Manuel Antonio Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteer Conservation Tour

You work directly with sanctuary staff to build toys and enrichment for the animals, not just watch them.

A full-day volunteer program at Manuel Antonio's wildlife sanctuary where you start with a guided tour of sloths, spider monkeys and kinkajous, then join staff and biologists to create enrichment activities for the animals and help with their care. Lunch is included, and you'll spend the afternoon working alongside dedicated caretakers and long-term volunteers on hands-on conservation tasks that directly support the sanctuary's mission.

The experience

What sets this apart from a standard wildlife tour is that you're not following a guide with a clipboard. You're part of the team. The day opens with an informative tour of the sanctuary's residents, but the real work begins after lunch, when you move into the volunteer projects. You'll help create enrichment activities for the animals, the kind of hands-on tasks that keep them mentally and physically engaged. The sanctuary's staff and biologists work alongside you, so you're learning as you go, not just observing from a distance.

The sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, which means your participation directly funds conservation efforts in Manuel Antonio. You'll interact with interns and long-term volunteers throughout the day, and the camaraderie that builds around shared work is part of what makes this different from a tour. Lunch is served in the sanctuary's restaurant, giving you time to decompress and talk with the people who dedicate their lives to this work.

Bring closed-toe shoes and clothing suitable for manual labor. If you're visiting during rainy season, pack a raincoat or umbrella. The work is physical but not extreme: the sanctuary welcomes volunteers from age 6 up, and you'll be matched to tasks that fit your ability. Guides speak English and Spanish.

What’s included

• Guided tour of the sanctuary and its animals.
• refreshments after the tour.
• lunch in the sanctuary restaurant.
• afternoon volunteer project creating enrichment activities for the animals.
• interaction with sanctuary staff, biologists, interns and long-term volunteers.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SundayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Kids Saving the Rain Forest

Is this one for you?Book this if you want hands-on conservation work with animals rather than passive wildlife viewing. You'll spend the day actively helping staff with enrichment activities and feeding, not just observing from a distance.

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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 (6 to 17 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What animals will I see during the guided tour at the start of the day?

The sanctuary is home to sloths, spider monkeys, kinkajous and other wildlife native to Manuel Antonio. The opening tour introduces you to the residents you'll be supporting through your volunteer work.

What exactly do I do during the volunteer project in the afternoon?

You'll help create enrichment activities for the sanctuary animals: toys, structures and other items that keep them mentally and physically stimulated. You work directly with the animal caretakers and biologists, so you're learning the reasoning behind each project as you build.

How does the money from this program support the sanctuary?

KSTR is a registered non-profit, so your participation fee goes directly to conservation work, animal care and the salaries of the dedicated staff and biologists you'll be working with throughout the day.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the sanctuary?

The sanctuary is located in Manuel Antonio. If you're staying in Quepos or nearby towns without a car, you'll need to arrange a taxi or rideshare to reach the sanctuary. The operator does not provide pickup.