Waterfalls Near Manuel Antonio: Best Tours & Falls 2026

The waterfalls near Manuel Antonio and Quepos span five distinct destinations, each in a different direction from town and offering a different kind of experience. Nauyaca is one of the most searched and most photographed waterfall trips from Manuel Antonio, sitting in a private reserve about 20 km south of town and requiring a 45–60 minute jungle hike to reach; the reward is a 160-ft upper falls and a 30-ft cliff jump into a deep pool. The other five tours in this guide drive guests to their waterfalls with minimal hiking, ranging from a private ranch safari on a 4x4 truck to a canyon waterfall with a blue clay experience to a full-day coastal route hitting three or four separate swim stops.

Quick Guide: Best Waterfall Tours Near Manuel Antonio

• Best overall: Nauyaca Waterfall Tour
• Best value: Mulguri Waterfalls
• Best short tour: Hacienda Ébano (4 hours)
• Best no-hike option: Eco-Chontales or Mulguri
• Best independent waterfall: El Salto or Savegre River Waterfall

None of these waterfalls are inside Manuel Antonio National Park. The park itself has no public waterfall access; the falls people associate with the area are all in private reserves or on land adjacent to the park. Six tour operators cover the main options, with prices from $85 to $155 per adult and group sizes from 10 to 25. Our Manuel Antonio day tours guide covers how a waterfall tour fits alongside the park and other activities during a multi-day stay.

Green season (May to November) produces the most dramatic water volume and the most vibrant jungle scenery. Dry season (December to April) offers better trail conditions, lower water levels that make river crossings easier, and stronger cliff-jumping conditions at the lower falls. Both seasons run all six tours reliably. If we had to choose, dry season edges ahead for first-time visitors who want the cliff jumping experience at its best.

Note: Hacienda Ébano requires guests to self-drive to the Dominical area (approximately 50 minutes from Quepos); the safari truck operates from there to the private ranch. All other operators include hotel pickup from Quepos and Manuel Antonio.

ℹ️ All tours and information were personally reviewed by our team on May 29, 2026. Prices and availability may change; always confirm with the operator before booking.

Best Overall: Nauyaca Waterfall Tour

The Nauyaca Waterfall Tour holds a 5.0 rating across 410 reviews, the largest review base of any waterfall tour in the Manuel Antonio area by a wide margin. The destination is one of the most visited and most photographed waterfalls in the region: a 160-ft upper falls and an 80-ft lower falls with a 30-ft cliff jump platform managed by safety guides. The 7-hour format includes snacks, lunch, clay masks, and hotel pickup. At $155 it is the most expensive tour in this guide, and we think it earns the premium for the combination of the destination and the track record behind it.

Best Value: Mulguri Waterfalls & Cultural Tour

The most affordable guided tour at $86 per adult and the only one with a genuine cultural component: guests visit a local family's farm for a traditional lunch prepared on a wood-burning stove, plus access to three waterfalls and four natural swimming pools in a remote area reached by 4x4 Jeep. With a cap of 10 guests and an ICT-certified bilingual guide, we like this option for travelers who want a personal experience alongside the waterfall visit rather than a pure swimming-and-jumping outing.

Best for Photography: Eco-Chontales Waterfall Tour

The 150-ft Eco-Chontales waterfall sits in a canyon jungle setting that tends to be less crowded and has fewer documented reviews than Nauyaca; we'd give this the edge for anyone who wants photos that stand apart from the standard jungle waterfall shot. The blue clay body treatment at the river's edge is the standout visual: mineral-rich clay applied riverside with the waterfall as backdrop. The mini natural waterslide and cliff jumping options (6 ft and 28 ft) fill the rest of the time. The same operator also runs the Nauyaca tour, and the 6.5-hour format is slightly shorter while including an organic riverside lunch.

Best for a Shorter Day: Hacienda Ébano Safari Tour

The only 4-hour option in this guide, and the only one reaching its waterfall via a private ranch safari truck through 10 km of mountain terrain. The Ebano double waterfall on private land has a 26-ft jump into a deep pool. At $85 it is tied with Mulguri for the lowest price, but it does require self-driving to the Dominical area first (about 50 minutes from Quepos). We'd book this for travelers who want a morning activity that wraps up before lunch rather than a full-day commitment.

