Calm Mangrove Waters
Unique Wildlife
Family-friendly Activity

Paddle in One of Costa Rica’s Most Diverse Ecosystems

Mangroves are trees or shrubs that grow along salt or brackish water. They have tangles of exposed roots, which allow them to withstand changing water tides. Mangroves help reduce erosion and their complex root systems attract fish and other animals seeking nutrients and shelter. For this reason the Isla Damas mangroves are one of Costa Rica’s most eco-diverse areas and are vital for the preservation of many wildlife species. Come meet the variety of creatures that call this island home while navigating the tight quarters of the mangroves on our eco-friendly paddle boards!

Why Book With Paddle 9?

See white-faced capuchin monkeys, iguanas and a plethora of bird species
The gentle waters of the Isla Damas Mangroves make paddling easy so you can focus on taking in the spectacular wildlife all around you
Our informative local guides will teach you all you ever wanted to know about this unique Costa Rican island and the ecosystem it supports

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Trip Details

Pricing & Logistics

Price

$80 per person
+ 13% sales tax


Departure time

Dependent on high tide, please contact us to schedule


Meeting point

The Paddle 9 tour office in Quepos or we can provide transportation from anywhere in Quepos or Manuel Antonio.

Pickups outside of Quepos or Manuel Antonio are available for an additional cost. For more information or to schedule a pick up outside of these areas, please contact us.


Availability

Available daily, all year round*

*Tide permitting


Duration

3.5 hours


Group size

2 person minimum – 16 person maximum


Included

  • Transportation
  • Snacks
  • Water
  • Certified guide
  • All gear

Not included

  • Picture package (available at an extra cost)
  • Guide gratuity

What to bring

  • Sandals or flip flops
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray

Trip Overview

This half-day tour starts when we pick you up from your accommodations in Manuel Antonio or Quepos before heading to the mangroves for your Isla Damas paddleboard tour. Nature and wildlife are in abundance on this tour. We will be on the lookout for monkeys, birds, marine wildlife, and reptiles. You will also learn all about the mangrove tree species and why the ecosystem is so important to Costa Rica. This tour is great for all ages and levels, it is very easy to paddle the Isla Damas mangroves as the water is very calm.

Good to Know

Please advise us of any health conditions, recent injuries (especially back, neck or shoulder surgeries) or medical procedures that could affect your tour experience. Let us know about pregnancy, back pains, and any walking as well as dietary restrictions or preferences.
We have two rules at Paddle 9: 1) Be safe! and 2) Have serious fun! Paddle 9 prides itself in running safe tours and transport with the best logistics and safety procedures in the industry. Our guides and staff are well-trained in emergency situations and take your safety very seriously. Should an accident occur, we are covered by a comprehensive umbrella liability insurance policy.
Have more questions? You can check out our FAQ page.

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It!


Great tour of beautiful waterfalls. The guides were awesome. Ismael, Tyler, Alex and. were fantastic.
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Becky Libonati Avatar
Becky Libonati
12/03/2025
The waterfall tour was the highlight of the trip. Our guides, Ismael, Reese, and Alonzo, were amazing and made us feel safe. The photographer, Maya, was so sweet and took tons of pictures of our family. Lunch at an organic farm was really a treat.
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Todd G Avatar
Todd G
11/26/2025
Paddle 9 in Costa Rica with Ismael, DK, and Reese did not disappoint!!!! Ismael has ALL of the knowledge and history of Costa Rica and shares it all! My group and I enjoyed 3 waterfalls, a stop at a local fruit/vegetable market, and delicious lunch at a local restaurant. This group was amazing and the driver was on time and made us feel safe. I would definitely book them again! Friendly, genuine, and love their jobs. Thank you for an amazing experience!
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Dayna Vango Avatar
Dayna Vango
11/17/2025

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