Skip the bus and ride privately between Manuel Antonio and La Fortuna with optional stops at the Tarcoles River for crocodile sightings, roadside sodas, and scenic viewpoints. Comfortable vans, Wi‑Fi, bottled water and driver flexibility make this transfer practical for families and independent travelers.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step into the van in the humid morning light of Manuel Antonio and the Pacific coast slides behind you like a well-worn map. The road climbs out of coastal mangroves and farms, the air changing from salt to green as the lowland dry forest gives way to rolling foothills. Drivers know the route’s rhythm — a stop at the bridge over the Tarcoles River where crocodiles lounge like prehistoric logs, a roadside soda for gallo pinto, and then the long sweep toward Arenal where the volcano looms, an old heat in the landscape.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–5 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal fitness required; suitable for travelers of all abilities who can board a standard transfer vehicle.
Wildlife
History
The route follows roads that opened with 20th‑century agricultural expansion; La Fortuna’s growth accelerated after the Arenal eruption cycle made the area a thermal‑spring destination.
Conservation
Avoid feeding wildlife or stopping in undesignated places; crocodile viewing is safest from the bridge and helps protect both animals and visitors.
Reserve your spot on the Private One Way Transfer from Manuel Antonio to Arenal La Fortuna today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Confirm pickup details
Provide exact accommodation address and preferred pickup time; drivers will meet you directly at your lodging.
Stop for Tarcoles river viewing
Ask your driver for a bridge stop to see large crocodiles — cameras with zoom lenses work best for safe photos.
Pack for rain
During May–November expect heavy showers; carry a lightweight rain jacket and protect electronics.
Limit luggage per person
Vans are spacious but confirm passenger count and extra-person fees ahead of time to avoid surprises.
Lightweight rain jacket
Useful during the wet season when sudden downpours can make roads slick and brief stops damp.
summer
Binoculars
Helps spot shorebirds, raptors, and crocodiles at roadside viewing points like Tarcoles bridge.
Mid-size luggage with secure locks
Keeps belongings organized in the van and protected during transport and stops.
Insect repellent
Useful for quick river or roadside stops where mosquitoes and sandflies are common.
summer