Top 14 team-bonding activities in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Team-building is a great way to boost employee engagement and show your team your appreciation. When hosting a team-building event or corporate retreat, you want to keep people engaged and make sure that everyone has a good time. The Manuel Antonio area in Costa Rica offers almost any team-building activity you care to imagine for groups of all sizes and interests.

The following activities are just 14 of the many activities that your team could participate in when visiting Manuel Antonio.

8 team-building activities on land

There are many reasons why your company should host a corporate retreat in Costa Rica. The following activities are only a few of these reasons.

1. Manuel Antonio National Park

When in Manuel Antonio, you can’t miss out on visiting Manuel Antonio National Park. Although the park is relatively small compared to other national parks in the country, it contains three beaches, forest trails, and a rainforest that is home to an astonishing variety of plants and wildlife. Visitors of the park can enjoy the beach, go swimming, and explore the trails with a professional guide.

2. Zipline Canopy Tour

Canopy tours are guided tours during which participants use ziplines and bridges to travel through the treetops of the forest. It is a thrilling experience that offers spectacular views and lots of fun. There are multiple canopy tours throughout the country but the ones in Manuel Antonio are some of the best. Canopy tours are a great way for teams to connect and build stronger relationships.

3. Canyoning and Rappelling

Canyoning in Costa Rica is an exciting and exhilarating activity and of the most thrilling adventure sports for teams to participate in. During a 4-hour canyoning tour, a professionally trained guide will help you and your team explore the canyons, scramble through rocky terrain, and down various rappels. Team members will work together, determine the best order for descending, help each other climb over obstacles, and encourage each other along the way.

4. Horseback Riding

Hee-haw! Get your team into the saddle and out on the trail. Horseback riding is a fun experience that will teach your team patience, discipline, compassion, and dedication. It also allows participants to learn more about themselves, leadership, and emotional intelligence. Tours are available on the beach and in the jungle. Naturally, each group member will be matched with a horse that matches their experience level.

5. ATV Off-Road

This is a great way for the whole team to get out in nature together and explore Manuel Antonio from a different perspective. During a 4-hour tour, participants will drive through lush rainforests, streams, and alongside rivers. There will be a stop to hike to a waterfall with a natural swimming hole where you can take a dip and cool off. Afterward, the ATV tour continues through the rainforest before ending with a traditional Costa Rican lunch.

5. Nauyaca Waterfall

The Nauyaca Waterfall is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica and a must-visit during your corporate retreat in Manuel Antonio. The Nauyaca Waterfall is a two-tiered waterfall with multiple natural pools where you can go for a refreshing swim. The waterfall can be reached by hiking, horseback riding, or by driving a 4x4 vehicle. The tour will take approximately 2.5 hours.

6. Vanilla Spice Tour

Set just outside of Manuel Antonio, the Vanilla Spice Plantation offers a fun-filled and interesting tour that is a feast for the senses. Visitors can experience the sights, tastes, and smells of different spices, essential oil plants, and tropical ornamental plants. In 1992, the plantation was certified as an organic farm and they continue to focus on sustainable agriculture. Your team will visit the post-harvest warehouse and then continue with a gentle walk through the plantation.

7. Jungle Night Tour

There is no reason why team-building activities would have to stop at night. The jungle night tour starts around 6:00 pm when the sun sets and much wildlife awaken. During a 2.5-hour hike, your team will venture into the jungle and listen for creatures that are most active at night. During this program, a tour guide will teach you about local flora and fauna while looking out for tree frogs, snakes, mammals, insects, and other nocturnal wildlife.

6 team-building activities in the water

1. Catamaran Tour

Don't miss the chance to see Manuel Antonio in all its scenic glory with a private catamaran tour. It’s a great way to get out on the ocean and admire the area from a different angle, you might even spot dolphins and whales. You can start your day with a catamaran tour, go swimming or snorkeling, and enjoy lunch onboard before heading back to the villa. Another option is the sunset tour which your team will surely enjoy after a productive day of work.

2. Sport Fishing

If you think that your team will enjoy being out on the water, sport fishing is another activity that you might be interested in. Over the years, Manuel Antonio, Quepos has been ranked as one of the top places in the world for sport fishing by a variety of sport fishing magazines. You can opt for a half-day or full-day out on the water. Running a friendly competition among colleagues who catches the first and biggest fish is a great way to engage and motivate your team.

3. Surfing

Another great activity for teams is heading to the beach and learning how to surf. It takes courage, dedication, patience, and practice to get on a surfboard and catch a few waves. Professional instructors will help you find your balance while standing up, teach you how to surf safely, and ensure that your team has a great time. Private classes can be fully customized to your team’s skill levels and goals.

4. Whitewater Rafting

While not for the faint of heart, whitewater rafting is a great activity for adventurous teams who like to tackle challenges together. Whitewater rafting requires communication skills and encourages camaraderie as you face the stormy rapids and navigate through rocky obstacles together. There are many team-building activities to choose from but not many get the adrenaline flowing like whitewater rafting.

5. Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is a great time to unwind from our everyday lives, plus it is a great way for people to discover the underwater world. When scuba diving, you always dive in pairs, the so-called buddy system. While underneath the water, you stick close together and look out for each other. Buddies communicate through hand signals, as instructed by the instructor before diving. It’s an excellent team-building activity for improving communication between team members.

6. Jet Skiing

Suitable for all levels, jet skiing is a fun and exhilarating water activity. You can choose to ride solo on your own jet ski or share one with a team member. A tour takes approximately two hours and will take you along the coast of Manuel Antonio. The sights from the ocean are spectacular and those who like to explore the underwater world can take a break from flying over the water and go snorkeling instead.

manuel antonio, costa rica's crown jewel

As you have just read, there is plenty to do in Manuel Antonio. Spend one day or an entire week, but definitely go. Manuel Antonio is located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. Known for its lush jungle and pristine beaches, it is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike and an ideal setting for corporate retreats. Manuel Antonio is a 2.5-3 hour drive from the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) or a quick 20-minute flight. Driving from International Airport Daniel Oduber (LIR) to Manuel Antonio will take 4-5 hours. When hosting a corporate retreat here, you will have easy access to Manuel Antonio National Park, along with great team-building activities and outdoor sports.

team-bonding at villa costa vida

Villa Costa Vida is tucked into the rainforest above the Manuel Antonio National Park, offering breathtaking views of green vegetation and all shades of blue of the Pacific Ocean. Everything you need is within close proximity, and the villa offers plenty of space for at-home activities.

Looking for 10+ bedrooms? Do you need a conference room to host meetings? Look no further, Villa Costa Vida is tailored to welcome large, corporate groups. The villa is spacious enough to accommodate up to 34 people and host events for up to 125 people. As of January 2023, the main villa can be rented together with the new villa tower, meaning it can accommodate up to 57 guests. Plus, there is a conference room on-site for presentations and brainstorming.

When you choose Villa Costa Vida, our team will help you make your retreat a success. We will happily arrange for private transportation, make reservations, and schedule tours. Feel inspired? Read ‘29 Reasons to Host a Corporate Retreat in Costa Rica’ to learn more about the possibilities and benefits of hosting your next company event with us.

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