With its proximity to the capital city and the variety of things to do in Manatí, it is a surprise the town isn’t as popular as San Juan.
Located on Puerto Rico‘s north coast, Manatí is a layback town with lots of outdoor attractions, including beaches, water springs, and caves that make it to the list of must-visit places in Puerto Rico.
I’m a Puerto Rico local and in this guide, I’ll tell you everything about what to do in Manati, Puerto Rico, so you don’t miss out on all the fun things this town has to offer! Let’s get started!
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Table of Contents
10 Best Things to Do in Manati
Hacienda La Esperanza
Tour an important sugar cane plantation in Puerto Rico.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 722-5882 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 4 pm Wed-Sun, Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Hacienda La Esperanza was once a prosperous sugar cane plantation in the 19th century.
Located in a 2,150-acre nature reserve, Hacienda La Esperanza is a restored historical site that serves as a demonstration of how haciendas worked back in the day.
One of its highlights is its restored sugar mill with a West Point Foundry steam engine.
The nature reserve also features wetlands, mangroves, estuaries, and beaches, including La Esperanza Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Puerto Rico.
To visit Hacienda La Esperanza you need to call ahead to make a reservation.
Playa Mar Chiquita
Swim in a natural pool formed by rock outcroppings.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a Tour on Viator
Mar Chiquita is one of the top things to do in Manatí for beach lovers and photography buffs. Mar Chiquita means little sea and it refers to a small cove created by rock formations on the coast.
Mar Chiquita is one of the top beaches in Puerto Rico for a reason. It boasts bright turquoise water with golden soft sand.
It’s also a top destination for snorkeling or taking a sunset tour to get the best landscape shots in the area.
Keep in mind, however, that depending on the season you visit Puerto Rico, the tide in Mar Chiquita can be strong. Avoid getting close to the rock formations where the current could drag you out.
Manantial Guayaney
Hike to a hidden water spring with crystal clear waters.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a Tour on Viator
Manantial Guayaney is one of those hidden Puerto Rico attractions many people miss out on.
But, if you’re looking for a day trip adventure not far from Old San Juan, then hiking to Manantial Guayaney is a great option.
Manantial Guayaney is a natural water spring located in the north karst zone of Manati. This cold spring boasts clear waters with fish and turtles that swim around.
Thrill-seekers like to jump from the right side of the spring into the deepest part of it, but those looking to relax can just spend a carefree afternoon sitting on the spring’s rocks.
La Poza de las Mujeres
Bath on a beach used by women during the Spanish colonial era.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free
La Poza de las Mujeres is one of the top attractions of Manati. Located within Hacienda La Esperanza Nature Reserve, this beach is a natural cove formed by a natural rock barrier.
La Poza de las Mujeres means “the women’s pool” and it’s said the beach got its name from the multiple noblewomen that used to bathe in it between the 1600s and 1700 during the Spanish colonial era.
There isn’t any shade on the beach and space is limited at the shore. During the winter season, tides can be too strong for swimming.
👉 Pro Tip: The access to La Poza is through Las Palmas Beach’s entrance, next to a house destroyed by Hurricane Maria. You’ll need to park on the on the street.
Cueva de las Golondrinas
Dip in a natural pool inside a coastal cave.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free | 👉 Book a Tour on Viator
Visiting Las Golondrinas Cave is one of the top things to do in Manatí and for a reason. You can reach this semi-open cave through Las Golondrinas Beach.
The cave has a shallow part where you can stand on the rock formations and appreciate its beauty.
But, the highlight of the cave is the pool that forms inside with crystal clear waters, where you can relax as you appreciate the dozens of swallows flying in and out of the cave.
Make sure to wear water shoes during your visit, as there are sea urchins in the area. If the tide is strong, avoid getting inside the cave.
Playa Los Tubos
Surf on a wild beach with beautiful scenery.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free
If instead of having a lazy day at the beach you’re looking for a spot for surfing, then Los Tubos Beach is for you.
