its most lush and least crowded. Book your park tickets in advance, and let us help you plan the rest. We would love to welcome you to our little slice of paradise.