Kayaking in Quepos: Paddle to offshore islands and sea birds

Paddle to hard-to-reach islands and watch frigate birds dive for fish

Sea kayaking in Quepos takes you on the open ocean to explore offshore islands and coastal estuaries where sea birds nest. You paddle single or double kayaks to spot flying fish, sea turtles, frigate birds and pelicans up close. The trip includes a bilingual guide, meals, snacks, and hotel pickup from Manuel Antonio or Quepos, and takes about four hours.

The experience

The ocean near Quepos sits calmer than river conditions, which is why most people who have never kayaked before can manage it. You'll paddle out to islands that sit too far offshore to reach any other way, watching for nesting grounds where frigate birds and pelicans work the water. The guide points out what moves below the surface (sea turtles, flying fish, the scatter of smaller reef life), and what happens above it. Single or double kayaks are available depending on whether you want to paddle solo or share the work.

A driver picks you up from your hotel in Manuel Antonio or Quepos and brings you to the launch point with time to spare. Once you're on the water, the guide stays with the group the whole time, speaking English or Spanish. The pace is built around what the slowest paddler needs, so nobody gets left behind. After four hours on the ocean, you head back to shore for lunch and snacks before the drive back to your hotel.

Bring a swimsuit, hat, sunscreen, water shoes and sunglasses with a strap. The strap matters when you're near water. A waterproof camera works well if you want to catch the birds and turtles. The operator has lifejackets for all sizes down to children as young as six. The largest fits a 52-inch chest. Vegetarian meals are available if you request them when you book.

What’s included

• Local bilingual guide.
• lunch and snacks.
• all taxes, fees and handling charges.
• hotel pickup and drop-off from selected hotels in Manuel Antonio or Quepos.
• driver to and from the launch point.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 80 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Amigos del Rio

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Manuel Antonio or Quepos means you don't need a car to reach the water, and the shared guide keeps the group to a maximum of ten paddlers, so the pace stays manageable for everyone learning the route.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

Can I kayak in Quepos if I've never paddled before?

Yes. Sea kayaking is easier than river kayaking, and the ocean near Quepos is calm enough for beginners. The guide stays with the group and sets a pace everyone can manage. You do need at least a moderate level of fitness and good cardiovascular health to paddle for four hours.

What marine animals will I see while kayaking near Quepos?

Frigate birds and pelicans nest on the offshore islands you paddle to, and you'll watch them dive and fish. Sea turtles, flying fish, and reef life move through the water around you. The guide points out what's happening below and above the surface as you paddle.

Does the kayaking trip include meals?

Yes. Lunch and snacks are included after you return from paddling. A vegetarian option is available if you let the operator know when you book.

How do I get to the kayaking launch point in Quepos?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected hotels in Manuel Antonio and Quepos. A driver brings you to the launch point and picks you up afterward, so you don't need a car.

What's the age requirement for kayaking in Quepos?

Children can join from age six. Lifejackets are provided for all ages and sizes, with the largest fitting a 52-inch chest.