Sloth Encounter
Sloth Watching at Marino Ballena National Park
Walk at a relaxed pace to locate and observe Costa Rica’s most beloved and gentle mammal up close.
What will you experience?
Although they appear to move in slow motion and are extremely calm, finding sloths in their wild state without assistance is very difficult due to their excellent camouflage among the tree foliage.
Accompanied by our local “eagle-eyed” guides, we will explore the forests surrounding the park. We guarantee you will see both the two-toed species (more active at night) and the three-toed species (with its characteristic “smile”) in their natural habitat. Additionally, you will learn about their curious biology, slow digestion, and peculiar lifestyle in the cecropia tree canopies.
Duration:
Approximately 2 hours.
Difficulty:
Easy (Slow walk on flat terrain).
Location:
Local trails and forested areas in Uvita or surroundings.
Language:
Bilingual naturalist guides.
What's Included?
- ✔️ Local expert guide in sloth tracking.
✔️ Guide’s professional telescope to observe them without disturbing them.
✔️ Opportunity to also observe toucans, frogs, and iguanas during the search.
$85 per person
Children pay less, consult with our team.
What to bring?
- 🎒 Closed-toe shoes for comfortable walking.
🎒 Water bottle to stay hydrated.
🎒 Mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
🎒 Host tip: Just like with birds, ask the guide to place your cell phone on the telescope lens. You’ll get photos so clear you can see the sloths’ claws and facial hair!
Itinerary:
- 8:30 AM: Meeting and entry to the forest trail.
9:00 AM: Slow walk scanning the tree canopies; first guided sighting through the telescope.
10:00 AM: Talk about the fascinating (and strange) ecology of the sloth while you take photographs.
10:30 AM: Return to the starting point.
Take life slowly and come meet them!
✔️ Free cancellation: Up to 48 hours before the start of the activity.
⚠️ 50% penalty: Cancellations between 24 and 48 hours before the tour.
❌ 100% penalty: Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice or no-show require full payment.