Damas Island Mangrove Fishing Tour from Manuel Antonio

Cast for snappers in tidal mangrove channels while monkeys watch from the trees

A six-hour fishing activity on Damas Island's mangrove canals departing from Manuel Antonio, where you fish for snappers, grouper and jack crevalle in channels where fresh and saltwater meet. A local professional guide handles the boat and provides tackle and bait. You focus on casting and watching white-faced monkeys, egrets, herons and kingfishers move through the forest. Hotel pickup and snacks are included.

The experience

The mangrove canals of Damas Island are narrow and tidal, which means the fish stack up where fresh water from inland pours into the salt. You'll fish from a boat piloted by a local guide who knows which channels hold snappers, grouper and jack crevalle. The guide sets the pace (some time casting, some time drifting and watching the canopy), so you're not locked into constant motion. Snacks and beverages come along, and tackle and bait are provided. You bring a willingness to cast and reel.

The mangrove itself is the draw beyond the fishing. Egrets, herons and kingfishers work the shallows, and white-faced monkeys move through the branches overhead. The water is calm enough that you can watch and fish at the same time, not one or the other. A maximum of four passengers per booking keeps the boat from feeling crowded.

Hotel pickup and drop-off from Manuel Antonio are included, so you don't arrange transport. The guide speaks English or Spanish. The whole outing runs six hours, which leaves the rest of your day open if you're staying nearby.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from Manuel Antonio.
• local professional fishing guide.
• fishing baits and tackle.
• snacks and beverages throughout the trip.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupUp to 6 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Tucanes Tours

Is this one for you?Six hours is long enough to fish multiple tidal cycles and watch the mangrove's rhythm, but short enough to leave your morning or afternoon free for other Manuel Antonio activities. Book this if you want to fish and watch wildlife at the same pace, not if you're looking for a quick boat ride.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What kind of fish will I actually catch in the Damas Island mangrove canals?

Snappers, grouper and jack crevalle are the main species in these channels. The mangrove's mix of fresh and saltwater creates the conditions that draw them, and a local guide knows the tidal patterns that concentrate them in specific spots.

Will I see wildlife besides fish?

White-faced monkeys, egrets, herons and kingfishers are common in the mangrove forest. You'll see them from the boat while you're fishing, since the calm water and slow pace let you watch the canopy at the same time.

Do I need to bring my own fishing rod and tackle?

No. Fishing baits and tackle are included, and the guide handles the boat. You just need to show up ready to cast and reel.

How does the six-hour trip fit into a day in Manuel Antonio?

Six hours covers the boat ride, fishing time and the return to your hotel. If you book an early morning departure, you'll be back by early afternoon with time for lunch and other activities. If you prefer a later start, the afternoon slot leaves your morning free.