Manzanillo Refuge night walk: Nocturnal wildlife with guide

Search the jungle at night with a flashlight and a naturalist who knows where to look

A guided night walk through Manzanillo Refuge where you search for nocturnal wildlife (frogs, snakes, tarantulas and other jungle creatures) using a flashlight with an expert naturalist guide. Private transportation is included, and the walk runs about four hours. Children from age 10 are welcome, and the guide speaks English or Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Manzanillo Refuge night walk adventure

• Meet expert naturalist guide
• Venture into jungle at night
• Use flashlight to spot wildlife
• Observe frogs, snakes, tarantulas
• Learn about nocturnal animal habits
• Listen to jungle sounds
• Enjoy stars and moonlight
• Return from night walk

The experience

The walk starts after dark, when the animals that hide during the day emerge into the open. You move through the jungle with a flashlight, stopping when the guide spots movement in the trees or on the ground. Frogs call from branches, snakes cross the path, and tarantulas sit motionless on bark: each one a chance to learn how nocturnal creatures have adapted to hunt, hide and survive in darkness. The guide points out behaviors and explains why these animals are active only when the sun is gone.

You'll hear the jungle differently at night. The soundscape shifts from daytime bird calls to insect choruses, rustling in the canopy, and the occasional larger animal moving through the understory. The darkness itself becomes part of the experience: your senses sharpen when sight alone isn't enough. After roughly four hours of walking and watching, you return with private transportation included in the booking.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from the refuge.
• flashlights for spotting nocturnal wildlife.
• expert naturalist guide leading the walk and explaining animal behavior and adaptations.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 18:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (21 and older) · Child (10 to 20 years) · Under 10: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h 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 today

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Travel Adrian CR

Is this one for you?The four-hour commitment leaves room for dinner or a sunset activity earlier in the day, but plan the walk as your evening's main event: darkness is essential, so it starts after sundown and runs late into the night.

Traveler reviews

4.96★★★★★★★★★★

69 verified traveler reviews

5 ★67

4 ★1

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 20 years). Under 10: they can't be included in the booking.

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 24 h before the start.

What kind of animals will I actually see on the Manzanillo Refuge night walk?

The guide looks for frogs, snakes, tarantulas and other creatures active after dark. What you spot depends on the night and the season, but the naturalist knows where to search and what signs to read.

Do I need experience or special fitness to do this night walk?

The walk suits all physical fitness levels. You move at a steady pace through the jungle for about four hours, but there's no climbing or scrambling involved. Just walking and stopping to observe.

Does the tour include transportation to and from my hotel?

Private transportation is included in the booking. Pickups outside Puerto Viejo carry an additional charge of $15.