Manuel Antonio: Wildlife Walk & Beach Time with Nature Guide

Summary

See monkeys sloths toucans up close on manuel antonio trails

You’ll walk shaded trails with a nature specialist in Manuel Antonio, spotting monkeys, sloths, toucans—even if you’d never find them alone. Try snapping wildlife photos through a pro telescope, snack on fresh fruit by the beach, and soak up that humid rainforest air before deciding if you want to linger by the sea or head back with your group.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait — is that a sloth or just another clump of moss?” That’s how it started for me, squinting up into the trees while our guide, Esteban, grinned and set up his spotting scope. We’d barely made it past the entrance of Manuel Antonio when he pointed out a white-faced monkey darting through the canopy. I could hear something crunching in the leaves above us, and honestly, I wouldn’t have noticed half of what we saw if Esteban hadn’t been there. The air smelled green — you know what I mean? Like damp earth and salt from the ocean drifting in.

I tried taking a photo through the telescope (Esteban called it “the Instagram machine”), but my hands shook and all I got was a blurry toucan beak. He laughed and showed me how to steady it — turns out patience is part of wildlife photography. We were a small group, maybe eight or so, which made it easy to ask questions or just stop and listen when everything went quiet except for some distant hummingbirds. There was this moment where everyone just stood still watching a baby sloth scratch its belly. No one said anything. It felt kind of sacred, actually.

After wandering for about two hours (Esteban kept things flexible — some folks wanted more jungle time, others eyed the beach), we reached this patch where you could smell sunscreen and sea breeze mixing together. Some people peeled off to swim; I sat on a log eating pineapple from our snack bag, sand sticking to my legs. If you go, bring your own water bottle — they’re strict about no plastic bottles inside Manuel Antonio. Also: don’t expect to rush anywhere here. The whole vibe is slow wonder.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided nature walk in Manuel Antonio Park

• Meet at park entrance or selected pickup
• Purchase park entrance tickets
• Enter park with naturalist guide
• Spot wildlife like monkeys and sloths
• Use spotting scope for wildlife viewing
• Take photos with optical equipment
• Enjoy snacks during breaks
• Choose jungle walk or beach visit
• Return to park entrance or stay inside

Top questions

How many people are in each tour group?

The regular group size is 8 to 10 people.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Pickup is available at selected locations; check when booking.

Do I need to buy my own entrance ticket?

Yes, Manuel Antonio Park entrance tickets are purchased separately at the gate.

Are snacks provided during the tour?

Yes, snacks are included as part of your day trip in Manuel Antonio.

Can I stay at the beach after the guided walk?

Yes, you can choose to stay inside Manuel Antonio Park after the tour ends.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes; prams or strollers are welcome on this tour.

Are plastic bottles allowed inside Manuel Antonio?

No; bring your own reusable water container for hydration.

What’s included

Your day covers optional pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from select spots near Manuel Antonio Park; guided walking with a local nature specialist; use of a professional spotting scope for wildlife viewing (and photos); plus fresh snacks along the way—just remember to bring your own water bottle since single-use plastics aren’t allowed inside the park.