Mangrove Kayak Tour

Easy-to-use pedal kayaks

Incredible wildlife watching

Fun & informative guides

Explore One of Costa Rica’s Most Biodiverse Ecosystems

Kayak Through the Mangroves of Isla Damas

Just 15 minutes from our office in Quepos, Isla Damas is home to a fascinating network of mangrove canals that support some of the most diverse wildlife in the region. On this guided pedal kayak tour, you’ll quietly navigate these calm waters and narrow passages surrounded by mangrove roots and jungle scenery.

Our pedal drive kayaks make it easy and comfortable to move at your own pace, so you can focus on spotting wildlife. Keep an eye out for crabs, birds, lizards, and — if you’re lucky — curious white-faced monkeys swinging through the trees.

This tour is ideal for families, couples, and anyone looking to experience a different side of Costa Rica’s coastal ecosystems in a quiet, respectful way.

Why Book With Paddle 9?

Immerse yourself in this one-of-a-kind ecosystem from the comfort of our pedal kayaks

Among a plethora of other wildlife, meet the adorable Central American white-faced capuchin monkeys that call these mangrove forests home

Bring the fam! This mangroves kayak tour is a fun and educational experience for all ages

Trip Details

Pricing & Logistics

Price

$90 per person
+ 13% sales tax

Departure time

Dependent on high tide, please contact us to schedule

Children from 5- 11 years old in kayak with adult

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 approximately

Group size

2 person minimum – 10 person maximum

Included

Fruits
Water
Bilingual guides
Transportation
Equipment

Not included

Picture package (available at an extra cost)
Guide gratuity

What to bring

Water shoes or rugged sandals
Towel
Sunscreen
Bug spray

Trip Overview

This Isla Damas Mangroves expedition will be carried out in our brand-new pedal kayaks. Pedal drive kayaks work very similarly to how you typically ride a bike. This tour availability is dependent on the tides, but fear not, the gentle waters of the mangrove-lined estuaries allow you to calmly pedal around and fully absorb this unique environment.

Nature and wildlife is in abundance on this tour. We will be on the lookout for monkeys, birds, marine wildlife, and reptiles. You will also learn about the mangrove tree species and why this ecosystem is so important to Costa Rica.

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!

					Paddle 9 is a top tier operator in Manuel Antonio, and that reputation is well deserved. The experience itself is excellent and very much in line with what others have shared.One point that may be helpful for future guests relates to the photography.Photos are offered as an optional add on and are tied to participation in certain activities, such as jumps. If those activities are not done, a limited number of photos may be provided at no cost (but this is not guaranteed I believe). If they are done, the photos are included as part of a paid package.When asking about pricing in advance, the explanation was not entirely clear. While there is no obligation to purchase, the structure would benefit from more upfront transparency so expectations are set before the tour begins.This seems to be a common approach for tours, but for an operator of this quality, clearer communication around pricing would make an already strong experience even better.
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Allen
4/16/2026
					We had an unforgettable day thanks to the Paddle 9 crew. We were part of a small group tour. Every minute of the tour was thought out, from pick up to drop off. Special shout out to the tour group leader Ismael who was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about sharing his love for Costa Rica. This was a highlight of our trip!
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Nick Sciales
4/14/2026
					We had an amazing time with Paddle9 exploring nature and the waterfalls outside of Quepos. Our guides and photographer were great! The experience was our favorite adventure during our trip to Costa Rica. Highly recommend.
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Ian Sando
4/12/2026