Easy-to-use pedal kayaks
Incredible wildlife watching
Fun & informative guides

Explore One of Costa Rica’s Most Biodiverse Ecosystems

Kayak Through the Mangroves of Isla Damas

Just 15 minutes from our office in Quepos, Isla Damas is home to a fascinating network of mangrove canals that support some of the most diverse wildlife in the region. On this guided pedal kayak tour, you’ll quietly navigate these calm waters and narrow passages surrounded by mangrove roots and jungle scenery.

Our pedal drive kayaks make it easy and comfortable to move at your own pace, so you can focus on spotting wildlife. Keep an eye out for crabs, birds, lizards, and — if you’re lucky — curious white-faced monkeys swinging through the trees.

This tour is ideal for families, couples, and anyone looking to experience a different side of Costa Rica’s coastal ecosystems in a quiet, respectful way.

Why Book With Paddle 9?

Immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind ecosystem from the comfort of our pedal kayaks
Among a plethora of other wildlife, meet the adorable Central American white-faced capuchin monkeys that call these mangrove forests home
Bring the fam! This mangroves kayak tour is a fun and educational experience for all ages

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Trip Details

Pricing & Logistics

Price

$90 per person
+ 13% sales tax 


Departure time

Dependent on high tide, please contact us to schedule

Children from 5- 11 years old in kayak with adult


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 approximately


Group size

2 person minimum – 10 person maximum


Included

  • Fruits
  • Water
  • Bilingual guides
  • Transportation
  • Equipment

Not included

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

What to bring

  • Water shoes or rugged sandals
  • Towel
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray

Trip Overview

This Isla Damas Mangroves expedition will be carried out in our brand-new pedal kayaks. Pedal drive kayaks work very similarly to how you typically ride a bike. This tour availability is dependent on the tides, but fear not, the gentle waters of the mangrove-lined estuaries allow you to calmly pedal around and fully absorb this unique environment.

Nature and wildlife is in abundance on this tour. We will be on the lookout for monkeys, birds, marine wildlife, and reptiles. You will also learn about the mangrove tree species and why this ecosystem is so important to Costa Rica.

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 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
My husband and I loved this experience trekking to Nauyaca Falls with Corry and Mike. Their chemistry (and also our driver, Gumi) made the whole trip from Manuel Antonio light hearted and fun. We enjoyed learning the history, infrastructure of the land from bananas to palm production on the drive. When we arrived on site, we were given fresh Marayaca juice for energy before taking off on the trail. They took us on a open air truck ride down to the trail head, where there was a three-toed sloth stretching out. A baby sloth was also nearby. We did a mini-tour of a garden with commonly used plants before entering the forest trail. The walk down to the upper falls was pretty easy. We saw poison frogs, an elusive snake, glass frogs, centipedes, caterpillars, and a blue morpho butterfly. When we reached the upper falls (Nau), Corry cut up a pineapple to enjoy before we entered the water. Mike and Corry helped us navigate the rocks, have a 5ft jump into the water, and make clay masks. This part would be more difficult if you don't have good balance. Mike taught us how to make colorful clay masks in the waterfall pool. The lower falls (Yaca) were stunning and you could see the whole Nauyaca Falls from here. This took more effort to traverse to the pool on uneven and slippery rocks. Corry and Mike showed my husband how to climb the waterfall and take the 22ft jump down. They had a rope to assist as well. He did the jump and we watched the guys do flips before heading back up. The walk up would be difficult for people not used to hiking - stairs up the whole way. We met up with our truck and rode back to the kitchen. Then we had arroz con pollo with more fresh juice before making the drive back to Manuel Antonio. We'd highly recommend this hike for anyone looking for a bit of a challenge and adventure!
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Kelsey Singer Avatar
Kelsey Singer
11/15/2025
A wonderful experience. Our guides, Mike and Ken, were amazing! They were knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, and patient! They are also both amazing divers! I was able to navigate some of the more difficult trails only because they helped me. And our driver, Tavo, was terrific, especially during the ride home when the rain was rather heavy. Highly recommend this group!
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Jaimee Ehrenfried Avatar
Jaimee Ehrenfried
11/15/2025

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