Mangrove Night Tour Quepos: Wildlife Kayak or Trail

The night is when the mangrove animals actually wake up.

A guided night tour through the mangroves of Isla Damas near Quepos, lasting two to three hours, where you spot nocturnal wildlife (tree frogs, owls, snakes, spiders and sleeping monkeys) by kayak or on foot through forest trails. You choose between water and land routes. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the way with flashlights provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore nocturnal wildlife in mangroves

• Choose water or land tour
• Walk tropical forest trails or kayak
• Observe amphibians, reptiles, insects, mammals
• Spot snakes, spiders, moths, owls, frogs
• See sleeping monkeys, raccoons, iguanas

The experience

You arrive at Quepos with a free afternoon or evening, and most wildlife tours run during the day when the animals hide. This tour flips that: darkness is when the mangrove comes alive. Amphibians, reptiles, insects and mammals emerge to hunt and move. The Red Eyes tree frog, various snakes, spiders, moths and owls become visible. You'll also see sleeping animals (monkeys, raccoons, iguanas) that rest in the canopy and branches, exposed to a flashlight beam in ways they never are in daylight.

You choose your route before you go: kayak through the mangrove canals of Isla Damas, or walk the tropical forest trails on foot. Both routes take two to three hours. A guide in English or Spanish leads the way with flashlights for the group. Bottled water is included. The pace is slow enough to spot and watch, not a race through the dark.

Public transportation runs to the departure point, so you don't need a rental car or a separate transfer. Wheelchairs can access the tour, and families with infants or small children can bring a stroller on the land route. The tour suits any fitness level. The walking is gentle, the kayaking steady, and the whole point is standing still and watching.

What’s included

• Guided night tour with a live guide in English or Spanish.
• flashlights for spotting nocturnal animals.
• bottled water.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 18:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Senior (66 to 85 years) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 5 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 20 · max 7 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go 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 due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Nacarcosta Wildlife Adventure

Is this one for you?Pick the kayak route to move through mangrove canals by water, or the forest trail walk to explore on foot: both let you spot nocturnal wildlife active only after dark.

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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: Youth (6 to 17 years); Child (4 to 5 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What animals will I actually see on a mangrove night tour?

Red Eyes tree frogs, owls, snakes, spiders, moths and various other insects emerge at night to hunt. You'll also spot sleeping animals like monkeys, raccoons and iguanas resting in the trees and branches, visible only when a flashlight finds them.

Can I choose between kayaking and walking, or is the route set?

You pick your preference before booking: kayak through the mangrove canals or walk the tropical forest trails. Both routes last two to three hours and cover the same nocturnal wildlife.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the tour departure point?

Public transportation options are available near Quepos, so you can reach the tour without a rental car or separate transfer booking.

What's included in the tour price?

The guide, flashlights and bottled water are included. You bring only yourself and a willingness to move slowly through the dark.