Best for Seeing Multiple Sites: Full Day Waterfalls Adventure

The most stops of any single tour: Portalon pools, Uvita Falls (natural water slide), Pavon Waterfall, and Poza Azul, plus a Dominical beach stop, all in one 7-hour day. With a maximum of 25 guests it is the largest-group option, which suits group bookings. The nearby Adventure to Natural Wonders tour covers a nearly identical coastal route with three of the same stops for $130 but caps at 10 guests; in our view the better choice if group size matters to you.

• Best for cliff jumping: Nauyaca Waterfall Tour. The 30-ft cliff jump with on-site safety guides is the most serious jumping setup of the six, and the 80-ft lower falls pool has the depth to match. The 5.0 rating across 410 reviews makes this the most-confirmed experience in the group.
• Best for families with children: Mulguri Waterfalls & Cultural Tour ($86, ages 0–75, max 10). A 4x4 Jeep ride, three waterfalls with natural pool areas, and a farm lunch in a small group stay manageable with younger guests. Hacienda Ébano ($85, 4 hours) is the second-best option for families wanting a shorter commitment.
• Best budget option: Hacienda Ébano Safari Tour at $85, covering a private ranch, safari truck ride, double waterfall with jumping, and a banana-leaf lunch in 4 hours. The catch: guests must self-drive to the Dominical area.
• Best for photographers: Eco-Chontales Waterfall Tour. The blue clay treatment, 150-ft canyon waterfall, and organic riverside lunch setting produce more visually distinctive photos than any other tour here. Less crowded than Nauyaca on a typical day.
• Best for groups: Full Day Waterfalls Adventure (max 25, $135). Visits four swim stops on the coastal route and is the only tour with a group cap large enough for bigger parties without booking a private option.
• Best overall pick: Nauyaca Waterfall Tour. One of the most visited waterfall destinations near Manuel Antonio, the highest review volume (410), and the only tour with a dedicated 30-ft jump platform managed by safety staff. In our view, the combination of height, jump setup, and proven track record sets it apart from the other options in this guide.

Each tour in this guide visits a different waterfall, and they are genuinely distinct in character, distance, and difficulty. Here is what to expect at each destination.

Nauyaca Waterfalls

The most famous waterfall near Manuel Antonio: a twin-falls system with a 160-ft upper cascade and an 80-ft lower falls with a 30-ft cliff jump. Located about 20 km south of Manuel Antonio in a private reserve corridor. Access requires a 45–60 minute hike each way through jungle. The pool at the base of the lower falls is large enough for safe cliff jumping and group swimming. This is the waterfall most photos labeled "Manuel Antonio waterfall" are actually showing.

Mulguri Waterfalls

Three waterfalls and four natural swimming pools in the Quebrada de Arrollo area, accessed by 4x4 Jeep through remote mountain terrain northeast of Manuel Antonio. Not a single dramatic falls but rather a series of pools connected by cascades; the natural Jacuzzi areas in the lower pools are the standout feature. The farm visit and wood-stove lunch are part of the same experience on the same property.

Eco-Chontales Waterfall

A 150-ft waterfall in a jungle canyon north of Quepos, with a mini natural waterslide built into the rock formation and cliff jumping options at 6 ft and 28 ft. The blue clay found at the riverbanks is the site's signature: guests apply it as a face and body mask riverside before swimming. Less visited than Nauyaca and visually distinctive enough to stand apart from the standard jungle waterfall photos.

Ebano Falls

A double waterfall on the private property of Hacienda Ébano, a working ranch near Dominical (about 50 km south of Manuel Antonio). Two separate drops feed two pools; the main pool is deep enough for a 26-ft cliff jump. Access is via private safari truck across the ranch property. The property also includes a secondary Jade Waterfall and an ocean-view lookout point.

Coastal Waterfalls: Portalon, Uvita, Pavon, and Poza Azul

A series of waterfalls and natural pools along the Pacific coastal road south of Manuel Antonio, between Matapalo and Uvita. Portalon has an 8-ft jump pool. Uvita Falls features a natural water slide and jump platform. Pavon is a smaller swimming pool. Poza Azul is an additional swim stop on the longer Full Day Adventure tour. These sites are more accessible and less remote than Nauyaca or Mulguri, making the coastal route the best option for guests who want variety over a single dramatic destination.

