Quepos: Mangrove Kayak Tour & Damas Island Wildlife

Paddle into thousands of acres of mangrove where crocodiles and howler monkeys live

You paddle a kayak through Damas Island's protected mangrove forest with a naturalist guide who spots wildlife—crocodiles, macaws, howler monkeys—while you move through the roots and channels. Lunch and all gear are included. The tour time is set by the high tide, which you'll receive after booking.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Pickup at high tide time
• Travel to river dock near Hotel Pueble Real
• Kayak through Damas Island mangroves
• Observe birds, reptiles, and mammals

The Experience

The kayak sits low in the water, and the mangrove roots rise up around you like the ribs of something still breathing. Ten minutes from Manuel Antonio, Damas Island is one of the last intact mangrove forests left in Costa Rica—thousands of acres of it, protected and dense with life. Your naturalist guide knows where to look: a caiman sliding off a root, a scarlet macaw in the canopy, the small movements that mean something is there. The tour timing shifts with the high tide, so you'll get your pickup window once you book, and the air-conditioned vehicle collects you from your hotel and takes you to the river dock next to Hotel Pueble Real.

The kayak tour itself is the main event—you're paddling, not being driven, which means you move at the pace of the water and the animals. A naturalist guide leads, pointing out birds, reptiles, mammals, insects; the mangrove ecosystem is dense enough that you're never looking at empty forest. Lunch comes partway through, and bottled water is there when you need it. All fees, taxes, and kayak equipment are included, so there's nothing to arrange once you're on the water. The whole day is built around the tidal schedule, which is why the timing matters—high tide opens the channels, and that's when the tour runs.

You'll want a moderate level of fitness for this one: you're paddling for hours, not floating. The kayak itself is stable and the guide is there, but it's your arms doing the work. Bring sunscreen and wear something that dries fast.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle, kayak equipment and instruction from a naturalist guide, bottled water throughout, a lunch break, and all entry fees and taxes. You return to your hotel after the tour concludes.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Costa Rica Jade Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to paddle through one of Costa Rica's last intact mangrove ecosystems with someone who knows where the wildlife is, and you'd rather not arrange transport, gear, or figure out the tidal schedule yourself.

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Top questions

What time does the mangrove kayak tour start?

Pickup time is determined by the high tide schedule. You'll receive your specific time once your booking is confirmed.

Is kayak experience required?

No prior experience is required, but you should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, as you'll be paddling for several hours.

What's included in the tour?

Naturalist guide, kayak equipment, bottled water, lunch, all fees and taxes, and air-conditioned hotel pickup and return.

Where is Damas Island?

Damas Island is located 10 minutes from Manuel Antonio in Quepos, Costa Rica. It's one of the most important remaining mangrove forests in the country.

Will I see wildlife?

Yes. The mangrove forest is home to birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects. Your guide will point out what's visible during your paddle.

Is this tour safe for people with health conditions?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. Discuss any health concerns with the operator before booking.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen and wear clothes that dry quickly. Water and lunch are provided.