
Mangrove Kayak
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 229 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Mangrove Kayak worth booking?
Mangrove Kayak is a 2-hour experience in Quepos, Costa Rica, from $75 per person. It scores 74 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 229 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 74 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (229)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $75 per person
Kayaking through the forests and mangrove canals of the Damas Island estuary, surrounded by nature and white face monkeys. With exclusive access to offer a personalized tour. Wildlife on and around the island includes, monkeys, sloths, green iguanas, crabs, turtles, crocodiles, alligators, raccoons and numerous bird species. Part of our ecotourism initiative promotes the garbage collection program in the mangroves, taking into account that in addition to recovering the health of the mangrove and its ecosystem, we are generating environmental awareness. The kayak tour is an ideal getaway to learn and connect very closely with the water element, in a relaxed and quiet atmosphere. In addition, we have the best kayaking equipment in the area, it will be an unforgettable experience in one of the most important habitats for the conservation of marine and terrestrial biodiversity.
What you get
About this experience
Kayaking through the forests and mangrove canals of the Damas Island estuary, surrounded by nature and white face monkeys. With exclusive access to offer a personalized tour. Wildlife on and around the island includes, monkeys, sloths, green iguanas, crabs, turtles, crocodiles, alligators, raccoons and numerous bird species. Part of our ecotourism initiative promotes the garbage collection program in the mangroves, taking into account that in addition to recovering the health of the mangrove and its ecosystem, we are generating environmental awareness. The kayak tour is an ideal getaway to learn and connect very closely with the water element, in a relaxed and quiet atmosphere. In addition, we have the best kayaking equipment in the area, it will be an unforgettable experience in one of the most important habitats for the conservation of marine and terrestrial biodiversity.
What's included
Included
- Snacks
- Certified Tour Guide
What you'll see and do
Isla Damas
Kayaking through the forests and mangrove canals of the Damas Island estuary, with exclusive access to offer a personalized tour. We have a garbage collection program, this to spread environmental awareness to tourists; contributing something positive to the environment.
120 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Quepos
Nacarcosta reception
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Nacarcosta reception
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Nacarcosta Wildlife Adventure
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Wheelchair accessible
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 229 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
10 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
3 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
229 verified traveler reviews for Mangrove Kayak. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Unforgettable and good for the soul
Such a beautiful, unforgettable few hours. Our guide, Andres, is well trained and English-fluent—a gentle and warm human being. First, we visited the farm and took turns sitting on the water buffalo. Then, the main attraction: languidly paddling down the river through the rainforest. Andres pointed out an amazing variety of animals, plants, and trees, and told us wonderful stories about the history and biology of this incredible place. You share the river with a few tourist boats, and a highlight was the moment when a tribe of cappuccino monkeys jumped onto one of the boats and began swinging from the bars of its roof support. They see it as a jungle gym! (Andres says that happens most days.) I've attached some photos of the trip – it was unforgettable and joyous. (Bring bug repellent and cash for tips!)
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a pleasure sharing the river, wildlife, and stories of our rainforest with you. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back soon! 🌿🐒
via Tripadvisor
Fun and educational
This was such fun! Our guide, Maria, was excellent and was great at not only pointing out the animals/plants, but also educating us about the ecosystems around us. You can tell that they care deeply for their country. As someone who doesn't kayak regularly, this was an easy 2 hour tour, but we were definitely tired by the end. They served us some tasty fresh fruit when we arrived back to the starting point.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words. Nacarcosta is committed to ecological sustainability and respecting nature. We hope to see you soon.
via Tripadvisor
Fun morning kayaking
Such a great experience. Leandro was a wonderful guide. So much to see and fun explanations about it all. Felt safe in the kayak.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with tourists looking for a different kind of experience.
via Tripadvisor
Great experience
Great experience. Very friendly and competent staff. Alan was an informative and fun guide. The farm visit was a nice plus to the AMAZING kayak ride. Very Nice location
Response from the operator: The entire Nacarcosta team strives to provide a great experience in the area. Thank you for your kind words.
via Tripadvisor
Ride the Buffalo!
Well organized and entertaining. Ride the Buffalo, that is important! Memo was our guide and he is very well versed in the wildlife and the overall environment you are operating in. Great family excursion. We saw white faced monkeys, lizards, birds, Cayman, etc. Definitely try this one out.
Response from the operator: Nacarcosta is honored to hear such kind comments. Thank you for all your support, and hope to see you soon.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 80
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Nacarcosta Wildlife Adventure, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.6.
See everything Nacarcosta Wildlife Adventure runsWhy this scores 74
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Mangrove Kayak: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quepos.
How much does Mangrove Kayak cost?
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Prices start at $75 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quepos usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Mangrove Kayak take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quepos is not rushed.
Is Mangrove Kayak worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 74 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 229 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Quepos, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Mangrove Kayak?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Mangrove Kayak suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Mangrove Kayak?
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Around 80 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quepos can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quepos and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Mangrove Kayak start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quepos within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Quepos?
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On Outty we rank every Quepos experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Full Day Waterfall Adventure, Manuel Antonio Canopy Tour - Longest Twin Zip Line in Central America, Manuel Antonio Park Tour and its Amazing Wildlife and Beaches. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Quepos?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Quepos?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Mangrove Kayak?
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Included: Snacks; and Certified Tour Guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Mangrove Kayak?
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Nacarcosta reception Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Mangrove Kayak offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Mangrove Kayak?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Mangrove Kayak wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Mangrove Kayak if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Mangrove Kayak?
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Across 229 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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