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

Click the tabs to find out more

Trip Details

Pricing & Logistics

Price

$80 per person
+ 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!


What an incredible tour! We truly had the best experience, and our guides, Ismael, Anthony, and Mike, made the day so special. They were amazing with our kids (ages 3 and 5), so patient and encouraging. They even helped give our 5 yr old the confidence to go down the waterfall slide!The lunch was delicious, and our photographer did an incredible job capturing the day with beautiful photos and videos. She even made the sweetest handmade souvenir for my kids.We’re staying in Dominicalito, and they were kind enough to meet us halfway instead of having us drive all the way to Quepos. That saved us about 30 minutes each way and made everything so much easier.We couldn't have asked for a better experience. Highly recommend!
read more
(opens in a new tab)
Nikki Belland Avatar
Nikki Belland
7/04/2026
The waterfall tour with Paddle 9 was definitely one of our highlights on our trip to Costa Rica, Thank you..Pura Vida..
read more
(opens in a new tab)
Joshua Coutu Avatar
Joshua Coutu
7/03/2026
Mambo, Ismael, Damien, Lorena, and Carlos made our trip amazing. They were professional, knowledgeable, kind, and patient with our family. Thank you guys for the memories.
read more
(opens in a new tab)
william dunn Avatar
william dunn
6/30/2026

Other Tours You May Like…


A man sliding down a waterfall during an adventure tour in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Thrill-seekers enjoy waterfall jumping in Costa Rica, guided by Paddle9 adventure tours.