Kayaking Tours Near Me at Isla Damas Mangroves

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

Trip Details

Pricing & Logistics

Price

$75 per person
$50 per person (child 9 years or younger)
+ 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!

					Paddle 9 hike to the falls was a great experience. Ken, KT and Brian were amazing guides and we were impressed with their attention to detail , our safety and making sure we were having an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend Paddle 9. Thank you guys!
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Allan Miller
2/06/2025
					My wife and I spend 3 days and 3 activities with Paddle 9 in Manuel Antonio last week. First was the mangrove kayak trip with Ariel and DK; next day was the Manual Antonio National Park guided hike with Ariel; and the third day was to the Nauyaca Waterfall with Mambo and Curry. Paddle 9 delivered on all 3 activities. They were prompt in the hotel pickup each day. Every guide was friendly, knowledgable, and professional. Safety was always the highest priority. We had a lot of fun and gained knowledge of the local history in each activity. We would not hasitate recommending Paddle 9 for any trips in the future!
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Al Chou
2/05/2025
					Best tour in Costa Rica. No hay mucho más que decir. A último minuto llamamos como last resort para conseguir cupo al tour de las cascadas Nauyaca y con la mejor disposición fue posible conseguirlos. Desde la recogida hasta el final fue perfecto, los guías siempre con la mejor energía, muy conocedores y mucho amor por lo que hacen. Sin duda alguna volvería a contratar otro tour con ellos.
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Nicolas Hoyos
2/05/2025