MANUEL ANTONIO MANGROVE TOUR

Damas Island Mangrove Forest

Best Mangrove Tour in Costa Rica

Nature & Adventure

The Mangrove tour is your chance to explore the diverse and unique ecosystem of the mangrove forest in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. With a knowledgeable guide and a passion for nature, we offer a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories. Discover the many species that call this area home, including monkeys, sloths, lizards, snakes, and birds.

Natural History of Mangroves

Amazing Ecosystem

Best Tour to See Monkeys

Great for Birdwatching

Unique Water Wildlife

Top-Rated Manuel Antonio Tours

Join us on a journey through the magical waterways of Damas Island, just minutes from the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park.

Our Damas Island Mangrove Tour offers an immersive eco-experience through lush, serene mangrove forests — a rare and vital ecosystem teeming with life. Glide through natural canals by boat or kayak, discovering a secret world where the ocean meets the jungle.

🛶 Choose Your Adventure:

Guided boat tours – perfect for families, photographers, and all ages
Mangrove kayak tours – ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers

🌿 What's included:

AC transportation from your hotel
Boat or kayak equipment
Certified naturalist guide
Botlles of water
Typical meal with drinks after the tour

🌅 Tour Times:

Morning and afternoon departures
Sunset tours with breathtaking golden light and cooler temperatures

🍽️ Optional Add-Ons:

Traditional Costa Rican lunch or dinner
Hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience
Private tours are available upon request

✅ Why Our Tour Stands Out:

High quality, personalized groups for a more intimate experience
Bilingual, certified naturalist guides
Eco-friendly and educational approach
Consistently 5-star reviews from travelers around the world
We don't feed the monkeys

What to Expect on Your Daytime Mangrove Adventure in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Once you embark on an unforgettable mangrove adventure through the Damas Island mangrove estuary, you'll have the chance to observe an incredible variety of wildlife that thrives in this unique ecosystem. You'll also be amazed by the otherworldly way mangrove trees grow, with their intricate root systems rising from the water like natural sculptures. This guided mangrove boat tour or kayak mangrove adventure offers a rare opportunity to experience wildlife up close while learning about the vital role these forests play in preserving biodiversity and protecting coastal environments.

🐾 Up-Close Wildlife Encounters in the Manuel Antonio Mangroves
One of the most unforgettable parts of your Manuel Antonio mangrove tour is the close and respectful interaction with the region’s rich biodiversity. As you glide silently through the calm waterways of the Damas Island mangrove estuary, you’ll enter a world that few travelers ever truly see—a hidden sanctuary filled with fascinating wildlife and unique vegetation.

This wildlife-focused eco tour offers rare opportunities to observe exotic animals in their natural habitat, all while accompanied by a bilingual naturalist guide who shares expert insights about the ecosystem.

What You Might Encounter:
White-faced capuchin monkeys: These curious and intelligent primates are often seen swinging playfully between branches, and sometimes even approaching the boat for a closer look. They are a favorite among guests and a true highlight of the tour.

Two- and three-toed sloths: Known for their slow, deliberate movements, these gentle creatures can often be spotted hanging from high mangrove branches or nestled among the foliage.

Caimans and crocodiles: Lurking near the base of the trees, these ancient reptiles glide silently through the water or bask along the muddy banks. Your guide will help you spot them safely and respectfully.

Iguanas and boas: From sunbathing reptiles to beautifully camouflaged snakes, the mangroves are teeming with reptilian life that thrives in the warm, humid environment.

Tropical birds and coastal species: Keep your eyes peeled for colorful birds such as herons, kingfishers, egrets, and roseate spoonbills. You might also see mangrove crabs, raccoons, and other shoreline creatures that contribute to the health of the ecosystem.

A Living Classroom for Conservation
Each animal you encounter plays a crucial role in the delicate balance of this ecosystem. By participating in a sustainable mangrove tour in Costa Rica, you’re not only enjoying a close wildlife encounter but also contributing to the protection of this vital coastal habitat.

🌿 Respectful Wildlife Interaction Matters
At the heart of our Manuel Antonio wildlife tour is a deep respect for nature. We strictly follow eco-friendly guidelines to ensure that our presence does not harm the environment or the animals that call it home.

Why do we never feed the wildlife?

It disrupts natural foraging behaviors

It encourages animals to become aggressive or reliant on humans

It increases the risk of disease transmission

It can lead to poor nutrition or even illness in species like monkeys or sloths

By observing quietly and without interference, you're helping preserve the natural rhythms of this delicate habitat—while still enjoying some of the best wildlife viewing in Costa Rica.

Check Our Tours

"Look deeply into nature and then you will understand everything better"

Albert Einstein

About us

We are Costa Rica Jade Tours, a specialized nature and adventure tour operator in Manuel Antonio.

Our mangrove tours are the perfect way to experience one of Costa Rica's most stunning and diverse habitats (mangrove ecosystems), home to many wildlife species.

Our professional guides are experts in the area's ecology, and they will take you on a gentle journey through the mangrove forest, pointing out sloths, monkeys, reptiles and much more along the way, whether you're a seasoned nature enthusiast or just looking for a unique way to connect with the natural world.