Manuel Antonio: Wildlife Walk & Beach Time with Guide

Summary

Monkeys leap overhead as guides spot sloths and tiny frogs along shaded trails

You’ll wander shaded trails with a local guide who knows every rustle—spotting monkeys leaping overhead, sleepy sloths tucked high up, and even tiny bats or frogs if you’re lucky. The pace is relaxed, with time to ask questions or just listen to birdsong before ending your day stretched out on Manuel Antonio’s warm sand.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s pointing up into the tangled green and I’m squinting, trying to see what our guide, Daniel, already spotted—a sloth curled up so tight it looks like part of the tree. He hands me the telescope (it’s heavier than I thought) and suddenly there she is, nose twitching in slow motion. The air smells like wet leaves and something sweet I can’t name. There’s a group of school kids ahead, giggling when a capuchin monkey drops what looks like half a mango right near their feet. Daniel grins—he says they’re “the real locals.”

I didn’t expect to care so much about tiny frogs or bats sleeping under leaves, but here we are. Every few minutes someone whispers or points and we all freeze—sometimes it’s just a bird call echoing through the trees (one sounded almost electronic?), other times it’s an actual deer stepping out for half a second before vanishing again. The trail is easy enough for anyone; there was a family pushing a stroller behind us and they kept up fine. At one point Daniel tried teaching us the Spanish names for some birds—Li laughed when I tried to say “motmot” in Spanish. Probably butchered it.

The best part? After all that slow wandering and peering into shadows, you hit this patch of light where the forest just opens onto sand. It’s not quiet—the ocean’s louder than you’d think—but everyone sort of spreads out, shoes off, snacks in hand (they handed out fruit). Some people went straight for the water; I just sat down and watched two iguanas chase each other across a log. Still thinking about that sloth though—you know how sometimes you see something small but it sticks with you?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Manuel Antonio National Park

• Meet knowledgeable guide
• Walk through forest reserve
• Observe sloths and monkeys
• Use telescope for wildlife viewing
• Spot birds, reptiles, and deer
• Relax on the beach

Top questions

How long does the guided tour in Manuel Antonio last?

The guided walk lasts about 2 hours before free time at the beach.

Are snacks included during the tour?

Yes, snacks are provided during your visit.

Is transportation provided for this Manuel Antonio tour?

An air-conditioned vehicle is included for pickup and transport.

Can children join this wildlife walk?

Yes, infants and small children can join—the tour is stroller-friendly.

Is Manuel Antonio accessible for wheelchairs?

All areas and surfaces on this tour are wheelchair accessible.

Will we see animals like sloths or monkeys?

Your guide will help spot sloths, monkeys, birds, reptiles, frogs, and more using a telescope.

Do I need to bring my own binoculars or camera?

No need—your guide provides a telescope for close-up animal viewing.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from nearby locations, entry into Manuel Antonio Park with an expert local guide leading the way, use of a telescope for wildlife spotting (and photos if you want), plus snacks along the trail before relaxing at the beach or exploring more paths on your own.