No advisory against travel
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Updated 2026-05-19T10:42:25Z
Full advisory →Is Manuel Antonio safe? 🇨🇷
Costa Rica · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Manuel Antonio scores 65/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: mostly — take normal precautions. Manuel Antonio is moderately safe for travelers, but requires a high degree of caution due to crime and environmental hazards. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and robbery (moderate risk).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Manuel Antonio 🇨🇷
Costa Rica · Assessed 29 July 2026
65
/ 100
Mostly — take normal precautions
Safer than ~65% of countries
What drives this score
Crime55/100FairHomicide 17.7 / 100k
Sentiment59/100FairMixed to Negative
Advisories72Good
Stability80Good
Health65Fair
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Costa Rica: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-07-29T14:31:46.2003107-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Mugging & robbery risk
Moderate risk
70
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
Moderate risk
70
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
45 / 100 (Mixed to Negative)
45
City SignalCity Web Research
Homicide rate
17.7 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6World avg5.2United States5.8Costa Rica17.7Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
30
Robbery / mugging
ModerateWhile not widespread, muggings and armed robberies can occur, particularly in isolated areas or after dark. The dossier mentions a murder in paradise raising safety questions and escalating drug-related killings in nearby Quepos.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are common in tourist-heavy areas, including beaches and public transport, with opportunistic thieves targeting visitors.
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Fair
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Moderate
Traveller sentiment score
Mixed to Negative
59/100
Reported feel45Mixed to Negative
Robbery risk62Moderate risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent reports indicate growing concerns about safety in Costa Rica, with specific mentions of homicides and increased caution advised by foreign governments. Travelers should be aware of these developing concerns.
Manuel Antonio is moderately safe for travelers, but requires a high degree of caution due to crime and environmental hazards.
While Costa Rica generally has good governance indicators and low terrorism risk, the homicide rate is higher than many developed nations. Travelers should be aware of petty crime, potential for more serious incidents in certain areas, and environmental risks like rip currents.
Recent developments
- Apr 2026Costa Rica rescue teams continue search for missing swimmer, highlighting environmental dangers.— The Tico Times
- Apr 2026US raises caution for Costa Rica travel, citing homicide, rip currents, and potholes.— MassLive
- Mar 2026A murder in paradise raises questions about Costa Rica’s safety.— outsideonline.com
- Dec 2025Costa Rica’s escalating drug-related killings grip Quepos and Parrita, areas near Manuel Antonio.— The Tico Times
Common scams
- Overcharging for taxis or tours
- Distraction theft by 'good Samaritans' or street vendors
- Fake parking attendants demanding payment
Full briefing
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, presents a mixed safety profile for travelers. While the region benefits from strong governance indicators and a low risk of terrorism, a higher-than-average homicide rate for the region and specific concerns highlighted in recent news warrant a high degree of caution. The composite safety index indicates a moderate level of safety, suggesting that while most visits are trouble-free, vigilance is essential.
On the ground, travelers should be aware of moderate risks for both robbery and pickpocketing. The dossier points to escalating drug-related killings in nearby Quepos and Parrita, and a general increase in caution advised by foreign governments, including Canada and the US. While specific incidents directly in Manuel Antonio are not detailed in the most recent reports, the proximity to areas experiencing violence means that travelers should be particularly wary of their surroundings, especially after dark or in less populated areas. Petty crime like pickpocketing is a concern in tourist hotspots, including beaches and public transport.
Environmental hazards are also a significant consideration. Recent news highlights ongoing searches for missing swimmers, underscoring the danger of rip currents, which are common along the Pacific coast. Travelers are strongly advised to heed all beach warnings and never swim alone. Additionally, health alerts for Chikungunya and Dengue mean travelers should take precautions against mosquito bites.
To ensure a safer trip, travelers should remain aware of their surroundings, secure their belongings, and avoid displaying wealth. It is advisable to use reputable transportation services and to be cautious when walking at night. Always heed local advice regarding beach safety and be mindful of potential scams targeting tourists. Given the current advisories and recent reports, exercising a high degree of caution is recommended.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 5 Manuel Antonio districts for visitors: 3 safer, 2 needing caution. See them plotted on the Manuel Antonio safety map.
Quepos (nearby city)cautionHigher crime rates reported, especially at night; exercise vigilance.
Roads between Quepos and Manuel AntoniocautionReports of petty theft and potential for vehicle break-ins.
Manuel Antonio National Park AreasaferHighly trafficked tourist zone with visible security.
Playa EspadillasaferPopular beach with lifeguard presence, generally safe during daylight.
Manuel Antonio Town CentersaferCommercial hub, generally safe but be aware of surroundings.
07 · After Dark
Is Manuel Antonio safe at night?
44% of people in Costa Rica say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2018).
While not widespread, muggings and armed robberies can occur, particularly in isolated areas or after dark. The dossier mentions a murder in paradise raising safety questions and escalating drug-related killings in nearby Quepos.
After dark, be most careful around Quepos (nearby city), Roads between Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Manuel Antonio's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo female travellerCrime +35% weight62
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight63
Family with kidsCrime +19% weight · Health & Air +12% weight63
Nightlife-focused tripCrime +28% weight62
Travellers 65+Crime +13% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight64
Business tripCrime +14% weight · Stability +6% weight65
09 · Questions
Manuel Antonio safety FAQ
Is Manuel Antonio safe for tourists right now?
Manuel Antonio is moderately safe for travelers, but requires a high degree of caution due to crime and environmental hazards. While Costa Rica generally has good governance indicators and low terrorism risk, the homicide rate is higher than many developed nations. Travelers should be aware of petty crime, potential for more serious incidents in certain areas, and environmental risks like rip currents. (Assessed 29 July 2026.)
Which areas of Manuel Antonio should tourists avoid?
Quepos (at night). See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Manuel Antonio?
- Overcharging for taxis or tours
- Distraction theft by 'good Samaritans' or street vendors
- Fake parking attendants demanding payment
How does Manuel Antonio compare with other places in Costa Rica?
Manuel Antonio ranks #5 of 5 Costa Rica destinations we've assessed, scoring 65/100. See the Costa Rica safety overview for the full list.
How is this Manuel Antonio safety score calculated?
The score blends 11+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
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4 reportsBrowse the Costa Rica safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: manuel-antonio.json (CC BY 4.0).