Wildlife in Manuel Antonio: Sloths, Monkeys & More

You haven’t truly felt the wild until you’ve experienced wildlife in Manuel Antonio.

Picture this: a soft trail winds through the rainforest. Sunlight flickers through the canopy like golden confetti. The air is thick with life—birdsong, rustling leaves, the distant roar of a howler monkey.

Suddenly, a flash of movement. A white-faced capuchin leaps through the branches, landing just above your head. A little farther on, a sloth hangs motionless in the vines, its gentle smile barely catching the light.

This isn’t a scene from a nature documentary. It’s just your morning walk.

At Paddle 9, we’ve explored every corner of this national park. And the magic never fades. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveler, Manuel Antonio’s biodiversity always has something new to offer.

Wildlife You’ll Love (and Never Forget)

Manuel Antonio National Park may be small, but it’s bursting with life. Covering just 1,983 hectares (7.66 square miles) of protected land and coastline, it’s one of the most compact yet biodiverse national parks in the world.

Despite its size, it boasts over 350 species of animals and several well-maintained trails that make wildlife viewing surprisingly easy. Among the most popular are:

• Sendero Punta Catedral – A scenic loop offering cliffside views and sea breezes.

• Sendero Perezoso (Sloth Trail) – A flat, shaded path ideal for spotting sloths and monkeys.

• Sendero Playa Gemelas y Puerto Escondido – A peaceful, less-traveled route with coastal viewpoints.

  

Here’s a taste of what you can expect when you explore the trails with us:

1. The Monkey Crew

Manuel Antonio is home to three species of monkeys:

• White-faced capuchins: 

  Clever, curious, and not afraid to come close—these monkeys are the park’s mischief-makers.

  • They live in large social groups of up to 20 individuals.
  • Known for their intelligence and tool use, they’ve even been seen using sticks to get insects.
  • You’ll often spot them near beaches or picnic areas—keep your snacks close!long distances.
• Howler monkeys
  • These are the largest monkeys in Costa Rica, with males weighing up to 9 kg (20 lbs).
  • They’re more reserved than capuchins, often seen lounging in the canopy during the day.
  • Their howl isn’t aggression—it’s a way to mark territory and communicate acros

• Squirrel monkeys

Tiny, agile, and fast-moving, squirrel monkeys are the rarest of the three—and a true gem of this region.

• • This species, known locally as “titi monkeys”, is endemic to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific, especially around Manuel Antonio.
  • They live in large troops (up to 50!) and rarely stay still, making them a fun challenge to photograph.
  • Conservation efforts have helped stabilize their population after years of decline due to habitat loss.

2. Sloths: The Icons of Chill

There’s nothing quite like spotting a sloth in the wild. They move slowly, blend in perfectly, and somehow still manage to steal the show. You’ll find both two-toed and three-toed sloths in Manuel Antonio, and our guides know just where they like to hang (literally).

• Two-toed sloth (Choloepus hoffmanni): Nocturnal, with a golden-brown coat and a sweet snub nose. They’re a bit faster (relatively speaking) than their cousins and are mostly active at night.

• Three-toed sloth (Bradypus variegatus): Diurnal and iconic, with a serene face that looks like it’s always smiling. Known for their algae-covered fur that helps them camouflage in the canopy.

These gentle creatures embody the peaceful rhythm of the rainforest—and getting to see one in person is something you’ll never forget.

3. Birds, Birds, and More Birds

This park is a paradise for bird lovers. From vibrant macaws and toucans to colorful tanagers, you’ll want your camera ready at all times.

Keep an eye out for:

• Keel-billed toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus): Known for its rainbow-colored beak and playful hops between branches.

• Scarlet macaw (Ara macao): Spectacular red, blue, and yellow feathers make this bird a true showstopper.

• Green kingfisher (Chloroceryle americana): Frequently seen near rivers and mangroves, diving for small fish.

4. Reptiles & Amphibians: Tropical Treasures

Don’t overlook the smaller (and sneakier) creatures of the forest:

• Green iguana (Iguana iguana): Often spotted sunbathing on tree branches or rocks.

• Green basilisk lizard (Basiliscus plumifrons): Nicknamed the “Jesus Christ lizard” for its ability to run across water.

• Tree-dwelling snakes: While some are venomous, most are harmless and play a crucial role in the ecosystem.

These cold-blooded inhabitants are fascinating to observe and essential to rainforest life.

5. Nighttime Mammals: The Hidden Wild

When the sun goes down, a whole new cast of creatures comes out:

• Raccoons (Procyon lotor): Clever, curious, and often spotted near campsites or picnic areas.

Curious, clever, and always hungry, raccoons are often seen rummaging through fallen fruit or exploring the edges of trails.

• • They have excellent night vision and a highly developed sense of touch.

  • Raccoons use their front paws almost like hands—perfect for opening fruit or even zippers!

  • Although adorable during the day, they’re known for being bold around food, so keep your backpack zipped.

• Olingos (Bassaricyon gabbii)

Often mistaken for small monkeys, olingos are nocturnal tree-dwellers and much rarer to spot.

• • They’re agile, fast, and can leap gracefully between branches.

  • These mammals are exclusive to Central and South America, and Manuel Antonio is a great place to look for them.

  • Their diet includes fruit, nectar, and sometimes small insects.

• Fruit Bats

Flying silently through the forest, fruit bats play a vital role in the ecosystem.

• • They feed on bananas, papayas, and other tropical fruits—dispersing seeds that help regenerate the rainforest.

  • Some species also act as pollinators for night-blooming flowers.

  • You’ll often see them swooping low near trees or mangroves in the early evening.

    

     

How to See More Wildlife in Manuel Antonio (and Do It Right)

Seeing wildlife here isn’t about luck—it’s about slowing down, staying curious, and having the right guide by your side. Here’s how to make the most of your visit:

• Go With a Local Guide:
  Our Paddle 9 guides grew up in this area and know the park inside and out. They’ll spot the basilisk lizard hiding in plain sight or the perfectly camouflaged sloth you’d miss on your own.

• Visit in the Dry Season (Dec–Apr):
  Wildlife is active year-round, but dry season offers clearer views and easier hiking. If you’re visiting during the green season, don’t worry—we’ll still find plenty to show you.

• Respect the Animals:
  Keep a respectful distance, don’t feed them, and follow the “leave no trace” rule. We’re guests in their home.

• Mix It Up:
  Manuel Antonio isn’t just about animals. After your wildlife tour, hit the beach, go waterfall jumping, or kayak through the mangroves. With Paddle 9, you can do it all—and we’ll make it easy.

• Paddle 9 Tip: Early morning tours are ideal for spotting wildlife like birds and monkeys—they’re most active before the sun gets too strong.

Let’s Go Wild Together

Manuel Antonio is a place that stays with you long after you’ve left. It’s where families laugh at monkey antics, where couples share a quiet moment watching sloths, and where every turn on the trail brings something unexpected.

At Paddle 9, we don’t just take you to see wildlife—we help you connect with it. We craft meaningful, sustainable experiences that show off the best of Costa Rica and protect it for generations to come.

Book your Wildlife in Manuel Antonio adventure today.

Let’s hike, explore, and discover what makes this place so wildly unforgettable.

👉 Plan your custom tour with Paddle 9