Manuel Antonio is an easy place to go birdwatching because rainforest, mangroves and coast are all within a short drive. Start at dawn in the national park or in a rainforest garden, spend a morning in the Damas Island mangroves, and watch the coast for pelicans and frigatebirds. Toucans, scarlet macaws, trogons and parrots are regular sightings, and a local guide will double what you find.
Where to go birding
Manuel Antonio National Park
The park mixes forest, beach edges and mangrove, so you see a wide range of birds in a small area. The main trail is flat and easy, which makes it good for beginners. Go at opening time, before the heat and the crowds. The park is closed on Tuesdays and tickets are sold online in advance.
Look for trogons sitting still in the mid-canopy, woodpeckers on dead trunks, and toucans calling from tall trees. On the beach edges you may see herons and pelicans.
The Damas Island mangroves
The mangrove channels near Quepos are explored by kayak or small boat. Water birds are the highlight: herons, egrets, kingfishers and sometimes a roseate spoonbill. Go on a rising tide in the morning for calm water and active birds.
Quepos and the coast
From the marina and the seafront in Quepos you can watch brown pelicans diving, frigatebirds hanging in the wind, and terns and gulls on the water. It is an easy stop on the way to dinner in town.
Rainforest gardens and hotel grounds
Some of the best birding happens without leaving your terrace. Fruiting trees and flowering plants draw toucans, tanagers, hummingbirds and parrots, especially early in the morning. At ECOTICA, toucans and scarlet macaws are regular visitors to the forest around the rooms and pool, though never on a timetable.
Birds to look for
| Bird | Where | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Scarlet macaw | Flying over forest and coast | Listen for loud, harsh calls, usually in pairs |
| Yellow-throated toucan | Tall trees in forest and gardens | A croaking call; look for the big two-tone bill |
| Fiery-billed aracari | Forest edges | A small toucan relative of the southern Pacific, often in small groups |
| Trogons | Mid-canopy in the forest | They sit very still; scan for a bright belly |
| Hummingbirds | Flowers in gardens | Watch one flowering bush for ten minutes |
| Brown pelican | Coast and marina | Look for dives into the water near boats |
| Magnificent frigatebird | High above the coast | Long, pointed wings and a forked tail |
| Herons and egrets | Mangroves and river mouths | Best from a kayak or small boat |
When to go
- Time of day: the first two hours after sunrise are the busiest. Birds go quiet in the midday heat and pick up again in late afternoon.
- Dry season (roughly December to April): easy trails and good light. Many northern migrants spend the winter in Costa Rica during these months.
- Green season (roughly May to November): lush forest and plenty of food, with rain usually in the afternoon. Mornings are often excellent.
- Migration: spring and autumn bring passing migrants along the coast. Ask a local guide what has been seen recently.
Should you hire a guide?
Yes, at least once. Local guides know calls, nests and the trees that are fruiting that week. They carry a spotting scope, which lets you see a trogon’s feathers or a sleeping owl clearly. Our wildlife and nature tours page lists guided options, and you can also book a private morning directly with a local birding guide.
What to bring
- Binoculars (8x or 10x magnification is a good all-round choice)
- A field guide or bird app for Costa Rica
- A camera with a zoom lens, if you enjoy photography
- Neutral-colored clothes, a hat and closed shoes
- Insect repellent and water
- A small notebook, or a checklist app, to track your sightings
Birding etiquette
- Keep your voice low and move slowly.
- Do not use recorded calls to pull birds in, especially near nests.
- Stay on trails and give nesting birds plenty of space.
- Never feed birds or other wildlife.
Birding groups and photography trips
ECOTICA can host small groups of birders and nature photographers who want a rainforest base, with an open-air deck for up to 50 people, a restaurant that opens at 6:00 am and forest right outside the rooms. If you lead a birding or photography group, see our retreats page or write to us about dates.
A simple birding morning
- Dawn: coffee on your terrace or by the pool, binoculars ready. Listen first, then look.
- Around 7:00 am: a guided walk in the park or the mangroves, when birds are most active.
- Late morning: check your photos and your list over breakfast or lunch. After a few dawn starts, a massage at the Jungle Spa is well earned.
- Late afternoon: a second, shorter session near the coast or in the hotel gardens as birds head to roost.
FAQ
What is the best time of year for birdwatching in Manuel Antonio?
Birding is good all year. The dry season, roughly December to April, adds wintering migrants and easy trails. The green season has lush forest and active mornings, with rain usually later in the day.
Can I see toucans in Manuel Antonio?
Yes, toucans are common in the area and often visit rainforest gardens. Listen for their croaking call in the morning. Sightings are likely but never certain.
Where can I see scarlet macaws?
Scarlet macaws often fly over the forest and coast around Manuel Antonio, usually in pairs. Listen for loud calls in the early morning and late afternoon. At ECOTICA, guests often spot them from the pool or terraces.
Do I need a guide for birdwatching?
Not always, but a guide makes a big difference, especially on your first morning. Guides find and identify birds by call and carry a scope for close views.
Plan a birding stay: check availability and rates or ask us about the best mornings for your dates.
