Isla Damas Boat or Kayak Tour to See Wildlife
This is a great activity for seeing wildlife and exploring the local culture during your time in Manuel Antonio.
Isla Damas is a small peninsula outside Quepos with mangroves filled with wildlife. The water is nice and calm for paddling in a kayak or they offer a tour on a small motorboat. Animals that can be spotted include monkeys, sloths, birds, lizards, and maybe even an anteater.
We work with a small, local tour operator for this experience. The owner is a biologist and he and his team will teach you a lot about the wildlife you encounter.
This is a responsible wildlife tour where you will be able to see animals like monkeys up close, but not feed or touch them.
The tour includes a delicious traditional meal prepared by the owner’s family.
The van ride from Manuel Antonio to the starting location is about 20-30 minutes.
Tour Details
Cost: $57 per person + 13% tax. Free for children under 5.
Offered: Start time depends on the tide. We will let you know the pickup time by email.
Duration: 4-4.5 hours door to door (approximate)
Includes: Round-trip transportation from your hotel or vacation rental in the Manuel Antonio area, bilingual naturalist guide, all equipment, and a typical style meal.
Have a question?
Send us an email at bookings(at)
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Two Weeks in Costa Rica, Inc. is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST41024.
Jane P. (Verified Customer) –
We opted for the individual kayak tour. Our guide Elias, was a local wildlife expert who was incredibly knowledgable about both the animals found in the mangrove habitat and the tidal river patterns. Because we already knew how to kayak, we had some extra time, so he took us to some of his additional favorite spots for wildlife viewing. Afterward, we were treated to a delicious traditional homemade lunch prepared by the local tour owner. A special experience!
Stephen Frey (Verified Customer) –
Great experience. I recommend the kayak option for the slower pace and peacefulness. We had 2 groups of 8-9 for each guide so it wasn’t overly crowded. Lots of wildlife including sleeping bats, snowy egrets, tiger egrets, monkeys and more. We also got to learn about the mangrove ecosystem.
Breakfast was outstanding and freshly prepared.
Note: our tour stated 7 to 11 but it was 12 before we were dropped off. FYI.
Lisa (Verified Customer) –
Our guide Laura was excellent, she spotted numerous birds, monkeys, iguanas and made sure we had time to take it all in. Lunch at the end was simple and delicious.
Martin Jenkins (Verified Customer) –
Fantastic trip with a local family. Great to see the mangroves and animals with a superb lunch.
Suzy (Verified Customer) –
We had a private paddle through the mangroves with Elias, a lovely and informative man who spent 3 hours with us, pointing out birds, monkeys and the eco system of the mangroves. Be sure to apply bug repellent!
Jon (Verified Customer) –
We did the kayak tour through the mangroves. There were four of us between 22 and 60 the kayaks were very easy to use and William who guided us was excellent and extremely knowledgeable. A very enjoyable couple of hours.
Ruth Mcleod (Verified Customer) –
We really enjoyed kicking back for a tranquil kayak down the river with a really kind family. As we paddled, we learned about the environment and animals. Recommended for experiencing Costa Rica’s mangroves and wildlife.
Jodi J. (Verified Customer) –
The tour was enjoyable and the family very kind and knowledgable. We were unhappy to have been forgotten for our pick up. We were told there was a flat tire and they did send a taxi so we could arrive, but the story doesn’t make sense because they picked up another pair at a hotel past ours.
Jenn and Matt (store manager) –
Hi Jodi, Our apologies again that you had to wait a long time for pickup. The tour company told us that they had a flat tire but it does seem that they just forgot you somehow. We had reconfirmed the tour with them two days before and had double checked all the pickup details. We have been working with this tour company for several years and this is the first time they have not picked someone up. It seems it was an unfortunate mistake. Glad that you were able to contact us quickly that morning so that we could help and that the experience was good otherwise. Thanks!
Paresh (Verified Customer) –
The guide is a biologist so that was great to learn from him about this ecosystem. Tour is family run so that was very cool to support. They were kind and respectful. Food was great! They accommodated our vegetarian diet. We didn’t see much wildlife but as you can control where wilife will be
However, the ride was relaxing and educational.
Ronny (Verified Customer) –
William is a knowledgeable guide with background in marine biology and is intimately familiar with the mangrove ecosystem. His hospitality and friendly service makes for a pleasant tour of this special place. Getting up close to the mangrove roots and the crabs in the kayak and exploring the channels of the estuary is a special experience.
Timothy (Verified Customer) –
William provided us an excellent mangrove kayak tour. Previous reviews are very accurate. The tour is based out of his multi-Generation family farm. He is highly experienced and his family served us an excellent breakfast. We very highly recommend this tour