Manuel Antonio National Park Wildlife Tour: Sloths & Beach, Costa Rica

Sloths and monkeys in the canopy, reptiles underfoot, one of Costa Rica's best beaches at the end of the morning

A four-hour guided wildlife tour of Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica with certified naturalist guides, park entrance ticket and snacks. You walk through rainforest to spot sloths, monkeys, reptiles and insects, then spend time on the beach. Guides speak English or Spanish and pickup is included. Children from age 2 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore wildlife and enjoy the beach

• Spot sloths, monkeys, reptiles, insects
• Observe diverse tropical flora
• Relax and swim at the beach

The experience

The tour starts with pickup and moves into Manuel Antonio's rainforest on foot. Your guide is a certified naturalist who knows where the animals are and what the connections between them mean, not just naming what you see, but explaining how the ecosystem holds together. The morning is built around finding sloths, monkeys (howler, capuchin and spider monkeys move through these trees), reptiles and the insects that make the whole system work. The guide speaks English or Spanish depending on which you choose at booking.

The second half of the day shifts to the beach. Manuel Antonio sits on one of Costa Rica's best stretches of sand, and the tour leaves time to swim or walk it. Bring a towel and swimsuit. Snacks are provided during the morning. The air-conditioned vehicle handles transport between stops and back to your hotel or meeting point, so the four hours covers the walking, the wildlife, the beach time and the ride without you arranging any of it.

All surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and the tour works for families with young children: infants can ride in a stroller or sit on an adult's lap in the vehicle. The pace suits all fitness levels, and the certified guides carry the knowledge. Your job is to watch, listen and bring a camera.

What’s included

• Park entrance ticket.
• snacks.
• air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from your hotel.
• certified naturalist guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except TuesdayDeparts at 07:30

AgesAdult (6 to 90 years) · Child (2 to 5 years)

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 25 pickup points.Operator's directions: “We would meet at this place normally by 7;45am morning tour or 12pm afternoon tour”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Mike's Nature Tours

Is this one for you?The four-hour window leaves the rest of your day open. You're back by early afternoon and can spend it on other activities or rest. If you want a full-day immersion in the rainforest, this tour is the morning piece of it. If you're fitting wildlife and beach into a shorter visit, the timing holds both without rush.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 5 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What animals will I actually see on this tour?

Sloths, howler monkeys, capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, reptiles and insects live in Manuel Antonio's rainforest and the guide knows where to find them. The specific animals you encounter depend on the day and the time, but the tour is built around spotting multiple species across the morning.

How much of the four hours is spent on the beach?

The tour includes dedicated beach time after the rainforest walk, so you can swim or walk the sand. The exact amount depends on how the guide structures the morning, but beach access is a built-in part of the itinerary, not an add-on.

What's included in the price?

Park entrance ticket, snacks, the certified guide, and air-conditioned transport to and from your hotel or meeting point are all included. You bring a towel and swimsuit for the beach portion.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the park?

No. Pickup is included in the tour price, so the driver collects you from your hotel or a meeting point and returns you at the end of the four hours.