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Manuel Antonio: Private Wildlife Tour & Beach Swim

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.97 (571 reviews) 98% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/18

Duration3h

GroupPrivate

LanguagesEN · ES

PickupAt your hotel

Walk rainforest trails spot monkeys sloths swim clear water

You’ll walk rainforest trails with a local guide in Manuel Antonio, spot monkeys and sloths through a pro spotting scope, then swim or relax on hidden beaches before enjoying fresh snacks. It’s personal—full of small surprises—and you’ll leave feeling like you’ve really been inside the forest for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Nature walk with specialist guide
Observe wildlife with spotting scope
Swim in forest-surrounded beach
Enjoy refreshing snack at park exit

The Experience

I didn’t expect to hear so many sounds at once — some sharp bird call above us, leaves crunching under my shoes, and somewhere out there, monkeys chattering like they had something urgent to say. Our guide, Diego, had this way of stopping mid-sentence when he spotted something; I’d be looking at a tangle of green and he’d quietly point out a sloth curled up so perfectly still it looked fake. He let me peek through his telescope and honestly, I almost dropped my phone trying to get the photo right. The air smelled sort of sweet and earthy, like wet bark after rain (even though it hadn’t rained yet that morning).

We wandered slowly — not rushed, which I liked — and Diego would switch between Spanish and English depending on who was listening. Sometimes he’d laugh at my attempts to pronounce the bird names (I’m still not sure how you’re supposed to say “motmot”). At one point a little group of capuchin monkeys darted across the path ahead, tails swinging like jump ropes. There were families with kids, couples just taking it all in quietly, even an older man who kept stopping to draw things in a tiny notebook. It felt relaxed but somehow electric at the same time.

The beach inside Manuel Antonio Park was brighter than I expected — white sand edged by tangled forest. Some people swam right away; I just stood in the shallow water for ages because it was cool and soft underfoot. We had snacks before heading back (fresh fruit mostly), and I remember wishing I could stay longer just listening to the waves and distant bird calls. So yeah, if you’re thinking about a day trip to Manuel Antonio from anywhere near Quepos or Jaco, this private wildlife tour is worth it for the quiet moments alone.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, all guiding by a nature specialist with professional spotting scope for wildlife viewing (and photos), plus fresh snacks before drop-off back at your hotel or starting point.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Costa Rica Jade Tours