Manzanillo day trip (Gandoca–Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge)

Quick plan for a day in Manzanillo

• Leave Puerto Viejo by 8–9 am. The drive or bus ride takes about 25–30 minutes. Getting there early means cooler temperatures, better wildlife activity in the canopy, and first access to the coastal trail before it gets muddy in afternoon rain.
• Walk the coastal trail first. The trail runs south from the village through the refuge for about 5 km. Move slowly, stay quiet, and scan the canopy — howler monkeys, sloths, and toucans are all common in the first 2 km. The trail connects several coves and small beaches.
• Swim or snorkel mid-morning. On calm days, the water off Manzanillo beach is clear. The reef just offshore is snorkelable; local guides also run guided snorkel tours for around $30–50 USD per person from the village.
• Eat lunch in the village. Maxi’s is the best-known restaurant — fresh seafood, local rice and beans, cold drinks on a deck facing the water. Arrive before 12:30 pm or expect a wait on busy days.
• Keep the afternoon flexible. If it rains heavily, the trail becomes slippery and the beach less appealing. Build in 2–3 hours of buffer. A taxi back is always available and the trip takes 20–25 minutes.

Beaches & walking

Manzanillo is the last settlement before the road ends and the refuge begins in earnest. The main beach in front of the village is wide, palm-lined, and almost entirely undeveloped — no beach clubs, no vendors, no loungers for rent. On calm days it’s swimmable; on bigger swell days it’s a walking beach. Either way, it’s a stark contrast to Cocles, which is 10 km north and feels like a different country.

The coastal hiking trail is the best reason to come here beyond the beach. It starts at the south end of the village and cuts through tropical forest right along the coastline, reaching a series of coves and isolated stretches of sand that have no road access. The first 2 km are the most reliable for wildlife. The full trail is about 5 km one way — allow 2–3 hours to walk it comfortably without rushing.

The Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge itself protects roughly 9,500 hectares of marine and terrestrial habitat, including some of the most intact Caribbean reef on the Costa Rican coast. Kayak tours through the mangrove channels inside the refuge are a popular half-day activity — local operators in the village charge approximately $40–60 USD per person for guided tours of 3–4 hours.

Wildlife tips

Manzanillo is one of the better spots on this coast for wildlife encounters without a guide. The combination of protected forest, low visitor numbers, and a walking trail that stays close to the jungle edge makes sightings frequent and unhurried.

• Howler monkeys are the most reliable sighting. Their roar carries up to 5 km — you’ll hear them before you see them, usually at dawn and in the late afternoon. Troops of 10–20 move slowly through the upper canopy. Walk quietly and they’ll often stop and look back at you without retreating.
• Three-toed sloths are common in the cecropia trees. Cecropia — with large, distinctive lobed leaves — is the sloth’s preferred food tree. If you see a cecropia near the trail, stop and scan every branch. Sloths move about 40 meters per day and are easy to miss if you walk too fast.
• Birds along the first kilometer of trail are exceptional. Toucans, motmots, and multiple hummingbird species are common. Early morning is far better for birds than midday — aim to be on the trail by 7–8 am if birds are a priority.
• Dolphins are regularly seen offshore. Two species frequent the bay: the tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis) and the spinner dolphin (Stenella frontalis). Sightings are not guaranteed but are common throughout the year, most often early morning from the beach or from a kayak. Local guides can take you out to better viewing positions on guided kayak tours of the refuge.
• Green iguanas and basilisk lizards are frequent near the waterways and beach edges. The basilisk lizard — sometimes called the "Jesus Christ lizard" — can run across water on its hind legs for short distances. Keep an eye on the water’s edge near the mangroves.
• Keep distance and don’t feed anything. The wildlife here is genuinely wild, not habituated to tour groups. Feeding disrupts natural behavior and can make animals aggressive. Stay 5–10 meters back and let them move on their own terms.

Read next: Wildlife in Puerto Viejo (how to spot sloths & monkeys).

How to get there (bus vs taxi)

• Public bus — cheapest option, under $2 each way. A local bus runs from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo along the coastal road, stopping at Cocles, Chiquita, and Punta Uva en route. Journey time is about 30–35 minutes. Schedules change seasonally — confirm departure times at your accommodation or at the bus stop in Puerto Viejo town center before you go. The return bus in the afternoon fills up; don't cut it too close to the last run.
• Taxi — $10–15 each way, most flexible option. A taxi from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo takes 20–25 minutes and can drop you anywhere along the road. Ask your driver to pick you up at a set time for the return, or call a taxi from the village — locals can recommend a reliable driver. Worth it if you want to control your schedule, particularly for early morning arrival or evening departure when buses don't run.
• Bicycle — possible but a commitment. The road from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo is 13 km and mostly flat. Allow 50–70 minutes each way. You'll pass all the main beaches, which can be good or distracting depending on your plan. Bring water and leave early to avoid cycling in midday heat.

Maps & reference

• Manzanillo village: Open in Google Maps — the coastal road ends here; the village, beach, and trailhead are all within 200 meters of each other.
• Gandoca–Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge: Open in Google Maps — the refuge boundary starts at the south end of the village. No entrance fee for the coastal trail; organized tours inside the refuge are arranged through local operators in Manzanillo.

---

FAQ

Is Manzanillo worth visiting from Puerto Viejo?

Yes — particularly if you want a full day out rather than just a beach stop. The coastal trail through the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is one of the best short hikes on this stretch of coast, the village has decent food, and the overall crowd level is far lower than at Cocles or Punta Uva. It’s not worth the trip for a quick 2-hour visit; build in at least 5–6 hours to do it properly.

Can you do Manzanillo by bus?

Yes. A local bus runs from Puerto Viejo to Manzanillo along the coastal road for under $2 each way. The journey takes about 30–35 minutes. Schedules change seasonally, so confirm times at your accommodation before you go. The last afternoon bus back can fill up — don’t leave it until the final run.

Is there an entrance fee for the wildlife refuge?

There is no entrance fee for walking the coastal trail from Manzanillo village into the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Guided kayak tours and organized snorkel trips inside the refuge are arranged through local operators in the village and cost approximately $40–60 USD per person.

What wildlife can you see in Manzanillo?

Howler monkeys, three-toed sloths, toucans, and green iguanas are the most commonly seen species on and around the coastal trail. Humpback dolphins are sometimes spotted offshore from the beach. Sea turtles nest on the refuge beaches further south between July and October. Early morning (before 9 am) gives the best chance at sightings across all species.

Is Manzanillo good for snorkeling?

On calm days, yes. The reef just offshore from Manzanillo beach is snorkelable directly from shore. Local guides also run guided snorkel tours for roughly $30–50 USD per person, which take you to better spots and provide equipment. Visibility is best in September–October, when rainfall and wind are typically lowest on the Caribbean coast.