Mangrove Night Tour by Boat (Group Tour)
This unique tour will let you explore the biodiverse mangroves at night. It’s one of the best wildlife tours in the Manuel Antonio area.
Tour Overview
Getting There
This mangrove night tour starts with pickup at your hotel or vacation rental in Manuel Antonio just before dark. You’ll be taken to the Isla Damas mangroves, about 15 minutes away.
The drive ends right at the small boat dock. After a quick bathroom break, you’ll load onto the boat and your nighttime adventure will begin.
Background
The mangrove forest is one of the most important ecosystems in the world. This amazing environment is home to thousands of different species and plays an important role in carbon storage. Overall, it’s a great place to see birds and animals.
This specific tour is a nice option if you’re looking for an uncrowded nature/wildlife experience.
What You’ll See
On the calm, narrow river, your guide will use their flashlight to search the surrounding plants and trees. Night mangrove tours are unique because not only can you spot nighttime creatures but also sleeping birds and animals that can be elusive during the day.
When we did the tour, we saw a long list of wildlife, including a three-toed sloth, raccoon, Mexican bullfrog, and two types of bats (white-lined and fish-eating). We also saw many reptiles like a cat-eyed snake, basilisk lizard, and several iguanas sleeping in branches above the river. For birds, we spotted a sleeping Boat-billed heron, a beautiful (and tiny) American pygmy kingfisher, and a Gray-cowled Wood-Rail.
The captain had some amazing sightings from the back of the boat as well. He brought us to the riverbank to point out a red-eyed tree frog and masked tree frog, which were camouflaged in the tall grass.
One of the most exciting moments was when we got to see a caiman (small crocodile) jump out of the water onto the riverbank! We also saw a baby crocodile.
In addition to pointing out wildlife, your naturalist guide will teach you interesting facts about the mangrove ecosystem.
Dinner and Tour Logistics
After the boat tour, you’ll be taken to downtown Quepos for dinner at a casual, traditional restaurant. Dinner is a casado (typical dish of a protein served alongside rice and beans and side salads). Keep in mind that dinner is served around 8:30 pm so be sure to eat before you go or bring snacks. After dinner, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel or vacation home.
The tour is on a sturdy, comfortable boat that is covered in case of rain.
Although all children are welcome on this tour, based on our experience with our own kids, we recommend it for around ages 7 and up. You’re on the boat for around 1.5-2 hours, which can be a long time with young children.
Tour Details:
Cost of Group Tour (10 people max): $78 per person + 13% tax. Free for children under 4.
Offered: 5:40 p.m. (approximate pickup time in Manuel Antonio)
Duration: 3 hours door to door (approximate)
Includes: Round-trip transportation from your hotel or vacation rental in the Manuel Antonio area, certified naturalist guide, water during the tour, dinner (chicken, beef, or vegetarian), and a drink.
Recommended Minimum Age: 7
Private Tour Option
Book this as a private tour with only your family/group.
Have a question? Send us an email at bookings@twoweeksincostarica.com
Return to Manuel Antonio Tours
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.
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