Manuel Antonio: Wildlife Walk & Custom Beach Tour Options

Summary

Walk quieter trails in Manuel Antonio then swim where rainforest meets sea

You’ll wander quieter trails in Manuel Antonio with a local guide who knows every bird call and shortcut. Spot sloths or monkeys overhead, dip your toes where jungle meets ocean, and maybe share a laugh with locals along the way. Flexible start times mean you can skip early crowds or linger on the sand — it’s your day to shape.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll never forget how our guide, Diego, suddenly stopped mid-sentence — just as I was about to ask him if sloths ever actually move. He pointed up, grinning, and there it was: a little brown lump curled into itself, clinging to a branch like it had all the time in the world. I’d seen pictures of sloths before but seeing one in Manuel Antonio with my own eyes (and through Diego’s fancy spotting scope) felt oddly personal. The air smelled green, if that makes sense — kind of sweet and earthy after last night’s rain. We’d started later than most groups (Diego said 9am is “sloth o’clock”), so the trails were quiet except for distant monkey chatter and the soft shuffle of our sneakers on the boardwalk.

One thing I didn’t expect: walking the park “backwards.” Apparently most tours go clockwise but Diego likes to avoid crowds (and honestly, I get it). It meant we reached Playa Espadilla Sur first, when the light was still gentle and there were only a few locals around — a couple of kids chasing each other near the waterline, their laughter echoing off the trees. The sand was cool underfoot. We checked for turtle tracks (no luck this time), but he showed us some tiny frog eggs stuck to a leaf instead. There’s something about seeing wildlife here that feels different from any zoo or documentary; you’re just part of their morning routine for a minute.

After that we wandered towards Manuel Antonio Beach itself — that place where forest just spills right onto sand. I’m not really a swimmer but even I couldn’t resist wading in; the water was warm and salty and somehow softer than at home. A couple from San José chatted with us about the weather (“always humid,” they laughed), and an older woman let me borrow her sunscreen because sprays aren’t allowed here anymore (I forgot mine… classic). If you want more beach time after the tour you can arrange it ahead — wish I’d known before because honestly, leaving that view behind was harder than expected.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided tour and beach visits

• Introduction to park facilities and trails
• Walk anti-clockwise to observe wildlife
• Visit Playa Espadilla Sur beach
• Look for sea turtle tracks and nests
• Visit Manuel Antonio Beach for swimming

Top questions

What animals can I see on this guided tour?

You might spot both types of sloths, monkeys, bats, agoutis, tree frogs, toucans, snakes, and sometimes sea turtles depending on season.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel transportation is included if you select that option during booking.

How long does the guided walk last?

The main guided tour lasts about 3 hours through Manuel Antonio’s trails and beaches.

Can I stay longer at the beach after the tour?

Yes — extra beach time is possible if you request it in advance with pre-arranged return transport.

Are there showers or bathrooms at the beaches?

Yes, both Playa Espadilla Sur and Manuel Antonio Beach have showers for rinsing off and bathrooms nearby.

What should I bring for this day trip?

You need closed shoes for hiking, reusable water bottle (no single-use plastics), sunscreen lotion or wipes (not spray), swimsuit if you want to swim.

Is food allowed inside Manuel Antonio?

No food is allowed except peeled fruit or sandwiches in Tupperware for those with special dietary needs.

Are tours wheelchair accessible?

Yes, facilities are wheelchair accessible and strollers are permitted too.

What’s included

Your day includes entry tickets to Manuel Antonio Park, certified bilingual guide service (with all those fun wildlife facts), use of a Swarovski spotting scope for close-up animal views, plus optional hotel pickup if you choose it when booking. You can also pre-arrange extra beach time with return transport after your guided walk — just let them know ahead of time.