Manuel Antonio National Park wildlife spotting tour with scope

A spotting scope gets you close to animals without disturbing them

A guided nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park where a certified local guide leads you on the main trails, spots wildlife, and sets up a spotting scope so you can photograph animals from a distance without disrupting their habitat. Small groups keep the experience intimate. The tour runs 2.5 hours and includes the guide and scope use. Park entry and parking are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided nature walk and wildlife spotting

• Meet guide at park entrance
• Walk main park trails
• Spot and photograph wildlife
• Use spotting scope for close views
• Take short beach break

The experience

Your guide meets you at the park entrance and walks the main trails with you, stopping to point out wildlife and share facts about the animals you encounter. The spotting scope is the tool that changes how you see them. You frame animals through it with your smartphone to get a close-up view without stepping closer and disturbing them. This is digiscoping: the scope does the magnification, your phone does the capture. A short beach break is built into the walk if you want to cool off before heading out, though the park closes to entry at 4pm and the beaches at 3pm.

You choose whether the guide and scope are enough, or whether you want the park ticket bundled in at checkout. If you skip the ticket option, you'll need to buy entry separately at the gate ($18.08 for adults, $5.65 for children). Pickup from your accommodation is available on request. Ask when you book. The park is closed Tuesdays, so plan around that. After the tour ends, you're free to stay and explore other trails on your own, or swim if you brought a bathing suit.

What’s included

• Certified guide in English or Spanish.
• spotting scope and digiscoping setup so you can photograph wildlife with your smartphone.
• short beach break during the walk.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or Spanish9 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 13:30

Guide in English or Spanish5 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 13:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Tuesday9 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 13:30

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Meeting point is at the main gate of the park, outside. https://g.page/travel-costa-rica-tours?share”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Marverde Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Choose the group tour to share costs with other nature walkers, or book private if you want the guide's undivided attention and to set your own pace through the park.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): 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 24h before the start.

What animals might I see on the main trails of Manuel Antonio?

The park is home to sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and various bird species. Your guide will spot them along the trails and help you photograph them through the scope. The specific animals you encounter depend on the day and the season.

How does the spotting scope work for taking pictures?

The scope magnifies the view so you can see animals clearly without getting close. You hold your smartphone up to the eyepiece and photograph what you see through it. This is digiscoping, and it lets you capture detail from a safe distance that doesn't stress the wildlife.

Do I have to buy the park ticket when I book the tour?

No. You can book the guide and scope alone, then buy your park ticket separately at the entrance. Or you can add the ticket to your booking at checkout. Choose whichever suits you.

What time does the tour start, and how do I meet my guide?

Your guide will meet you at the park entrance. The exact meeting instructions are sent after your booking is confirmed. The tour runs 2.5 hours, so plan the rest of your day around that window.

Can I stay in the park after the tour to swim or hike other trails?

Yes. The tour includes a short beach break, and you're welcome to stay afterward to explore other trails or swim. Just remember the park closes to entry at 4pm and the beaches at 3pm.

Is this tour accessible if I use a wheelchair or have a stroller?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. Service animals are allowed. The park is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, but it suits all other fitness levels.