Birdwatching Tour Manuel Antonio: Spot Toucans & Scarlet Macaws

Identify dozens of species and photograph them clearly with a professional scope

A private birdwatching tour departing early from Manuel Antonio, traveling 16 kilometers into rural areas known for resident and migratory birds. You spend the morning identifying toucans, scarlet macaws, motmots, trogons and other species with a licensed guide and top-line Swarovski scope, then receive a full species list at the end. Lunch at a local restaurant follows the birding session.

Step-by-step itinerary

Birdwatching and local lunch

• Drive 16 km from Manuel Antonio
• Visit birding hotspots in rural areas
• Identify and photograph various bird species
• Receive detailed bird species list from guide
• Enjoy snacks and water during tour
• Have lunch at local restaurant

The experience

Costa Rica sits on a migration corridor between North and South America, which is why 920 bird species pass through or live here year-round. The tour takes you 16 kilometers from Manuel Antonio into rural areas your guide knows as birding hotspots: places where toucans, birds of prey, motmots, scarlet macaws, trogons, manakins and honeycreepers show up reliably. You're not racing through a checklist. The guide's job is to give you time to identify each bird, frame it in the scope and photograph it clearly before moving on.

The scope is a top-line Swarovski Crystal model, which means you see detail most binoculars won't show. Any photos or video you take through it are yours to keep at no extra cost. Water and fruit snacks come with you during the morning, and afterward you eat a typical casado (rice, beans, salad and your choice of pork, chicken, fish or vegetarian protein) at a local restaurant in the area. The guide sends you a full species list after the tour so you can match names to your photographs and sightings.

Pickups start at 5 a.m. from your hotel, and the whole experience runs about four hours. The guide speaks English or Spanish, and children from age 6 are welcome. Remember that birds are wild and not held in captivity. Your guide will do everything possible to find as many species as you can, but sightings depend on the day and the season.

What’s included

• Licensed tour guide in English or Spanish.
• pickup from your hotel.
• top-line Swarovski Crystal spotting scope.
• all photos and videos taken through the scope.
• bottled water.
• fruit snacks and ice tea.
• typical Costa Rican casado lunch at a local restaurant.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 05:30

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Infant (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Costa Rica Wakoo Tours – Jason Solano, Naturalist & Birding Guide

Is this one for you?The 5 a.m. start is what puts you in the field during peak bird activity, so you see and photograph more species in the four hours than a later departure would allow. Bring your own binoculars and plan for an early morning if you want the best sightings.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What birds am I most likely to see on a birdwatching tour near Manuel Antonio?

Toucans, scarlet macaws, motmots, trogons, manakins, honeycreepers and birds of prey are common in the rural areas 16 kilometers from Manuel Antonio where this tour operates. The region sits on a migration corridor, so the species present change with the season. Your guide will know what is active when you visit.

How does the spotting scope work, and can I use it to photograph birds?

The Swarovski Crystal scope is mounted and ready to look through. You frame the bird and take your time identifying it and photographing it through the lens. Any photos or video you capture through the scope belong to you at no extra charge, and the guide sends you a full species list afterward so you can identify them later.

What time does the tour start, and how long does it take?

Pickups begin at 5 a.m. from your hotel to catch birds during their most active hours. The tour runs about four hours total, including the drive to the birding areas, the morning of birdwatching and lunch at a local restaurant afterward.

Is lunch included, and what will I eat?

Yes, lunch is included at a local restaurant in the area after the birdwatching session. You get a typical Costa Rican casado with rice, beans, salad and your choice of pork, chicken, fish or vegetarian protein.

Do I need to bring my own binoculars?

Yes, bring your own binoculars for close-up viewing during the tour. The professional Swarovski scope is provided for detailed observation and photography, but binoculars are your responsibility.