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Beach Vacation Destinations Adventure Travelers Will Love

By , About.com Guide

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Beach for Adventures - The Picture Postcard Manuel Antonio Park, Costa Rica
Surfer carries his board on a bike in Costa Rica's  Manuel Antonio Park.

A surfer carries his board on a bike riding along the beach in Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio Park.

(c) Roberto Ramos
Manuel Antonio may be a tiny park on Costa Rica's coast, but between the beaches and the rainforest it has everything an adventurous traveler could want. You can relax on the crescent-shaped beaches lined by lush forests on one side, then cool off snorkeling around coral reefs.

Hiking trails meander through the park's rainforest, and as you walk listen to the squirrel monkeys chatter, maybe catch a glimpse of sloths and look for iguanas and colorful tiny crabs. Surfing, scuba diving, sea kayaking and sport fishing are all popular water sports off the beach and around the tiny islands dotting the bay. Day trips can range from zip lines and canopy tours in the rainforest to boat rides to an island where you may see white-face monkeys, caymans and even boas in the mangrove forests.

You'll find plenty of lodging, from luxurious to budget, in Quepos which is north of the park, and right outside the park. To learn more about Manuel Antonio and see pictures of the park visit Manuel Antonio looks just like a picture postcard

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