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

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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!


We had a great day with Roberto on our full day waterfall tour. We went to 3 waterfalls, where we cliff jumped, swam in the pools under the falls and went down the waterfall slide. It was a blast jumping into the pools. We stopped at the beach for a break and enjoyed some drinks (purchased) and swam in the warm ocean. Roberto arranged for our lunch to be at a tilapa restaurant and it was delicious. We sat with George, our driver, and had a wonderful chat with him. Our day was great ahd highly recommend Paddle 9.
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Lori Fowler Avatar
Lori Fowler
6/06/2026
Fantastic! Highly recommended!
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Heather T Avatar
Heather T
5/30/2026
Paddle 9 absolutely made our day. We went as a group of friends to the Nauyaca waterfall and they were the perfect mix of fun, knowledgeable, and professional. You could tell they really know the area and safety was always the priority, but they also genuinely looked like they were having just as much fun as we were. The whole experience felt easy, adventurous, and unforgettable.
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Jessica Carrington Avatar
Jessica Carrington
5/27/2026

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Surfer paddleboarding through the mangroves of Isla Damas, Costa Rica.