Facts checked October 2026 by the Manuel Antonio Travel Guide team
Why go
Manuel Antonio is famous for its national park, but the park closes every Tuesday and can feel busy by mid-morning. The Damas mangroves are a completely different landscape: calm tidal channels, roots arching over the water and very few people. Paddling is gentle, the water is sheltered and you don't need kayaking experience.
Kayak or boat?
| Kayak | Boat | |
|---|---|---|
| Effort | Moderate, sheltered water | None |
| Gets into | Narrow channels and tunnels | Main channels |
| Good for | Active couples, older kids | Young children, anyone with back or shoulder issues |
| Timing | Set by the tide | More flexible |
What you might see
Monkeys are the most reliable sighting: white-faced capuchins often come close to the boats, and howler monkeys call from the canopy. Look out for herons, kingfishers and frigatebirds over the water. Boas and silky anteaters are possible but rare. Please don't feed the monkeys, even if other groups do; it makes them aggressive and is bad for their health.
What to bring
- A hat, sunscreen and a reusable water bottle
- Clothes and shoes that can get wet
- Insect repellent for the mangrove edge
- A dry bag or zip bag for your phone
Before you book
- Check the time the day before. The tide decides the start; the operator messages you.
- Check what's included. The tour we link includes pickup, a guide and a meal. Other listings may not.
- Combine it with the park. Kayak on Tuesday, park on Wednesday at 7:00 am. See our 3-day itinerary.
Damas Island mangrove kayak with lunch
Best for: Tuesdays, when the national park is closed
- Start time follows the tide: the operator confirms it, not you
- Hotel pickup, guide and a typical Costa Rican meal included
- Children from 8, sharing a kayak with an adult
Prices and booking on Viator
Morning catamaran with snorkel and lunch
Best for: A relaxed day on the water along the park's coast
- 9:00 am departure from Marina Pez Vela, Quepos
- Buffet lunch, juices and snorkel gear included; bring a towel
- Hotel pickup only in the Manuel Antonio area
Prices and booking on Viator
Frequently asked questions
How far is Damas Island from Manuel Antonio?
The Damas Island estuary is about 6 km from Quepos and roughly 13 km from the national park entrance. Most tours include hotel pickup from the Manuel Antonio and Quepos area.
Why does the tour start time change?
Kayak tours run with the tide, because the narrow mangrove channels are only paddleable at certain water levels. The operator confirms your start time a day or so before, and it may differ from the time you picked when booking.
Is the kayak tour suitable for children?
The tour we link accepts children from 8 years old sharing a kayak with an adult. For younger children, a covered boat tour through the same mangroves is the easier option.
What animals can you see in the Damas mangroves?
White-faced capuchin and howler monkeys, herons, kingfishers and frigatebirds are commonly reported, with boas and silky anteaters seen less often. Sightings are never guaranteed.