Small-group guided walks through dense coastal rainforest lead to close encounters with sloths, monkeys and other wildlife, finishing at Manuel Antonio’s beach. Ideal for families and first-time wildlife viewers, this tour pairs expert naturalists with a professional spotting scope for detailed observations.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The trail begins under a green ceiling: branches tilt and sunlight slices through in warm strips, and the air smells faintly of salt and wet earth. Walkers move quietly, guided by a local naturalist whose trained eye pauses at the smallest rustle; a sloth blinks at eye level, then deliberately resumes its slow survey of the canopy. The path drops toward a crescent of sand where the Pacific waits, restless and inviting after the forest’s hush.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to walk 1.5–3 miles on uneven terrain and handle short inclines.
Wildlife
History
Established in the 1970s, Manuel Antonio protected a fragile junction of coastal rainforest and marine habitats and became a focal point in Costa Rica’s early conservation tourism.
Conservation
High visitor numbers strain trails and shorelines—stay on marked paths, avoid feeding wildlife, and use reef-safe sunscreen to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Manuel Antonio National Park Wildlife Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Go early for wildlife
Wildlife is most active in the cooler morning hours; book the earliest slot to see monkeys and sloths moving.
Wear grippy shoes
Trails are short but can be uneven and slippery—closed-toe shoes with tread help stability.
Use reef-safe sunscreen
The park encourages biodegradable sunscreen to limit chemical run-off affecting marine life at nearby beaches.
Pack a light rain layer
Afternoon tropical showers are common—carry a compressible rain jacket to stay comfortable.
Sturdy walking shoes
Good traction and closed toes reduce slipping on wet roots and rocks.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated in humid conditions; there are no water stations on-trail.
Light rain jacket
A compact waterproof protects against sudden tropical downpours during the rainy season.
fall
Binoculars or compact camera
Personal optics supplement the provided spotting scope for birding and canopy observations.