Best Mangrove Tour in Costa Rica
Nature & Adventure in Manuel Antonio
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.
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Top-Rated Tours in Manuel Antonio
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:
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Guided boat tours – perfect for families, photographers, and all ages
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Mangrove kayak tours – ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers
🌿 What's included:
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AC transportation from your hotel
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Boat or kayak equipment
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Certified naturalist guide
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Bottles of water
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Typical meal with drinks after the tour
🌅 Tour Times:
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Morning and afternoon departures
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Sunset tours with breathtaking golden light and cooler temperatures
🍽️ The Tours Include:
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Traditional Costa Rican lunch or dinner
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Certified ICT Naturalist Guide
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Complete Gear (Boat & Kayak)
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Hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience
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Private tours are available upon request
✅ Why Our Tour Stands Out:
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High-quality, personalized groups for a more intimate experience
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Bilingual, certified naturalist guides
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Eco-friendly and educational approach
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Consistently 5-star reviews from travelers around the world
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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.
"Look deeply into nature and then you will understand everything better"
Albert Einstein
🌿 Discover Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica’s Premier Ecotourism Destination
Nestled along Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast, the Manuel Antonio region is a vibrant, biodiverse haven that has earned its reputation as one of the country's top ecotourism hotspots. Famed for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife, Manuel Antonio offers a unique blend of natural beauty and sustainable travel experiences that appeal to nature lovers, adventure seekers, and conscious travelers alike.
At the heart of the region lies Manuel Antonio National Park—a compact yet world-renowned protected area that showcases the very best of Costa Rica’s ecological richness. Though small in size, the park is home to an astonishing variety of species, including sloths, monkeys, toucans, and colorful reptiles, making it one of the most biodiverse parks per square kilometer in the world.
What sets Manuel Antonio apart is its seamless integration of conservation and tourism. Visitors can hike through tropical jungle trails, relax on award-winning beaches like Playa Manuel Antonio, and witness incredible wildlife in its natural habitat—all within a single day. The surrounding region supports this eco-friendly ethos, offering sustainable accommodations, guided nature tours, and immersive cultural experiences designed to protect the environment while uplifting local communities.
Whether you're kayaking through coastal mangroves, joining a naturalist-led wildlife tour, or simply taking in a sunset over the Pacific Ocean, Manuel Antonio is the ultimate gateway to Costa Rica’s natural wonders—a must-visit for anyone interested in ecotourism, biodiversity, and responsible travel.
🦥 Explore Manuel Antonio: Costa Rica’s Ecotourism Paradise
🌴 Welcome to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Where rainforest meets the ocean — and adventure meets serenity
Key Highlights:
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Nestled along Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, Manuel Antonio is one of the top-rated travel destinations in the country.
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Celebrated for its lush rainforests, unspoiled beaches, and diverse wildlife.
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A magnet for eco-conscious travelers, adventure seekers, and nature photographers.
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Home to some of the best wildlife tours in Costa Rica, along with adrenaline-pumping adventures and relaxing coastal escapes.
📍 Where is Manuel Antonio?
Your gateway to Costa Rica’s natural beauty
Location Overview:
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Province: Puntarenas, Costa Rica
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Nearest Town: Quepos
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Distance from San José: 157 km (3 to 3.5-hour drive)
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Getting There:
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By Car or Shuttle: Paved, scenic route from San José
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By Bus: Frequent departures from San José’s Tracopa Terminal
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Private Transfers & Car Rentals available for more convenience
Tourism Hub Features:
Fully developed infrastructure with eco-lodges, boutique hotels, local eateries, and certified tour operators ready to customize your stay.
🏞️ Manuel Antonio National Park
Costa Rica’s most beloved natural wonder
Why It’s Special:
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Most visited national park in Costa Rica
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Small in size (19.8 km²), but overflowing with biodiversity
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Wildlife: Sloths, howler monkeys, white-faced capuchins, squirrel monkeys, toucans, iguanas, and more
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Birdwatching haven: Over 184 bird species recorded
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Surrounded by top beaches: Playa Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur, and Playa Gemelas
A Must-See for:
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Nature lovers
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Wildlife photographers
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Families looking for safe, educational eco-adventures
🦜 Top Things to Do in Manuel Antonio
Unforgettable adventures await in every direction
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Guided Nature Hikes in Manuel Antonio National Park
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Wildlife Photography Safaris with expert guides
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Beach Hopping between Manuel Antonio, Espadilla Sur & Playa Gemelas
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Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking along the coast
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Rainforest Ziplining & Canopy Tours
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Sunset Catamaran Cruises with dolphin spotting
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Horseback Rides to Hidden Waterfalls
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ATV & Jungle Exploration Tours
🧭 Best Tours in Manuel Antonio based on TripAdvisor (2025)
1. Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Tour: See sloths, monkeys, reptiles, and rare birds. Guided by certified bilingual naturalists. Perfect introduction for first-time visitors.
2. Mangrove Tours: Explore the amazing and epic mangrove ecosystem with a naturalist guide. Boat and kayak tours available in Manuel Antonio.
3. ATV Tour with Waterfalls: Experience a thrilling mud adventure on a 4WD tour led by naturalist guides. Visit Rainmaker Park and Waterfalls.
4. Rainforest Ziplining & Canopy Adventure: A bird’s-eye view of the lush jungle canopy. Suitable for all ages and adrenaline levels.
5. Nighttime Jungle Tour: Discover the park’s nocturnal creatures: frogs, owls, snakes, and insects
🏨 Where to Stay in Manuel Antonio
From luxury hideaways to eco-lodges in the treetops
Top Accommodations:
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🌺 Eco-lodges with stunning ocean views and jungle immersion
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🦥 Boutique Hotels where monkeys and sloths roam freely
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🏡 Private Villas with pools and sunset balconies
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👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly Resorts steps from the beach
Why Stay Here?
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Direct access to the national park and tour departure points
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Some of the best ocean views in Costa Rica
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Wake up to the sounds of nature right outside your window
🌱 Sustainable Travel in Manuel Antonio
Preserving paradise for future generations
Conservation Focus:
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No single-use plastics inside the national park
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Strict trail guidelines to protect sensitive ecosystems
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Daily visitor limits to reduce environmental pressure
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Tours led by eco-certified local guides
How You Can Help:
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Bring reusable water bottles & bags
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Respect wildlife—no feeding or touching
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Book with eco-responsible operators
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Leave nothing behind—"Pack it in, pack it out"
🌟 Why Manuel Antonio is a Bucket List Destination
✅ Top-rated tourist destination in Costa Rica
✅ Combines breathtaking beaches, rich biodiversity, and thrilling outdoor experiences
✅ Perfect for eco-adventurers, families, honeymooners, and solo travelers
✅ Located just a short trip from San José, yet feels like a remote tropical paradise
✅ Supported by world-class tour operators, guides, and accommodations
Costa Rica Jade Tours, Manuel Antonio, Quepos, Costa Rica
Legal Name: Costa Rica Jade Tours S.A
Legal ID Number: 3 101 599778
Contac Information:
Phone: +50686328760
Email: info@costaricajadetours.com