Manuel Antonio National Park Wildlife Tour
From$169
12 hours
San Jose, Costa Rica
About this activity
Discover Costa Rica's natural beauty on a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, featuring diverse wildlife and stunning beaches.
Highlights
- Explore diverse ecosystems
- Spot sloths and monkeys
- Relax on pristine beaches
- Enjoy guided nature walks
- Experience rich biodiversity
Full description
Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Costa Rica with a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. Departing from San Jose, you'll journey through lush rainforests, encountering diverse wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, and colorful birds. The tour includes a guided nature walk, providing insights into the park's rich biodiversity. After the walk, unwind on the park's pristine beaches, perfect for relaxation and swimming. This full-day excursion offers a comprehensive experience of Costa Rica's natural beauty, combining adventure, education, and leisure.
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from San Jose
- Guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
1
Discover Manuel Antonio National Park, one of the main touristic destinations of Costa Rica. You will be picked up from your San Jose Hotel in the morning in an air-conditioned vehicle, and then you will enjoy a scenic drive towards the Central Pacific Region of the country. On the way to Manuel Antonio, you will savor a delicious Costa Rican breakfast; and you will also have the chance to stop at the largest fruit stand of the country, where you can learn about the huge variety of tropical fruits of Costa Rica.
Duration: 45 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2
Continue your trip and stop at the famous crocodile bridge, where you will have the chance to observe many crocodiles in their natural habitat from a safe viewing point, some of the animals observed here are as big as 6 meters long (18 feet).
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3
Following you will make a stop at Tarcoles Beach, where scarlet macaws are normally observed in their natural habitat.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
4
Afterward, visit the Jaco Beach look-out point, from where you can get great views of the most popular coastal town of Costa Rica.
Duration: 15 minAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
5
Continue your tour with one hour-guided hike at Manuel Antonio National Park and learn about the huge biodiversity of the Rainforests of Costa Rica. Be on the look-out for wildlife species such as howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, sloths, toucans, agoutis, tropical birds, and the cutest mammal of Costa Rica, the squirrel monkey. At the end of your hike, you will have a few free hours to swim in the warm waters of the Manuel Antonio Beaches and feel in real contact with nature. If you prefer, you can continue hiking in the numerous nature trails of this national park.
Duration: 4 hoursAdmission: YES
6
Later on the early afternoon hours, savor a delicious Costa Rican lunch in a restaurant with great views of the ocean and the jungles of the national park. After this final stop you will be taken back to your hotel in the San Jose area.
Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Confirm the tour's availability and departure times in advance.
- Be aware that the tour may involve moderate physical activity, including walking on uneven terrain.
- Check the weather forecast and prepare accordingly, as conditions can vary.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and light clothing suitable for warm weather.
- Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen for beach activities.
- Carry a camera or smartphone to capture wildlife and scenic views.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Good to know
- Minimum age to participate is 5 years
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- The total tour duration includes the travel time, breakfast and lunch
- Drop off at Manuel Antonio-Quepos centrally located hotels are available
- The National Park authorities do not allow plastic water bottles; please bring reusable bottles
Traveler reviews
4.9815 reviews
5
745
4
49
3
11
2
3
1
7
Animals, Birds and Bugs!
Great day trip from San Jose. We had a wonderful guide and driver, Oxana was our guide and we saw many animals because of her sharp eyes! Breakfast and lunch stops were very good. We did an extra stop for water. Be sure to bring plenty of water! The tour does not have water on the van. (They should have a cooler).
Carol_UJun 27, 2026VIATOR
Costa rica
Everything was good specially our tour gide Alex amazing guy and respectful
748daianatJun 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Great tour
The tour takes you throught the Manuel Antonio park. You'll get the occasion to see wildlife and to swim in the beaches. Alex is an amazing guide! Shout out to him
R5119KDalexpJun 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Very good
Alex was an interesting and wonderful driver and guide. He told and showed a lot of things. It was all very interesting. I recommend to everyone a very beautiful and interesting tour, especially with this guide!
O1208SMpavelsJun 25, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Manuel Antonio 18 June 2026
The tour to Manuel Antonio was very enjoyable. Alex the tour guide was very knowledgeable, personable and friendly. He made the experience so much better. The day was well organised, lunch was really good. We managed to see many animals within the park thanks to Alex, including monkeys, sloths and crabs. I'd definitely recommend this tour.
alexmJ3505QFJun 18, 2026TRIPADVISOR
Additional information
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
Walking is involved
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Drop off with luggage is available in the centrally located Manuel Antonio area Hotels.
The National Park authorities do not allow plastic water bottles; please bring reusable bottles