Manuel Antonio: Wildlife Walk & Beach Break with Guide

Summary

Monkey calls, hidden sloths and a beach break in Manuel Antonio

You’ll walk Manuel Antonio’s shaded trails with a local guide who knows every rustle in the trees—spotting monkeys, sloths, and frogs through a pro-grade scope (and snapping photos with your phone). End your tour at the park’s soft-sand beach for swimming or relaxing under palm trees. It’s not just wildlife watching; it’s feeling part of this wild little corner of Costa Rica.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to hear howler monkeys before I even saw the park gates. They sound kind of like distant thunder — which made me laugh, because our guide, Diego, said they’re actually pretty shy. He met us right at the entrance (easy to spot him with his scope), and we all shuffled in behind him, still half-awake from the drive. The air was thick with that green smell you only get in Costa Rica — damp leaves, a little salty from the ocean nearby.

Walking those trails in Manuel Antonio is nothing like a zoo. You have to slow down. Diego would stop mid-sentence because he’d spotted something — once it was a tiny frog clinging to a leaf, another time it was a sloth so high up I’d never have noticed it without the scope. He let us hook our phones up for photos; my hands shook from excitement and maybe too much coffee. There’s something about seeing an animal just doing its thing that sticks with you longer than any photo.

The best part? After all that quiet looking and listening, we ended up on this pale stretch of sand where you can swim or just sit under a tree and watch capuchins try to steal snacks (they’re bold — one almost got my granola bar). Some people peeled off to explore more trails solo; I just lay back and tried to memorize the way the light filtered through those huge leaves overhead. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck at my desk.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided 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

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Manuel Antonio tour?

Pickup can be arranged upon request—just ask after booking.

Do I need to buy my own park ticket?

Yes, you need to purchase your park ticket separately; help is available if needed.

What animals can I see on this guided walk?

You might spot monkeys, sloths, frogs, and other wildlife native to Manuel Antonio.

Can I stay in the park after the tour ends?

Yes, you can remain in the park after your guided tour—bring a swimsuit if you plan to swim.

Is this tour suitable for kids or strollers?

The tour is suitable for families; infants and small children can use strollers or prams.

Are spotting scopes provided during the walk?

A spotting scope is provided by your guide for close-up wildlife viewing and photos.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No meals are included; bring snacks if you wish.

How big are the groups on this wildlife tour?

Tours run in small groups for a more personal experience.

What’s included

Your day includes walking with a certified bilingual guide using their spotting scope for both viewing and digiscoping wildlife photos on your smartphone. Pickup from your accommodation can be arranged if needed—just mention it when booking. You’re free to linger at Manuel Antonio’s beaches or explore extra trails after your guided portion ends.