Manuel Antonio Park wildlife tour: Sloths, monkeys & beach

A spotting scope lets you see animals hidden in the canopy without climbing after them.

A guided wildlife walking tour through Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica, led by a certified bilingual naturalist who carries a spotting scope for close-up views of sloths, monkeys, tropical birds and reptiles. The hike moves at a relaxed pace and concludes at Manuel Antonio Beach, where you have time to swim or rest before leaving the park. Park admission is optional. You can arrange it yourself or have the operator purchase it for you at checkout.

Options for this experience

5 options

From US$ 28 per person, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

Group Tour, Ticket Not Included 07:00, 07:50, 10:30 and 12:00 Guide in English or Spanish Up to 10 people Group tour: Explore the park in a small group of up to 10 participants, guided by a professional certified naturalist. Description: The guide will enrich your visit by helping you spot and understand the park's diverse wildlife. Duration: 2 hours, though the time is flexible and could be extended. Manuel Antonio Park: We will walk some of the national park's trails, where most wildlife can be spotted. Walking: This is a slow, easy hike to see wildlife. Description: Please remember to purchase your park entry ticket in advance. If you need help, we'll gladly guide you through the process :)

Small Group Tour, Ticket Not Included 07:00, 07:50, 10:30 and 12:00 Guide in English or Spanish Up to 8 people Small Group: Enjoy a more personalized wildlife experience with a maximum of 7 participants, accompanied by a professional certified guide. Description: This smaller group setting allows for better interaction, better wildlife observation, and a more immersive visit. Duration: 2 hours, though the time is flexible and could be extended. Manuel Antonio Park Trails: We will walk some of the national park's trails, where most wildlife can be spotted. Hiking: This is a slow, easy hike to see wildlife. Park Entrance Fee: Please remember to purchase your park entry ticket in advance. If you need help, we'll be glad to guide you through the process :)

Private Tour, Ticket Not Included 07:00, 08:00, 10:30 and 12:00 Guide in English or Spanish Up to 10 people Manuel Antonio Private Guided Tour: Enjoy a fully private wildlife experience led by a professional certified guide, with personalized attention. Description: Personalized attention and a more immersive connection with nature. 2 people $52.50 per person, 3+ people $50 per person. Duration: 2 hours, though the time is flexible and could be extended. Manuel Antonio Park: We will go on the trails of the national park where most wildlife can be spotted. Walking: This is a slow, easy hike to see wildlife. Park Entrance Fee: Remember to buy your admission ticket for the park before the tour day. If you need help with this, just let us know :)

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Group Tour, Entry Ticket Included 07:00, 07:50, 10:30 and 12:00 Guide in English or Spanish Park admission ticket included: Step into the park stress-free, with all admission covered so you can fully enjoy every moment surrounded by nature. Description: Small group adventure with a relaxed pace, expert wildlife spotting, and a stress-free park visit. Duration: 2 hours. Important note: This park requires an admission ticket, which is included in this option. We'll contact you to get the information needed to buy them!

Private tour, ticket included 07:00, 08:00, 10:30 and 12:00 Guide in English or Spanish Up to 10 people Private Tour: Enjoy a fully private wildlife experience led by a professional certified guide, with personalized attention. Park Admission Ticket Included: Step into the park stress-free, with all admission covered so you can fully enjoy every moment surrounded by nature. Duration: 2 hours. Group Size: Personalized attention and a more immersive connection with nature. 2 people $52.50 per person, 3+ people $50 per person. Important: This park requires an admission ticket, which is included in this option. We'll contact you to get the information needed to buy them!

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Step-by-step itinerary

Guided wildlife hike and beach visit

• Meet at supermarket outside park
• Hike slowly to spot wildlife
• Listen to guide's natural history
• Use spotting scope for close views
• Visit Manuel Antonio Beach
• Relax at the beach

What’s included

• Insurance coverage.
• use of a high-definition spotting scope for close-up wildlife views.
• a certified bilingual naturalist guide who speaks English and Spanish.
• access to a wildlife photo album from the tour.
• beach time at Manuel Antonio Beach at the end of the hike.

Times

• Every day except Tuesday 07:00 07:50 08:00 10:30 12:00

Another day? ›

Before you book

Group Up to 10

Live guide English and Spanish

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Ages Adult (19 to 59 years) · Senior (60 to 79 years) · Youth (13 to 18 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort Wheelchair accessible Stroller-friendly Pets welcome Public transport nearby

Operated by Guach Nature Tours

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Traveler reviews

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The experience

The tour starts at a supermarket outside the park entrance, where you meet your bilingual guide. From there, the hike unfolds at a slow pace designed to spot as much wildlife as possible rather than cover distance. Your guide points out animals, explains the ecosystems and natural history of the area, and carries a high-definition spotting scope so you can see creatures hidden deep in the forest canopy without needing binoculars or climbing. The scope also helps you photograph animals clearly, turning distant movements into recognizable sloths, monkeys and birds.

The walk takes two to three hours and ends at Manuel Antonio Beach, consistently ranked among the world's most beautiful beaches. Once you reach the sand, the schedule is yours: swim, rest in the shade, or walk the shoreline before exiting the park. The guide's role ends there, so the beach time is unstructured and at your own pace.

Park admission is $18 per person. Depending on which option you book, the operator either includes the ticket in your purchase or you arrange it separately. If you need help buying your own tickets, the operator can guide you through the steps. The park has a daily visitor limit, so booking your entry in advance is important. The tour is wheelchair accessible, suitable for all fitness levels, and children from age one are welcome: infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Insurance is included, and service animals are permitted.

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 18 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

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 animals will I actually see on the Manuel Antonio Park tour?

The tour targets sloths, monkeys, tropical birds and reptiles, though wildlife sightings depend on the day and time. Your guide uses the spotting scope to locate animals hidden in the canopy and explain their behavior and role in the park's ecosystems.

How long is the hike and how difficult is it?

The guided portion takes two to three hours at a relaxed pace designed for wildlife spotting rather than distance. It's suitable for all fitness levels, and children from age one can join: infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

Is the park entry ticket included in the tour price?

It depends on which option you choose at checkout. Some options include the $18 park admission ticket. Others don't. If you book an option without the ticket, you can buy it yourself or ask the operator to purchase it for you.

What happens after the hike ends at Manuel Antonio Beach?

Once you reach the beach, the guided portion is over and the time is yours. You can swim, rest, walk the shoreline or simply relax before exiting the park. There's no set schedule for the beach portion.

Does the tour include transportation to and from the park?

No, transportation is not included. You'll need to arrange your own way to the supermarket outside the park entrance, where you meet your guide.