Manuel Antonio: Mangrove Kayak Tour with Lunch & Pickup

Summary

Kayak the quiet mangroves of Damas Island with local lunch

You’ll paddle through Manuel Antonio’s lush mangrove tunnels with a naturalist guide, spotting wildlife as you go. Expect quiet moments on the water and stories over lunch after your kayak tour. Includes pickup and all equipment — just bring curiosity and maybe dry clothes for later.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the hush — just this soft slosh of paddles and the tangled green of the Damas Island mangroves pressing in on both sides. We’d barely left the dock (right next to Hotel Pueblo Real, if you’re wondering), and already I could smell that earthy, salty air you only get in places like Manuel Antonio. Our guide, Andrés, was quick to point out a tiny crab scrambling up a root. He grinned when I nearly tipped my kayak trying to get a closer look — “Careful! The monkeys are watching.” I swear I heard one laugh.

I didn’t expect how peaceful it would feel, drifting under those low archways of branches, sunlight flickering through leaves. Every so often Andrés would pause and let us listen — birds calling out, something plopping into the water behind us (he said maybe an iguana; I’m still not sure). The mangrove forest is huge here, thousands of acres, but it feels secret somehow. There was this moment when we floated past a patch where the air smelled almost sweet and muddy at once — hard to describe unless you’ve been there.

After a while my arms started to ache in that good way. We pulled up on a little bank for a break and bottled water — someone’s hat nearly floated away but Andrés snatched it back with one hand like he does this every day (which he probably does). Lunch came later, simple Costa Rican food that tasted better than it should after paddling all morning. We swapped stories about what we’d seen: a flash of blue from some bird none of us could name, monkey tails vanishing into leaves. There’s something about sharing food after being out on the water that makes everything taste brighter. I still think about that view from my kayak — roots twisting everywhere, sky just visible overhead.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mangrove Kayak Tour at Damas Island

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

Top questions

How far is Damas Island from Manuel Antonio?

Damas Island is about 10 minutes from Manuel Antonio by car.

Is hotel pickup included for the mangrove kayak tour?

Yes, pickup is included and timing depends on high tide schedules.

What wildlife can you see during the kayak tour?

You may spot birds, reptiles, mammals like monkeys, insects, and crabs in the mangroves.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

Yes, a local lunch is included after kayaking.

Where does the tour start?

The river dock next to Hotel Pueblo Real is the starting point.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

How physically demanding is kayaking in Manuel Antonio mangroves?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness for this activity.

Are all fees and taxes included in the price?

Yes, all fees and taxes are included in your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup timed with high tide, all kayak equipment provided by your naturalist guide, bottled water during breaks on the riverbank, full coverage of entry fees and taxes throughout your experience, plus a traditional Costa Rican lunch before heading back to Manuel Antonio.