Manuel Antonio Park: Guided Walking Tour with a Naturalist

Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica



Explore Manuel Antonio National Park with a certified local guide on a walking tour. Learn about the park's wildlife and ecosystem, get professional photos, and relax at Manuel Antonio Beach.

This guided walking tour in Manuel Antonio National Park suits nature lovers seeking wildlife observation with certified guides and premium equipment.

Highlights

  • Spot sloths in their natural habitat at Manuel Antonio Park
  • Small groups led by certified guides using high-definition spotting scopes
  • Observe toucans, frogs, snakes, monkeys, and other native wildlife
  • Finish the tour at Manuel Antonio Beach to relax or swim

Description

This is a guided tour only; the Manuel Antonio National Park entrance ticket is not included and must be purchased separately online due to personalized data requirements. Tickets are available exclusively through the park’s official website and not at the entrance.

Purchase your park admission ticket here: https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr/

Meet your guide at Supermarket Joseth, next to Chalo Parking, just before the park entrance. Your guided trek explores forest trails where you can spot wildlife such as sloths, iguanas, bats, snakes, monkeys, frogs, and toucans. Your local expert naturalist uses a high-definition spotting scope and takes photos to share with you after the tour.

The tour ends at Manuel Antonio Beach, offering an opportunity to unwind or swim following your hike.

Note that plastic water bottles and food are not permitted inside the park. During high season (December to April), tickets sell out quickly; book your park ticket at least two weeks in advance. In low season (May to November), purchase tickets at least one day before your tour. Tickets are sold by time slot (e.g., 7:00–7:40 am), but entry times for the tour are flexible.

Please arrive 5–10 minutes early. Guides wait a maximum of 10 minutes before starting; late arrivals can catch up on the trail. Bring your park ticket ready for entry.

Parking is private near the park; the closest option is Chalo Parking (~$10 cash). Public transport and driving access are straightforward. Beware of street vendors offering parking; Chalo Parking is recommended. The meeting point is at Supermarket Joseth next to Chalo Parking, before the park entrance (not the beach side). Contact your guide via booking email or WhatsApp for additional details.

You will receive a reminder the night before your tour.

Includes

  • Walking tour with a naturalist guide
  • Use of premium high-definition spotting scope
  • Professional photos taken by your guide

Excludes

  • Manuel Antonio National Park entrance ticket (must be purchased prior to the tour) — Buy here
  • Parking fees, water, and snacks
  • Transportation
  • Gratuities

Important Information

  • Purchase your park entry ticket before booking the tour. If your desired time slot is unavailable, any ticket time works for entry with the group.
  • The park is closed on Tuesdays.
  • Park hours: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM; beach closes at 3:00 PM.
  • No plastic allowed inside the park (including water bottles, wrappers, and bags).
  • If using insect repellent, apply it before entering the park.
  • Food is prohibited inside the park due to monkeys; a coffee shop is available for snacks and drinks.
  • Your guide will share photos from the tour via Airdrop, WhatsApp, or email at no extra cost.

Cancellation Policy

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

For the best experience, bring comfortable hiking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent applied beforehand, and your printed or digital park entrance ticket. Morning tours are recommended for cooler temperatures and improved wildlife activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can expect to see sloths, monkeys, toucans, frogs, snakes, and various native animals in their natural habitat in Costa Rica's Manuel Antonio National Park.
The tour is led by certified naturalist guides experienced in identifying local wildlife in Costa Rica.
The tours are conducted in small groups to ensure a personalized experience and better wildlife viewing opportunities.
Swimming is optional and usually takes place after the guided tour at Manuel Antonio Beach.
Premium gear including a high-definition spotting scope is provided for detailed viewing of animals in the park.
The tour takes place inside Manuel Antonio National Park, a protected area on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
Wildlife is active year-round, but mornings are typically the best time for animal sightings in Costa Rica’s park.
It is recommended to book in advance to secure your spot due to limited group sizes and popular demand.
Yes, the tour is family-friendly and suitable for children interested in Costa Rica’s wildlife and nature.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, water, and swimwear if you plan to swim at Manuel Antonio Beach.

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