Manuel Antonio Mangrove Boat Tour Damas Island

damas island mangrove boat tour half day
damas island mangrove boat tour costa rica

The Manuel Antonio Mangrove Boat Tour at Damas Island gives you the chance to explore one of the best mangroves in Costa Rica with Local Experts. Discover the Hidden Natural Beauty of Costa Rica’s Mangroves.

 

There is the option to do the Shared Half Day Mangrove Boat tour or you can also request to do a Private Mangrove Boat Tour.  We can accommodate small to large groups as we have several boats in our fleet.

 

Welcome to the ultimate nature experience in Costa Rica! Our Manuel Antonio Mangrove Boat Tour offers a serene, eco-friendly adventure through the rich, biodiverse mangrove canals of Damas Island — just minutes from Manuel Antonio and Quepos. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, bird watcher, or simply seeking peace in nature, this tour is your gateway to Costa Rica’s untouched beauty.

Book Mangrove Boat Tour

Why Choose Our Manuel Antonio Mangrove Boat Tour?

 

Explore the Rich Ecosystem of Damas Island

Cruise silently through lush mangrove forests and into the heart of Damas Island, a coastal sanctuary teeming with life. Witness unique interactions between land, river, and ocean in one of the most ecologically diverse environments in Central America.

 

Safe, Comfortable, and Family-Friendly

Our mangrove boat tours are conducted in calm, flat waters — ideal for all ages. Sit back, relax, and enjoy nature’s show from a covered, eco-friendly boat.

 

Bilingual Naturalist Guides

Our guides are certified experts who will help you spot and understand the wildlife, plants, and unique mangrove ecosystems that make Manuel Antonio and Damas Island so special.

What You’ll See on the Tour

  • White-faced capuchin monkeys leaping through the branches
  • Colorful birds like herons, kingfishers, and roseate spoonbills
  • Slow-moving sloths and quick-moving crabs
  • Bats, boas, iguanas, and occasionally crocodiles
  • Ancient mangrove tunnels and natural water labyrinths

Tour Information

Feature Details
Duration 2 hours
Departure Times Morning, Afternoon, Sunset & Night Tours
Includes Hotel pickup, bilingual guide, snacks & drinks
Pick-up Areas Manuel Antonio, Quepos, and surrounding zones
Boat Type Covered motor boat (calm water, no rapids)
The Wildlife of Damas Island Estuary: A Hidden Jewel of Costa Rica
Nestled just north of Quepos on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, the Damas Island Estuary is a living example of nature’s brilliance and complexity. Often overshadowed by the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, Damas Island holds its own as a lesser-known yet biologically rich destination. Its network of brackish water channels, tidal lagoons, and thick mangrove forests creates an ecological haven for a stunning array of wildlife. This estuarine ecosystem is not only vital to the health of Costa Rica’s coastal regions but also a mesmerizing destination for eco-travelers and naturalists alike.
A Dynamic Ecosystem Shaped by Water
The Damas Island Estuary is defined by its mangrove forests, where salt and freshwater meet in a dance of tidal rhythms. These mangroves are not just trees — they are the backbone of an ecosystem that supports hundreds of species. The estuary serves as a nursery for fish, a refuge for birds, and a hunting ground for predators both large and small.
The constantly shifting water levels, driven by tides from the Pacific Ocean, nourish a unique blend of flora and fauna. The mangrove roots trap sediment and slow down water flow, creating still, nutrient-rich pools that support life in myriad forms. This dynamic environment is what allows the wildlife of Damas Island to flourish so vibrantly.
Mammals of the Estuary
One of the most thrilling sights for visitors is the playful behavior of white-faced capuchin monkeys swinging through the mangroves. These intelligent primates are common in the area and are often seen traveling in groups along the canopy or even descending to the boats, curious about human presence.
Another elusive resident is the silky anteater, or Cyclopes didactylus, a tiny and nocturnal creature that sleeps curled up in tree hollows during the day. Much more common, but equally charming, are the three-toed sloths, known for their slow movements and moss-covered fur — a camouflage tactic against predators.
Visitors may also spot raccoons, coatis, and opossums, often foraging along the water’s edge during twilight hours. These nocturnal creatures thrive in the estuary’s thick cover and abundance of food.
Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Damas Island Estuary is a treasure trove for birdwatchers, offering a front-row seat to over 250 species of native and migratory birds. Among the most iconic are the boat-billed herons, roseate spoonbills, kingfishers, egrets, and ibis. The mangroves also host ospreys, hawks, and even the occasional peregrine falcon.
The area’s still waters and plentiful fish make it ideal for waterfowl. Visitors on early morning tours often witness birds diving for prey, displaying their aerial finesse and predator instincts.
Reptiles, Amphibians, and Aquatic Life
No exploration of the Damas Estuary would be complete without acknowledging its rich reptilian life. Green iguanas, basilisk lizards, and boa constrictors are commonly seen. The estuary is also home to American crocodiles, which can grow up to 15 feet long. While intimidating in appearance, these reptiles are generally shy and an important part of the food chain.
Below the surface, the waters are teeming with crabs, shrimp, mollusks, and juvenile fish. These smaller creatures play essential roles in the estuary’s food web, supporting the birds and mammals that rely on them for sustenance.
Insects and Invertebrates: Tiny Architects of Biodiversity
Although often overlooked, insects in the estuary play a crucial role in its ecological balance. From pollinators like bees and butterflies to scavengers like beetles and ants, these creatures help maintain the health of the mangrove forest. Additionally, the estuary’s mudflats are a haven for fiddler crabs, known for their colorful claws and intricate mating dances.
Nighttime Wonders: The Estuary After Dark
As the sun sets over Damas Island, a different cast of characters emerges. The estuary becomes a stage for nocturnal wildlife: fruit bats, night herons, and fishing owls glide silently through the air, while amphibians like red-eyed tree frogs and glass frogs begin their nightly chorus. Night tours through the estuary reveal a world most visitors never get to see — a rainforest alive with sound and movement.