Drake Bay night hike: Nocturnal wildlife on Rio Agujitas farm

Hunt for nocturnal animals in the forest after sunset

A 3-hour guided night hike in Drake Bay on Rio Agujitas farm, a private family property 1.5 km from the beach, where you walk through primary and secondary forest after dark to spot frogs, insects, spiders, kinkajous, ocelots and other nocturnal wildlife along the river. The tour departs at 6:30 pm and returns by 9:45 pm. A live guide leads in English or Spanish, and groups stay under eight people per guide.

The experience

The hike starts at 6:30 pm when the forest shifts into night mode. You walk through primary and secondary forest on the Rio Agujitas farm, staying close to the riverbank where nocturnal animals gather to drink and hunt. The guide uses a headlamp to spot frogs, insects and spiders in the leaf litter and branches, then points out larger mammals (kinkajous, ocelots, tapirs and pumas) when they appear. The darkness is the whole point: animals that hide during the day move freely at night, and the guide knows where to look for them.

The 3-hour loop returns you to the reception by 9:45 pm. Rio Agujitas farm sits just inland from Drake Bay, close enough that you don't spend the evening driving. The guide speaks English or Spanish and keeps the group under eight people, so you're not competing with a crowd for the guide's attention or for a spot to see what crosses the trail.

What’s included

• A live guide in English or Spanish.
• a 3-hour guided walk through primary and secondary forest on Rio Agujitas farm.
• a headlamp for spotting nocturnal wildlife along the river.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (65 years) · Child (2 to 10 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by NativosCorcovado Tours and Travel

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a small group and a guide who knows where nocturnal animals gather. The eight-person limit means you're not jostling for position when something crosses the trail, and the guide can answer questions without rushing the group along.

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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: Child (2 to 10 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What nocturnal animals might I see on the Rio Agujitas night hike?

Frogs, insects, spiders and larger mammals like kinkajous and ocelots are common sightings. Tapirs and pumas appear sometimes along the riverbank, depending on the night and the season.

What time does the Drake Bay night hike start and end?

The tour departs at 6:30 pm from the Rio Agujitas farm reception and returns by 9:45 pm, so you're back before late evening.

How far is Rio Agujitas farm from Drake Bay beach?

The farm sits 1.5 km inland from the beach, close enough that travel time is short and the tour focuses on the forest itself rather than getting there.

How many people go on each night hike tour?

Groups stay under eight people per guide, keeping the experience intimate and giving everyone a clear view of what the guide spots in the forest.