Boat Tour of Damas Island, Manuel Antonio

Name: Boat Tour of Damas Island, Manuel Antonio
Rating: 4.2 (9 reviews)

4.2 (9 reviews)

Explore estuarine mangroves where unique conditions created by shifting sediment and saltwater attract diverse wildlife

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Alison C.

Mar 01, 2023
Loved our guide. Very nimble and entertaining, he climbed over the mandrake roots to point out the wildlife. It was very enjoyable. I think Tolkien must... Read more

Loni K.

Dec 06, 2022
this was other worldly. If you have not been in a Mangrove forest, it is so cool. We went late afternoon which was pretty nice for... Read more

Frederick K.

Nov 30, 2022
Our two young new guides could not have been better! They knew their stuff. It was beautiful to do this boat tour rich before the sunset.... Read more

See all reviews

Overview

Discover the Damas Island Estuary and its mangrove ecosystem on a boat trip! Your knowledgeable guide will point out flora and fauna as you cruise along the natural passageways created by the river's ebb and flow. Bird-watching is excellent here, and the fluctuating conditions of sediment and saltwater attract a wide range of sea animals. If you're lucky, you'll also spot reptiles, anteaters, and monkeys. Enjoy an included lunch at the end of the tour. Exact departure times depend on the tides.

Highlights

Boat around the Damas Island Estuary and its unique mangrove ecosystem
Spot a variety of birds, including herons, kingfishers, ospreys, and frigate birds
Look for monkeys in the trees and reptiles on the riverbanks

Know before you go

Duration
4 hours

Recommended for
All ages

Group
Group tour, 30 people or less

Food & Drink
Lunch Included. Lunch or Dinner is included, based on the time of the tour

What you'll do

The day begins with a pick-up from your accommodations (though the exact time depends on the tide). Transfer to the starting point of the boating excursion on the Damas Island Estuary.

Board the boat and listen as your expert guide talks about the unique mangrove ecosystem. You'll take off on the journey, gliding along waterways through one of Costa Rica's most important natural habitats. You'll weave your way through the natural tunnels and passageways created by the river's ebb and flow, discovering this fascinating tidal world. The unique conditions created by the shifting sediment and saltwater in the mangroves attract various sea animals.

Your guide will point out birds, including herons, kingfishers, ospreys, and frigate birds, as well as reptiles, anteaters, and monkeys along the banks of the estuary. Look down as you drift in the water, keeping an eye out for oysters, sponges, majestic stingrays, baby black-tipped sharks, and large schools of fish among the mangrove roots. Don't be surprised if curious white-faced capuchin monkeys hop on board—these charismatic animals love to explore!

Lunch or dinner is included and typically served after the boating trip.

Discover more experiences in and around Manuel Antonio.

Start times

Daily

6:00 am

What's included

Transportation
Bilingual guides
Boat ride
Beverages
Meal

Please note departure times are based on the tide. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner is included with your activity based on the start time.

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Traveler photos

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Traveler reviews

9 total ratings, 5 with reviews

4.2

Feature ratings

Quality of Experience
4.4

Food
3.6

Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.4

Transport
4.5

Cynthia D.

La Mirada, CA | Reviewed on Jul 29, 2024

This was a fun excursion to learn about the unique mangrove ecosystem. It was cool where the mangrove then opens up to the ocean. A great learning experience for the kids. Unfortunately, we didnt see much wildlife but that's just nature for you. Read more

Alison C.

Canada | Reviewed on Mar 01, 2023

Loved our guide. Very nimble and entertaining, he climbed over the mandrake roots to point out the wildlife. It was very enjoyable. I think Tolkien must have seen the mandrake groves when he created the Ents. Read more

Loni K.

Minneapolis, MN | Reviewed on Dec 06, 2022

this was other worldly. If you have not been in a Mangrove forest, it is so cool. We went late afternoon which was pretty nice for seeing birds, snakes, monkeys, etc. Even the bats at dusk were so cool to watch swooping close to the water Read more

Frederick K.

Saint Michael, MN | Reviewed on Nov 30, 2022

Our two young new guides could not have been better! They knew their stuff. It was beautiful to do this boat tour rich before the sunset. Saw snakes, lots of birds, crabs, and monkeys! Read more

chari p.

Asheville, NC | Reviewed on May 29, 2022

This is the only experience that we didn't like. It was not what we expected. We saw more of the amimals on the hike than on the boat tour. The breakfast was not good. The food was cold and seemed to be more of an afterthought. Read more