Located on the north coast of Puerto Rico, Los Tubos Beach boasts a strong surf perfect to catch waves surfing or boogie boarding.
The west side of the beach is a popular Puerto Rico diving site during the low tide seasons.
While not for swimming, this beach offers beach buffs a long beach to explore, and it looks its best during a sunset tour.
👉 Pro Tip: Although rarely seen outside the Tortuguero Lagoon, keep your eyes open for alligators when exploring the trails of Manati’s beaches.
Manati’s Town Center
Explore the streets of a historical town.
Visiting the town center is one of the Manati things that history buffs and culture lovers can’t miss.
The historical district features multiple buildings from the 19th century including the city hall and the Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria y San Matías Cathedral, built in 1729 and an icon in Manati’s history.
The Taboas Theater is another historical building you can visit to watch local shows. Check out their social media to see their calendar of activities.
Piscinas Naturales
Find the hidden natural pools on Manati’s coast.
📍 Google Maps | Entrance: Free
Travelers who like to seek unique photography-perfect sites shouldn’t miss a visit to the natural pools of Manati.
The natural pools of Manati refer to a series of concave spaces within the coastal rocks of Las Palmas Beach that fill with water from the ocean and form a natural infinity pool.
To get to Las Piscinas Naturales de Manati, you have to hike for 10 minutes up the spikey coastal rock formations until reaching this beautiful spot. Wear shoes as rocks are pointy and there are sea urchins in the area.
👉 Pro Tip: The natural pools of Manati aren’t a kid-friendly destination. The coastal rocks are steep and strong tides can make the location dangerous.
Hacienda Recreativa Mar Chiquita
Enjoy a family day in a hacienda with go-karts and ATVs.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 567-2833 | Hours: 9 am – 5 pm Saturday & Sunday | Entrance: Free
Hacienda Recreativa Mar Chiquita is one of Manati’s activities for the complete family. This space offers multiple fun attractions like go-karts, pony rides, inflatable bouncers, ATVs, farms, and food stalls.
But, the main attraction of the hacienda is their horseback riding tours along the beautiful beaches of Manati, available only with a previous reservation.
While the entrance to the hacienda is free, you have to pay for the attractions you want to use individually.
👉 Pro Tip: Hacienda Mar Chiquita is open daily, but to visit from Monday to Thursday you have to call ahead to make a reservation.
Frutos del Guacabo
Tour a local farm and enjoy a farm-to-table lunch.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (787) 884-4216 | Website | Hours: 8 am – 2 pm Mon-Fri, 8 am – 1 pm Saturdays, Closed Sundays
Frutos del Guacabo is a farm founded in 2010 in Manatí by Efrén David Robles y Angelie Martínez. The farm offers farm-to-table experiences that you will rave about if you’re a foodie.
Kids will love feeding the farm animals and exploring the multiple greenhouses on the farm. During your tour, you’ll also learn about sustainable farming.
Stop at the site’s shop to buy cheese or jam to take home. Call ahead to make a reservation for your tour and farm-to-table lunch.
FAQs About Things to Do In Manatí
What is Manatí Puerto Rico known for?
Manatí is known for its beautiful beaches ideal for swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and diving. The town on the north coast also houses historical landmarks like Hacienda La Esperanza.
What are the best things to do in Manatí?
The best things to do in Manatí include swimming in Mar Chiquita, dipping into Manantial de Guayaney, surfing in Los Tubos, and taking a historical tour at Hacienda La Esperanza.
What are the best things to do in Manatí for free?
The best things to do in Manatí for free include visiting the beaches, exploring Manati’s historical downtown, and hiking to Cueva Golondrinas and Manantial de Guayaney.
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Now you know all about the top things to do in Manati, Puerto Rico! Looking for other places for an eco-adventure? Check out our guide to Puerto Rico’s popular activities!
