Arenal Night Walk: Wild Frog Sanctuary After Dark

Walk flat rainforest trails at night and watch tree frogs emerge when the forest comes alive.

An Arenal night walk through the region's only wild frog sanctuary, where a trained naturalist guide leads you along flat rainforest trails to spot colorful tree frogs and other nocturnal wildlife among spring-fed ponds. The tour runs 3 hours, includes round-trip hotel pickup and a live guide in English or Spanish, and starts at 5pm from your accommodation. Children from age 6 are welcome; the minimum group size is two people.

Step-by-step itinerary

Night walk in Arenal frog sanctuary

• Start tour at hotel at 5:00pm
• Walk flat rainforest trails at night
• Observe colorful tree frogs and wildlife
• Learn about native plants and frog habitat
• Explore ponds with 28 frog species

The Experience

Arenal's only wild frog sanctuary opens at night, when at least 28 frog species emerge from the ponds and rainforest. The Rojas Bonilla family maintains native plants across this private reserve of fresh spring-fed ponds, creating habitat within a rainforest that connects the Arenal Volcano and el Rio Burio. Your naturalist guide points out animals hiding in the darkness as you walk flat trails immersed in the noisy night forest—the sounds and movement that make the rainforest active are what bring the frogs out.

The tour departs at 5pm from your hotel in the Arenal Zone 1 area, with round-trip transportation included. You'll spend three hours on the trails, moving at a pace that lets the guide locate and explain the wildlife. Bring a camera, closed shoes, long pants and a raincoat; the night is wet and the ground uneven enough that sturdy footing matters. A flashlight helps, though the guide will have one. The tour operates with a minimum of two people; if a second booking doesn't materialize, the operator cancels and refunds you.

What’s included

• Round-trip hotel pickup from Arenal Zone 1.
• a trained naturalist guide leading the 3-hour walk.
• access to the private wild frog sanctuary and its spring-fed ponds.
• spotting opportunities for tree frogs and nocturnal rainforest wildlife.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Destination Services Costa Rica

Is this one for you?This is a shared group tour led by a guide, so you walk with other travelers and follow the naturalist's pace and route. Book it if you want to spot frogs and rainforest animals at the time they're most active, with someone who knows where to find them and what you're looking at—and if you're comfortable walking flat trails in the dark rainforest with a flashlight and closed shoes.

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Top questions

How many frog species can I expect to see on the Arenal night walk?

At least 28 frog species have made their home in the sanctuary's ponds, and the naturalist guide will point out the ones active during your visit. The exact species you encounter depends on the night and the season, but tree frogs are most visible and active after dark.

What time does the Arenal frog sanctuary tour start and how long does it take?

The tour departs at 5pm from your hotel and runs for 3 hours, ending around 8pm. Round-trip transportation from your accommodation in Arenal Zone 1 is included in that time.

Are the trails flat and easy to walk on during the night tour?

Yes, the trails are flat, but they're immersed in rainforest and wet at night, so closed shoes with good grip are essential. You'll need a moderate level of physical fitness and should bring a raincoat; the guide will have a flashlight and point out where to step.

Can children join the Arenal frog sanctuary night walk?

Children are welcome from age 6 onward. The flat terrain and 3-hour duration work for kids who can walk steadily and stay engaged with a naturalist guide in the dark rainforest.

What language does the guide speak on this tour?

The guide leads the tour in English or Spanish, depending on the group's preference and the guide assigned to your departure.