Manuel Antonio: Wildlife Hike & Beach Walk with Naturalist Guide

Summary

Gentle hike through rainforest trails wildlife closeups and soft sand underfoot

You’ll wander rainforest trails with a naturalist guide who spots wildlife you’d never notice alone—think sloths, monkeys, maybe even those tiny red frogs—before reaching Manuel Antonio Beach for a swim or just some quiet toes-in-the-sand time. Expect laughter, local stories, and moments you’ll want to remember long after you’ve left Costa Rica.

What’s the experience like?

We shuffled off the pavement and right into the green hush of Manuel Antonio, our shoes crunching over fallen leaves that smelled like rain even though it hadn’t rained yet. Our guide, Diego, grinned as he set up his spotting scope — “Wait here,” he whispered, and suddenly we were all peering at a sloth that looked exactly how I feel on Mondays. The forest wasn’t silent; there was this low hum of insects and somewhere above us, a pair of capuchin monkeys arguing over something only they understood. I tried to snap a photo through the scope but mostly caught my own reflection — Diego laughed and showed me how to do it properly.

The pace was slow enough that I didn’t feel rushed (honestly, I could’ve stood under those trees for hours). Diego pointed out these tiny red frogs — I never would’ve seen them on my own — and told us about the park’s history in this half-Spanish, half-English mix that somehow made it more real. At one point we stopped for water near a cluster of tourists watching an iguana sunbathe; someone’s little kid kept calling it “Godzilla” which made everyone smile. The air felt heavy but not uncomfortable — just thick with life.

After winding along the trail for what felt like both forever and no time at all, we reached Manuel Antonio Beach. The sand was so pale it almost hurt my eyes after the shade of the forest. People were swimming or just lying back in the shallows; I just stood there for a minute letting my toes sink in and listening to the waves. There’s something about ending a day trip from Quepos or even straight from San José with your feet in that water — I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck behind my desk. If you go, don’t forget to buy your park ticket ahead (Diego reminded us twice) or you’ll be stuck outside with only supermarket snacks for company.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided hike and beach visit

• Meet at supermarket outside park
• Begin slow-paced wildlife hike
• Listen to guide's natural history
• Use spotting scope for wildlife
• Visit Manuel Antonio Beach

Top questions

How long is the guided tour in Manuel Antonio?

The tour lasts between 2 to 3 hours depending on group pace.

Do I need to buy my park entry ticket in advance?

Yes, park entrance tickets are not included; buy them before arrival.

Is this wildlife hike suitable for kids or older adults?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.

Where does the tour start?

You’ll meet at the supermarket just outside Manuel Antonio’s main entrance.

Are animals guaranteed on this day trip from Quepos?

No guarantees, but guides use scopes to help spot wildlife like monkeys and sloths.

Is lunch included during the walk?

No lunch is included; bring snacks if you want extra energy before hitting the beach.

Can I swim at Manuel Antonio Beach after the hike?

Yes—you’ll end at the beach where you can swim or relax as long as you like.

What’s included

Your guided day includes insurance coverage throughout your visit, use of a high-definition spotting scope (so you can actually see those sloths), a souvenir photo album of local wildlife from Manuel Antonio Park, plus stories and animal sightings led by a certified bilingual naturalist—all wrapped up with plenty of time at Manuel Antonio Beach before heading back out through those leafy trails again.