Manuel Antonio: Wildlife Walk & Beach Day Tour with Pickup

Summary

Spot monkeys and sloths then swim at Manuel Antonio’s wild beach

You’ll walk jungle paths with a local guide who actually spots wildlife (sloths! monkeys!), then end up swimming or sunbathing on Manuel Antonio’s famous white sand beach. Snacks are included, plus hotel pickup so you don’t have to stress about getting there. Expect laughter, mud on your shoes, and probably one animal you’ve never seen before.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly dropped my water bottle when our guide José whispered, “Look up — slow!” I’d been squinting at the trees in Manuel Antonio for maybe ten minutes, half-convinced I’d never spot anything but leaves. But there it was: a sloth, curled up like a fuzzy hammock. The air smelled kind of sweet and earthy after last night’s rain, and there were these weird bird calls echoing all around us — not that I could tell which bird was which. José just grinned and pointed out a toucan next (I missed it, honestly), but he didn’t seem to mind.

We wandered along the trail with our little group — some folks from Germany, a couple on their honeymoon, me sweating through my shirt. There were capuchin monkeys everywhere, darting between branches or just staring back at us like we were the ones on display. Someone tried to open a snack bar and instantly had three monkeys eyeing them; José warned us they’re clever thieves (he wasn’t kidding). The walk wasn’t hard, but you do get muddy ankles if you don’t watch your step. I liked that nobody rushed us — we stopped whenever someone spotted something cool or wanted to ask about a plant. At one point I tried asking about this tree in Spanish and totally butchered it; José laughed and taught me the word again (I still can’t say it right).

The trail finally spat us out onto Manuel Antonio’s beach — honestly whiter than any sand I’ve seen before. Some people dove straight into the water; others just sat down right where they landed. It was warm but not too hot, with this salty breeze that made everything feel lighter after the sticky jungle air. We snacked on fruit while watching tiny crabs scuttle around our toes. It’s funny how quiet everyone got for a minute there — maybe just tired or maybe trying to take it all in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Manuel Antonio National Park

• Walk through Manuel Antonio Park
• Observe monkeys, sloths, birds, reptiles
• End walk at Manuel Antonio beach

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Manuel Antonio tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are both included in the tour price.

Can I bring small children or use a stroller?

Yes, infants and small children can join and strollers are allowed.

Are snacks provided during the tour?

Yes, snacks are included as part of your day trip experience.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and transportation options accommodate wheelchairs.

How many people will be in my group?

The group size ranges from 2 to 15 people per booking.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Your guide may be multilingual; English is available.

How long is the walk inside Manuel Antonio?

The nature walk covers jungle trails ending at the main beach; exact distance varies but is manageable for most fitness levels.

Should I bring my own lunch?

No need—snacks are provided. If you have dietary needs (like vegetarian), let them know when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off for easy access to Manuel Antonio Park, guided wildlife walks with a knowledgeable local guide who speaks multiple languages if needed, plus snacks along the way so you won’t go hungry before relaxing at the famous white sand beach.