Do We Need to Book Tours for Excursions in Costa Rica?

You best book NOW- pre Covid, our group of 8 adults and 6 teens had our guides and events nailed down by the end of September for our Christmas trip.

I think with the number of people you have, booking in advance might be a good idea.

We did a tour of Manuel Antonio National Park with Jason Solano of Costa Rica Jade Tours, and he was very good. https://www.costaricajadetours.com/ Our hotel had booked this for us, and we were pleased.

We also did a mangrove tour which also stopped at a canal with huge iguanas, but I don't remember the company. It was also booked through our hotel.

We did a night walk at Arenas del Mar, on their property. Not sure if this is open to non-guests, but if you have the opportunity to schedule a night walk in the vicinity of Manuel Antonio, you can see wildlife that isn't active during the day. There was a boy of about 7 or 8 on our tour, and he really enjoyed it, even being the first to spot a false fer-de-lance.

If you need transportation, Morpho Vans is an excellent option.

While CR is a safe and prosperous country, with huge US corporate investment, you need to consider distances and some non-paved roads. This is not like independent travel in Europe.

Thanks to all for your responses. We will be in CR over Christmas, as well. I'm currently in the process of checking out your suggestions.
Do any sights stand out in particular? We also plan to visit the beaches near Manuel Antonio especially on December 24 and 25 since I believe most sights won't be open. Any recommendations for beaches or sights that won't be closed? How about restaurants recommendations?

For the holidays you should try to book as soon as possible.
A fun restaurant in Santa Elena, try the Tree House with a giant fig tree in the middle.
In Manuel Antonio there is a night hike across the street from Hotel Is Como No to see many of the nocturnal frogs.
Be very cautious of rip currents on the beaches. The public beach just above MA National Park is the safest but always check with locals before swimming. The nicest and safest is inside the park with a protective cove.
For MA restaurants:
El Avion with a bar inside a plane and good for sunsets.
El Lagarta
Barba Roja was my favorite but it is listed as closed on Google Maps. It was open last January.
RDJ

Thanks so much for the information and warning, ridejo. I'll be looking at your recommendations.