Facts checked October 2026 by the Manuel Antonio Travel Guide team
What you are likely to see
| Animal | Chance | Where and when |
|---|---|---|
| White-faced capuchin monkey | Almost certain | Trails and beaches, all day |
| Iguanas and basilisk lizards | Almost certain | Sunny trail edges and beach rocks |
| Raccoons and coatis | Very likely | Near the beaches, looking for food |
| Three-toed and two-toed sloths | Likely, much more with a guide | High in the canopy along the main trail |
| Mantled howler monkey | Likely to hear, often seen | Treetops, early morning |
| Squirrel monkey | Possible | Moving in groups through lower branches |
| Toucans and aracaris | Possible | Fruiting trees, early morning |
| Agoutis | Possible | Forest floor near the trails |
| Bats, frogs and snakes | Hard by day | Ask a guide, or book a night walk |
Nothing is guaranteed. These are typical chances on a morning visit.
Sloths: why most people walk past them
Sloths are the animal most visitors come for and the one they most often miss. They sleep curled into a ball 20 metres up, and from the ground they look like a clump of leaves. Guides share each morning where the resident sloths are and carry a spotting scope that brings them into clear view, so you can even take a photo through it with your phone.
Not sure it is worth paying for? Read do you need a guide in Manuel Antonio.
The three monkeys
- White-faced capuchin. The bold one. Black body, pale face, and the main suspect when a bag goes missing on the beach.
- Mantled howler. Dark and heavy-set. You will hear the deep roar long before you see it, often at dawn.
- Central American squirrel monkey. Small, orange-backed and fast, travelling in noisy groups. It lives only on this stretch of the Pacific coast, which makes it the park's special one.
There are no spider monkeys in Manuel Antonio. For those, and for all four Costa Rican monkey species, Corcovado further south is the place.
Birds
Look for yellow-throated toucans and fiery-billed aracaris in fruiting trees, brown pelicans and frigatebirds over the bays, and herons on the rocks. Birders get the most from a private guide and the first morning slot.
After dark
The park closes in the afternoon, and that is when tree frogs, snakes, tarantulas and stick insects come out. Guided night walks run on private reserves next to the park and often find animals you would never see by day.
Rules that protect you and them
- Never feed animals. It is banned, makes them aggressive and is why the capuchins raid bags.
- No outside food in the park. Bags are checked at the entrance.
- Keep about five metres away and don't use flash on sleeping animals.
- Watch for manzanillo trees near the beaches; their sap and fruit burn skin.
Tours that see the most wildlife
Small-group naturalist walk, ticket option
Best for: First-time visitors who want a small group and the ticket sorted
- Maximum 10 people, about 2–3 hours with a spotting scope
- Choose the option WITH park ticket at checkout
- Meets at Chalo Parking, a few steps from the entrance
Prices and booking on Viator
Private walk with a naturalist guide
Best for: Families, photographers and birders who want their own pace
- Just your party, about 2–2.5 hours, ends at Manuel Antonio beach
- Park ticket NOT included — buy it on SINAC right after booking
- Meet at the park entrance; the guide shares photos taken through the scope
Prices and booking on Viator
Jungle night walk on a private reserve
Best for: Frogs, snakes and insects after the park has closed
- About 2 hours with flashlight and spotting scope provided
- Reserve entry fee paid in cash on arrival
- Meets on the road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio
Prices and booking on Viator
Damas Island mangrove kayak with lunch
Best for: Tuesdays, when the national park is closed
- Start time follows the tide: the operator confirms it, not you
- Hotel pickup, guide and a typical Costa Rican meal included
- Children from 8, sharing a kayak with an adult
Prices and booking on Viator
Frequently asked questions
Will I see sloths in Manuel Antonio?
Very likely, especially with a guide. Both two-toed and three-toed sloths live in the park, but they sit still high in the trees and are easy to miss without a spotting scope.
How many monkey species are there in Manuel Antonio?
Three. White-faced capuchins, mantled howler monkeys and the Central American squirrel monkey, which lives only on this stretch of Pacific coast in Costa Rica and Panama.
What time is best to see animals in Manuel Antonio?
The first entry at 7:00 am. Animals are more active in the cool morning and the trails are quieter before the mid-morning crowds.
Are the animals in Manuel Antonio dangerous?
Not if you keep your distance. The real problem is capuchins and raccoons stealing food and bags on the beach. Never feed them, and keep your bag closed.