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

4.9
794 reviews
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Nice day trip

Nice trip! Alex is a great guide!

laurafD1869BRMay 14, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Amazing Day!

Alex did an amazing job as our tour guide and driver! He was super attentive to guests who needed extra care in our group. He was super energetic although he had a lot of us to keep up with. He was able to spot animals with his naked eye then show us through his telescope. He prepared us for everything (entry rules for Manuel Antonio, the heat, etc). Know that it is a very long day and that it is very hot and humid in the park so be prepared.

Victoria_FMay 8, 2026VIATOR

Manuel Antonio National Park

Had an amazing time visiting Manuel Antonio National Park. The park was beautiful, full of wildlife, and the beaches were incredible. Alex was also great, freely and helpful.

Guide39001801661May 7, 2026TRIPADVISOR

Alex is amazing!

Alex was the most amazing tour guide. He was so attentive to all our needs. He showed us monkeys, sloths, lizards, and crabs on our walk through Manuel Antonio national park. We got to spend ~2 hours at the beaches and had the freedom to swim, hike, or do whatever we wanted which was amazing. After, we had lunch at the most beautiful rooftop restaurant. I will recommend this excursion for anyone, and I HIGHLY recommend Alex for the tour guide. He truly is the best!

saraaA4198PJApr 27, 2026TRIPADVISOR

A short time in the park itself.

We recognize that this park is several hours from San Jose and appreciated the other stops. However, the time with the guide in the park itself was very short.

Nancy_KApr 24, 2026VIATOR

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