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

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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!


Didn't I say I wouldn't jump off a cliff again after Jamaica? Well this was a waterfall so different right? Point being, take the tour with this group! Carlos drove us through the city, jungle and of course palm oil farm. While Roberto shared so much interesting information on Costa Rica. I learned so much. When we go to the park. Dk, Roberto aka Rasta, Mike, Tyler, and Jordan took such good care of us and we even had our own paparazzi ❤️. We made our way to the first fall going through a garden with so many plants. I had no clue how pepper, insulin and other cool plants grew. Once we made our way down to the first fall we had snacks waiting for us. We all got clay facials too. What a way to a girls heart! At the last fall we were given the option to climb a waterfall and jump off. DO IT! The team at paddle 9 takes safety seriously and helps you every step of the way literally. It's still scary but exhilarating. After this we went back up the hill spotted toucans ate lunch and napped on the way back to Quepos as Carlos got us safely home. One of the best memories in my life so far.
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Maricela Rich Avatar
Maricela Rich
4/04/2025
Great tour to the waterfalls! Took my family of 6. I have one thrill seeking child and one timid one and everything in between. It was fun for all of us. You will need to know how to swim to feel confident, though. They have life jackets if you need. Everyone jumped into the first waterfall, 6 feet. After that, we were a mixed bag of involvement. Only my adventurous child jumped from 30feet. It didn't dampen anyone's enjoyment of the experience. The scenery was beautiful. The hiking was not strenuous but you will have to navigate some steep and slippery areas. It was worth it for the hidden views and waterfalls. Snack break was fresh and ripe local fruit. Our lunch break was at a tilapia farm. Rustic and delicious. They will recommend the whole fish, which I concur was perfect. Chicken tenders available for the faint of heart. They bring a photographer to document the trip. Worth the price. He'll let you preview his work before you pay. Ismael led our expedition. He and his crew were friendly and kind. They took care of us in everyway. They made sure we felt safe. They encouraged us in a wholesome way but didn't push anyone beyond what they felt comfortable with. During the 20 mins rides between sites, Ismael gave us great mini lectures regarding the local history of Manuel Antonio and its environs. Legit, made the drive interesting. Cultural insight you can't without interacting with locals. Did I mention that he and his crew are daredevils? They showed us their expert level jumps and aerials. At any rate, this was my personal favorite tour.
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Lee Yong Chan Avatar
Lee Yong Chan
3/28/2025
Ken and Damien went above and beyond on our tour. They pointed out wildlife, vegetation, shared the rich history of Costa Rica and most importantly made it fun. We had a blast! Definitely recommend!
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S L Avatar
S L
3/07/2025

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