Experience Manuel Antonio after dark on a guided two-hour night walk. Learn where to spot tree frogs, moths, snakes and mammals while a local guide leads you off the daytime trail into the rainforest’s nocturnal world.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dusk pulls the forest into focus: humid air thickens, the understory exhales, and a chorus of insects and frogs rises to meet you. Guides lead small groups down narrow trails where blue morpho butterflies glint in the last light and streams dare you to follow their silver ribbons into the dark. Night here is a change of costume—a cathedral-like canopy becomes a pitch-black theatre where eyeshine and high, frog-like calls take center stage.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to walk slowly on uneven ground for up to two hours.
Wildlife
History
Manuel Antonio’s protected area was created in the 1970s to preserve coastal rainforest and marine habitat on Costa Rica’s central Pacific shore, becoming one of the country’s most visited parks.
Conservation
Stay on trails, avoid flash photography and do not handle wildlife; the park’s small footprint makes visitor behavior critical to protecting sensitive nocturnal species.
Reserve your spot on the Jungle Night Tour Manuel Antonio today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring a headlamp with red filter
A red-filtered headlamp preserves night vision and disturbs wildlife less than white light.
Wear closed-toe shoes with grip
Trails are dirt and root-strewn; steady footwear reduces slips and protects ankles.
Use insect repellent
Mosquitoes and sandflies are active at dusk—DEET or picaridin helps extend comfort on the trail.
Follow guide camera rules
Avoid flash photography and stay at recommended distances to prevent stressing animals.
Headlamp (red filter recommended)
Keeps hands free and minimizes disturbance to nocturnal animals.
Closed-toe trail shoes
Protects feet and provides traction on wet or rooty trails.
Insect repellent
Reduces bites during humid evening hours when insects are most active.
Light rain jacket
Quick showers are common in the wet season; a packable shell keeps you dry.
summer