El Salto Waterfall (Independent Access)

A lesser-known waterfall located a short drive from Manuel Antonio, accessible via a 20-minute hike on a moderately challenging trail. El Salto is a strong cascade with a large natural pool at the base suitable for swimming, and the surrounding area has several smaller falls and pools worth exploring. This waterfall is typically accessed independently rather than through a guided tour, making it a good option for travelers who prefer self-guided exploration. Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and sturdy footwear for the trail.

Savegre River Waterfall (Independent Access)

Located in the Savegre River Valley, this 30-meter (98-ft) waterfall drops into a clear pool in some of the most pristine rainforest in the region. The hike takes approximately 1.5 hours and passes through undisturbed jungle on a well-maintained trail suitable for most fitness levels, including families. The valley itself is one of the most biodiverse corridors in Costa Rica, so the hike in is worth the time regardless of the waterfall. Like El Salto, this is typically visited independently rather than through the tour operators listed above; the Savegre white water rafting trip passes through the same valley if you want a guided experience in the area. Our Savegre River rafting guide covers the operators and logistics for the river section.

Most waterfall tours from Manuel Antonio and Quepos depart between 7:00 and 8:00 AM. All include hotel pickup except the Hacienda Ébano tour, which requires guests to drive to the Dominical area independently before joining the safari truck. Bring a change of clothes and expect to get thoroughly wet.

• Getting there: Most tours use air-conditioned vans or 4x4 vehicles. Travel time to the waterfall ranges from 20 minutes (Mulguri) to 90 minutes (coastal route tours). The Hacienda Ébano safari truck covers the last 10 km of mountain terrain to the ranch from Dominical.
• The hike: Only the Nauyaca tour involves a significant hike (45–60 minutes each way through tropical forest on uneven terrain). All other tours drive much closer to the falls. Mulguri uses a 4x4 Jeep into backcountry terrain; Eco-Chontales and Hacienda Ébano have short walks from the vehicle.
• At the waterfall: Every tour includes dedicated free time at the falls for swimming and jumping. Group sizes of 10–15 mean the pools rarely feel overcrowded at the single-site tours. The coastal multi-site tours move between stops, so time at each pool is shorter (roughly 30–45 minutes per site). Most people don't realize the Nauyaca day is structured around two distinct tiers: an upper falls for clay masks and snacks, then a lower falls for the main swimming and jumping. The arc is unhurried rather than rushed.
• Cliff jumping: This is where tours really differ in setup: Nauyaca has a 30-ft platform with guides physically positioned on the rock face to assist each jumper; other sites have lower drops with less structured support. Jump heights: Nauyaca 30 ft (guided), Eco-Chontales 6 ft and 28 ft, Ebano 26 ft, Portalon 8 ft, Uvita 20-ft natural slide plus jump. Jumping is always optional.
• Lunch: Every tour includes a meal. Quality and setting vary significantly: Mulguri's wood-stove farm lunch is frequently mentioned as a tour highlight; Eco-Chontales serves organic riverside food; Nauyaca and the coastal tours include snacks and a sit-down lunch at a restaurant or prepared on-site.
• Return time: The 4-hour Hacienda Ébano tour returns by early afternoon. All others return by 3:00–4:00 PM.

Waterfall tours near Manuel Antonio range from $85 to $155 per adult, with the price tied more closely to the destination and duration than to any single value-add.

