Group Night Tour at Rainmaker Park
On this night tour, you’ll explore the pristine rainforest at a lesser-known reserve near Manuel Antonio called Rainmaker Park.
Background
Night tours are fun because you can see a lot of wildlife that you wouldn’t see during the day. Not only can you see nocturnal birds and animals, but also sleeping creatures that are usually out during the daytime but can be harder to see.
This night tour takes you to Rainmaker, a private reserve about 30 minutes from Manuel Antonio. Rainmaker is set in the rural countryside, showing you a much different area. We recommend Rainmaker for day visits as well to experience its beautiful primary rainforest, explore the hanging bridges, and swim in the waterfalls (see the day tour we offer). But nighttime is probably the best time to see wildlife at this park.
The trails at Rainmaker are relatively easy to access, and the thick jungle provides the perfect habitat for amphibians, reptiles, mammals, birds, insects, and much more.
Tour Overview
This night walk begins with pick up at your hotel or vacation rental in Manuel Antonio around 5:15 pm.
Once you arrive at the reserve, your bilingual naturalist guide will take you along the well-maintained trails just after sunset.
When we did this tour, we first explored an area with ponds and got to see several interesting frogs like the common rain frog, snouted tree frog, hourglass tree frog, American bullfrog, and colorful red-eyed tree frog.
On the main trails, we had some exciting sightings. We saw a sleeping helmeted iguana, so named because its head is shaped like a helmet. We also got to see a couple of snakes. These included a yellow-spotted keelback high in a tree and a blunt-headed tree snake that was hunting near the river. The guide also showed us some cool insects like katydids, turquoise stink beetles, millipedes, tailless whip scorpions, and a tropical orb spider.
The walking portion of the tour is about 2 hours.
Trail Conditions
The terrain is mostly flat but the trail is dirt and rustic with some rocks and roots to navigate. There are also steps and inclines. See our Alternative Night Tour section, below, for a more accessible option.
DinnerÂ
The night tour ends with a delicious traditional-style dinner at the onsite restaurant. This is typically homemade arroz con pollo (rice with chicken) and salad.
Tour Details:
Cost of Group Tour (10 people max): $57 per person + 13% tax. Free for children under 5.
Offered: 5:15 p.m. (approximate pickup time in Manuel Antonio)
Duration: 3 hours (approximate)
Includes: Round-trip transportation from your hotel or vacation rental in the Manuel Antonio area, certified naturalist guide, entrance fee, flashlight, dinner, and a natural fruit drink.
Recommended Minimum Age: 5
Private Tour Option
You also can book this as a private tour with only your family/group.
Alternative Night TourÂ
If you’re looking for an easier night tour, the mangrove night tour at the nearby Isla Damas is a great option and doesn’t require any walking.
Have a question?
Send us an email at bookings@
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Two Weeks in Costa Rica, Inc. is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST41024.
William R. (Verified Customer) –
It gives such a different perspective from daytime wildlife tours. The guide was enthusiastic and skilled at spotting insects, frogs and snakes. His English was a bit difficult to understand but we definitely enjoyed the evening
Kathryn A. (Verified Customer) –
Very cool night tour with a knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. The wildlife you see is weather dependent but for sure if you like frogs you’ll be pleased!! Dinner following the tour was delicious.