Manuel Antonio: Wildlife Walk & Beach Swim with Pro Photos

Summary

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

You’ll walk slow through Manuel Antonio’s rainforest trails with a local guide who spots wildlife you’d miss alone—sloths, monkeys, birds—then end up at the famous beach where swimming is allowed. Photos from the pro spotting scope are included, so you can actually show people what you saw instead of just describing “a brown blur.”

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to hear so much before I saw anything. The forest in Manuel Antonio is noisy — not city noisy, but alive. Our guide, José (he’s been doing this forever), stopped us right away because he heard something rustling. I was still fumbling with my water bottle. Suddenly there was a flash of brown above us — a capuchin monkey just doing its thing, not caring about us at all. José grinned and set up his Swarovski scope so we could actually see the little guy’s face, which is somehow both cute and slightly judgmental.

The air smelled like wet leaves and fruit—hard to describe but you know it when you’re there. We kept walking, slower than I thought we would, because every few steps José would point out something tiny: a green lizard blending into a branch or a toucan that looked fake until it moved its head. He let us try the scope ourselves (I almost dropped it — those things are heavy). He took photos through it for us too, which was honestly great because my phone camera didn’t stand a chance in that light.

The trail opens up suddenly and you can hear the ocean before you see it. That last stretch is humid and everyone’s shirts are sticking to their backs. Then there’s Manuel Antonio Beach — white sand, blue water, and somehow monkeys again (they really get around). Some people from our group went straight in for a swim; I just sat down for a bit and watched the waves mess with the footprints on the sand. I still think about how quiet it felt after all that forest noise.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided wildlife tour and beach visit

• Explore rainforest trails for two hours
• Spot sloths, monkeys, toucans, and more
• Use Swarovski scope for photos and videos
• Learn about flora and fauna from guide
• End tour at Manuel Antonio Beach
• Relax and enjoy the beach

Top questions

How long does the Manuel Antonio wildlife tour last?

The guided walk through Manuel Antonio lasts about 2 hours before ending at the beach.

Are professional photos included in this tour?

Yes, photos and videos taken through the Swarovski spotting scope are included free with your booking.

Is hotel pickup included for this Manuel Antonio tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; meeting details will be sent after booking.

Can I swim at Manuel Antonio Beach after the tour?

Yes, after the guided part ends at the beach, you’re free to swim or relax as long as you like.

What animals might I see on this day trip?

You might spot sloths, monkeys (capuchin), toucans, butterflies, iguanas, and more—but sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Is this group tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

How many people join each group tour?

The maximum number of travelers per group is 10 people.

Are snacks or drinks allowed during the walk?

You can bring water, juices, fruits or prepared sandwiches into the park—nothing else is permitted.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Manuel Antonio with a licensed nature specialist as your guide; use of a top-of-the-line Swarovski spotting scope; all photos and videos taken through the scope sent to you for free; plus time at Manuel Antonio Beach to swim or relax after your wildlife walk. Meeting details arrive by message after booking.