• Budget ($85–$86): Hacienda Ébano Safari Tour ($85) and Mulguri Waterfalls & Cultural Tour ($86) are the two most affordable options. Hacienda Ébano is the shortest tour (4 hours) on a private ranch; Mulguri is the most intimate (max 10) with the richest cultural element. Both require the least travel time to reach their waterfalls relative to their price. We'd lean toward Mulguri if cultural depth matters as much as the waterfall itself; the farm lunch earns as many highlights in reviews as the falls do.
• Mid-range ($130–$150): Adventure to Natural Wonders ($130) covers three coastal waterfall sites in a small group of 10 with WiFi transport. The Full Day Waterfalls Adventure ($135) adds a fourth stop and accommodates up to 25 guests. Eco-Chontales ($150) focuses on a single 150-ft canyon waterfall with the blue clay experience; the premium reflects the more curated format and organic riverside lunch. What matters more than the price gap between these options is the number of stops: Eco-Chontales gives 6.5 dedicated hours at one canyon; the coastal routes spread the same time across 3–4 pools with roughly 30–45 minutes each.
• Premium ($155): The Nauyaca tour is the most expensive and the most reviewed. The $155 price includes hotel pickup, snacks, lunch, clay masks, safety ropes for cliff jumping, and access to one of the most visited double waterfalls near Manuel Antonio.

All prices are per adult. Most operators do not list a separate child price; confirm family pricing when booking. Gratuities are not included and are standard at $5–$10 per person for a good guide.

Waterfall tours depart early and return by mid-to-late afternoon, which makes them straightforward to combine with other activities across multiple days. The most common pairing is a morning at Manuel Antonio National Park on one day and a waterfall tour on a separate day; both are full-day commitments and don't combine well on the same day. Our Manuel Antonio National Park guided tour guide compares seven operators if you want to plan both.

The ATV tour from Manuel Antonio also includes a waterfall stop as part of its route, making it a lighter waterfall experience for guests who want the off-road component but aren't committed to a full waterfall day. Our Manuel Antonio ATV tour guide covers how that compares to the dedicated waterfall tours on distance, access, and time at the falls. For a water-based alternative with rapids instead of swimming pools, our Naranjo River rafting guide covers five operators from $107 on a half-day run.

• Wear clothes you're willing to ruin, and wear water shoes with grip. Every tour involves full-body water contact and most involve muddy trails. Waterfall rocks are slippery across all six destinations; multiple reviewers independently flag water shoes as the single most useful piece of gear. Bring a change of dry clothes for the return journey.
• Pack your phone in a waterproof bag. Dry bags are provided on the Eco-Chontales tour; bring your own for all others. Even if you're not jumping, mist and splash reach any phone within 10 meters of the falls.
• Apply sunscreen before pickup, not at the waterfall. The pools are open sky; the shade disappears once you're swimming. Reef-safe sunscreen only; Costa Rica's coastal reserves have restrictions on chemical formulas.
• For the Nauyaca tour, moderate fitness is genuinely required — and budget for the optional truck ride back ($3–$5). The 45–60 minute hike in is manageable for most adults; the return uphill in afternoon heat after a full day of swimming is where guests struggle. Guides offer a pickup-truck option at the lower parking area that multiple reviewers retroactively wish they'd taken. If overall fitness is any concern, choose Hacienda Ébano or Mulguri instead.
• Book the Nauyaca tour at least 2–3 days ahead in peak season. It has the most reviews (410) and sells out earliest during December to April and over Easter and Christmas holiday periods. Green season has more availability.
• Dry season (December to April) is the better choice if cliff jumping or clear water conditions are the priority. Green season (May to November) produces the highest water volumes and most dramatic falls, but the Nauyaca trail in particular becomes a mud event — slippery, knee-deep in places, and significantly more demanding. Dry season has calmer conditions, cleaner pools, and safer cliff-jumping water flow.
• For Hacienda Ébano, confirm the self-drive logistics before booking. The Dominical area is about 50 minutes south of Quepos; guests need to arrange their own transport to the property. The operator can advise on the exact meeting point when you book.
• Ask before booking whether tour photography is included or a paid add-on. On some tours a photographer accompanies the group but photos are purchased separately at the end, with pricing sometimes linked to completing specific activities like cliff jumping. Clarifying this upfront avoids a pricing surprise after the tour.
• For the Mulguri tour, wear long pants for the horseback riding segment. The open mountain trail offers little shade and exposes bare legs to sun and ants; reviewers across multiple years independently note this. Bring swimwear underneath to change at the waterfall, since changing facilities are limited on-site.
• Bring cash for tips. None of the six operators include gratuities. $5–$10 per person is standard for a guide-led day that involves waterfall access, lunch, and 6–8 hours of logistics management.