Some of Costa Rica's most beautiful white sand beaches, in particular Playa Espadilla Sur and Playa Manuel Antonio are located in Manuel Antonio National Park. One particular trail, the Punta Cathedral, heads up to the tip of the point providing beautiful vistas of the ocean and islands situated off the rugged coastline. This particular trail, while not very demanding, has a short quick incline to the top of the peninsula.
In addition, Manuel Antonio has 12 islands located a short distance from shore. Most of them lack vegetation and serve as excellent seabird sanctuaries; they are an especially important nesting site for the brown booby. The pacific waters contain numerous dolphins and, at times, migrating whales are sighted. Its wide range of marine flora and fauna makes for great snorkeling. Up to date, 10 species of sponge, 19 corals, 24 crustaceans, 17 algae and 78 fish species have been identified.
The park's flora and fauna with its dominant trees such as the black locust, balsa, monkey comb, bastard cedar and mayflower, make for impressive scenery. Some 109 mammals, including the two-toed sloth, raccoons, white-nosed coatis, three species of monkeys, and 184 species of birds have been spotted within the park. Of particular interest is the beautiful and delightful Titi squirrel monkey, an endangered species now restricted to a very small territory in Costa Rica.