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

$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!


Took the family on the Eco-Chontales waterfall experience. Paddle 9 is a class act from the start, starting with the hotel pick-up where you learn Costa Rican trivia, history, and culture on the ride up. Once we arrived we were literally the only people at the waterfall for an adrenaline-rushing experience like no other. We would definitely recommend Paddle 9. Shout out to Ismael, Damian, and Matt… If you spend a day with these guys you will experience Pura Vida and learn what Costa Rica is all about!!!
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Brian Caveness Avatar
Brian Caveness
3/10/2026
Guides were very attentive and informative. Waterfalls are beautiful and guides provide ropes if you want to jump. I liked having a smaller group, just 9 of us. They took us a special way that cut off some walking in the hot sun. Lunch was good typico food.
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Sara Hollis Avatar
Sara Hollis
2/28/2026
We went to the waterfall (eko Chantales) on a Tuesday (when maanuel antonio is closed. It was the highlight of our trip so far.Ismael, our guide, was fascinating, telling us about Costa Rica, the culture, and the wild life. His amicable explanations were a major part of why we had the best time.The waterfalls are beautiful. You can go swimming, jump into pools and so much more. The tour comes with a lunch and fruit which was great. I really recommend it. Went with my 10 and 12 year old daughters.
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Nir Bar Avatar
Nir Bar
2/17/2026

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