Sloths and Monkeys Guided Tour in Arenal Nature Walk
A guided nature walk near Arenal looking for sloths, monkeys and other wildlife.
Check availabilityAffiliate disclosure: Some links on this page go to GetYourGuide, Viator or Agoda. If you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We list tours and stays only after checking that the listing is live. We have not personally reviewed every operator, and we never guarantee that you will see wildlife. Details.
A realistic mindset
A guided walk does not work like a zoo visit. Guides know feeding trees, roosting spots and calls, and they share sightings with other guides, which improves your chances considerably. Even so, many walks end with fewer animals than hoped and some with surprises nobody expected. Plan more than one outing if a particular animal matters to you.
Where animals tend to be
| Group | Habitat to look in | Good regions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sloths | Lowland and mid-elevation forest edges | La Fortuna, Sarapiquí, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero | Often motionless high in trees; a scope helps. |
| Monkeys | Forest canopy and edges | Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, Osa, Guanacaste | Howler calls carry a long way at dawn. |
| Quetzal and highland birds | Cloud forest | Monteverde and other highlands | Target species, never guaranteed. |
| Macaws | Lowland Pacific forest and coast | Osa Peninsula, Carara area | Often seen flying over in pairs. |
| Frogs and reptiles | Wet forest, streams; mostly at night | Monteverde, La Fortuna, Sarapiquí, Tortuguero | Night walks are best. |
| Waterbirds and crocodiles | Rivers, wetlands, mangroves | Palo Verde, Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio mangroves | Boat trips cover more ground. |
| Whales and dolphins | Pacific coast | Drake Bay, Uvita (Marino Ballena) | Seasonal; conditions vary daily. |
| Sea turtles | Nesting beaches | Tortuguero and others | Regulated guided night walks only. |
Watching responsibly
- Never feed wildlife, including monkeys and coatis that approach you.
- Keep your distance. If an animal changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
- On night walks, follow the guide’s rules on light. Avoid flash on frogs and roosting birds.
- Do not book experiences that let you hold or touch wild animals.
Wildlife-focused tours
Manuel Antonio: Night Walking Tour with a Naturalist Guide
A naturalist-led night walk near Manuel Antonio.
Check availabilityTortuguero: Night Wildlife Spotting and Jungle Walk Tour
A night walk in the forests around Tortuguero.
Check availabilityWhale Watching Adventure in Uvita with Expert Guides
Whale-watching from Uvita in the Marino Ballena area, in season.
Check availabilityDolphin and Whale Watching Tour in Drake Bay
A dolphin and whale boat trip from Drake Bay.
Check availabilityNight Vision Walking Experience in Monteverde (max 8 people)
A small-group night walk in Monteverde using night-vision equipment, limited to 8 people per the listing.
Check availabilityAffiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, schedules and inclusions change, so confirm details on the booking page.