Did you know Paddle 9 isn’t just about cliff jumping and adrenaline?
We’re also big fans of slowing down, tuning into the rhythm of nature, and discovering the magic that happens when the wild and the calm collide. That’s exactly what you’ll experience on the Damas Island Mangrove Tour—one of Manuel Antonio’s best-kept secrets.

Just ask the couple who joined us for their very first stand-up paddleboarding adventure. With our guide Clint leading the way, they practiced in a calm cove before paddling toward a hidden beach, surrounded by nothing but still waters and tropical sounds. “It was peaceful, grounding, and just the right kind of wild,” they said. By the end, they were already hooked—and so are we.

What Makes Damas Island So Special?

Just 15 minutes from the busy beaches of Manuel Antonio lies Isla Damas, a calm, water-bound ecosystem teeming with life. Here, you’ll paddle through a maze of canals surrounded by ancient mangrove trees whose roots twist like sculptures straight out of a fantasy novel.

This is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in Costa Rica—a place where white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus) swing overhead, sloths (Bradypus variegatus, Choloepus hoffmanni) lounge in the canopy, and great herons (Ardea herodias) stalk the shallows. You might even spot green iguanas (Iguana iguana) sunbathing or hear a crab scuttling along a root. It’s a fully immersive wildlife experience—without the crowds or noise.

The Power of Mangroves (and Why They Matter)

Costa Rica is home to five species of mangroves, including red (Rhizophora mangle), black (Avicennia germinans), white (Laguncularia racemosa), and buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus). These trees do more than create beautiful scenery—they act as carbon sinks, protect the coastline from erosion, and provide critical habitats for juvenile fish, crabs, mollusks, and birds.

When you join a Damas Island mangrove tour, you’re not just sightseeing—you’re stepping into one of Costa Rica’s most important and fragile ecosystems.

Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus)

These tangled-root systems act as natural seawalls, preventing coastal erosion, absorbing storm surges, and providing nursery habitats for fish and crustaceans. Even cooler? Mangroves store up to four times more carbon than tropical rainforests—making them powerful climate protectors.

When you explore these waters with us, you’re not just sightseeing—you’re stepping into one of Costa Rica’s most important ecosystems.

SUP or Pedal Kayak? Two Peaceful Ways to Paddle

Paddle 9 offers two eco-friendly ways to discover the mangroves:

Isla Damas SUP Tour

Perfect for first-timers and families with kids (ages 5–9 can ride with an adult), this tour lets you glide gently through calm waters while spotting wildlife and soaking up the lush surroundings. It’s tide-dependent, so we’ll schedule it according to nature’s rhythm. With the support of our friendly, bilingual team, kids and adults alike can learn the basics in a peaceful cove surrounded by jungle sounds and tropical greenery.

Once everyone feels confident, you’ll paddle together into the mangrove forest—where the real magic begins. Watch monkeys swing through the branches, colorful birds dart overhead, and, if you’re lucky, spot a sleepy sloth nestled in the canopy. It’s a rare chance for the whole family to slow down and truly connect—with nature and with each other. Younger children can safely ride with a parent or one of our guides, making the experience both safe and inclusive. With transportation, fresh fruit, and all equipment included, this three-hour tour offers a fun, screen-free way to discover Costa Rica’s wild side—together.

You will also learn about the mangrove tree species and why the ecosystem is so important to Costa Rica, from how it protects coastal areas to its role in supporting marine life.

Damas Island Pedal Kayak Tour

Want to explore the jungle without lacing up your hiking boots? Our Damas Island Pedal Kayak Tour offers a hands-free way to cruise through one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse ecosystems. Pedal kayaks are a favorite among families and travelers because they’re incredibly stable, easy to use, and leave your hands free to wave at monkeys or snap those once-in-a-lifetime wildlife photos. It’s like biking on water—an experience that keeps kids engaged and gives parents a chance to relax and take it all in.

As you glide beneath the mangrove canopy, your guide will help you spot animals like white-faced monkeys, iguanas, and herons, while sharing fascinating insights into how mangroves protect the coastline, filter seawater, and serve as nurseries for marine life.

Children ages 5 to 11 can safely ride with a parent, and the gentle pace allows everyone to slow down, look closer, and connect with the natural world. With fresh fruit, dry bags, life jackets, and round-trip transportation included, this three-hour tour is an easy, enriching way to get out of the hotel and into the heart of Costa Rica’s wild beauty.

Both tours are about 3 hours long and include:

• Bilingual guides
• Fresh fruit
• Water
• Transportation
• Life jackets + dry bags

Manuel Antonio’s Other Side

We get it—Manuel Antonio is famous for its national park a(opens in a new tab)nd beaches. But if you’re looking for what to do in Manuel Antonio beyond the usual tourist spots, this is it.

The Damas Island mangrove tour offers:

• Shade and serenity during hot mornings
• A slower, quieter way to explore the coast
• A nature-rich experience perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers

A Different Kind of Adventure

At Paddle 9, we’re not just about dopamine from cliff jumps—we’re big fans of serotonin too. That calm, grounded feeling you get paddling through a mangrove, watching a monkey blink back at you? That’s your nervous system thanking you.

So if you’re planning what to do in Manuel Antonio, here’s your answer:
Trade the crowds for calm. Zipline for Zen. Trade the usual for unforgettable.

Ready to Paddle the Secret Side of Manuel Antonio?

Book your Damas Island Mangrove Tour today(opens in a new tab)—SUP or pedal kayak—and discover the peaceful, wild, and unforgettable experience hiding just beyond the beach.