Discover Manuel Antonio’s exotic fauna and flora just where the Rainforest Meets the Ocean: The Mangroves ecosystem.
Silently paddle with freedom into the mangroves and explore deeper their enigmatic waterways, which are the perfect place to catch a glimpse of wildlife tucked away amongst its foliage.
Mangroves are a variety of shrub and tree species that live along seashores, rivers, and estuaries. They are remarkably resilient and adaptive, this means they can survive in muddy shores with a mixture of both salt and freshwater and have evolved to be some of the toughest forests in the tropics.
Damas Island is a small (6 km²) paradise, located in the vicinity of Manuel Antonio at just 20 minutes away from your selected hotel. Once you arrived, the professional naturalist guide will give you your life vest, paddle and your sit-on-top ocean kayak that fit one or two persons, easy to paddle and with a super-stable hull design.
As well, you will receive proper paddling techniques and safety recommendations that you have to follow along the kayaking exploration.
This is a dynamic ecosystem and the guide will explain you how mangroves have evolved to thrive in swamps, with the roots jutting above the water to enable the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen that is part of the process of photosynthesis.
There are seven species of mangrove trees in Costa Rica, and here you will see four, including the white mangrove, one of the tallest with the big roots and directly receives the impact of the tropical storms, hurricanes, and it buffers that influence and protects areas behind it.
Mangroves are home of some of the most exotic species in the tropics, including reptiles like caimans, crocodiles, iguanas and snakes. Mammals like sloths, raccoons, and troop of primates like white-faced monkeys.
Colorful Crabs (orange and purple) also play an important part in this environment. These scavengers help recycle nitrogen, which is super important for the survival of the ecosystem.
Mollusks of all sorts thrive in the protection of the mangroves as well as several species of small fish and aquatic birds like kingfishers, ospreys, herons & egrets.
Type of Excursion: Nature
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Days of Operation: Monday to Sunday
Approximate Duration: 4 hours
Approximate Pick Up Time: This excursion depends on the tide. Our operations department will reconfirm pick up Time.
Recommendations: Quick-Dry Swimwear, sandals, change of clothes, sun visor hat or similar, Sunglasses for water sports with UV protection, Sunscreen, insects repellent, aluminium water bottle, GoPro camera and binoculars.
In case of passengers with reduced mobility, heart or respiratory problems, epilepsy, overweight, or women in any stages of pregnancy, please advise us in advance in order to take the previsions and provide them with the best possible care.
In the event of extreme weather conditions, such as extreme rainfall, the excursion may be cancelled prior to your scheduled departure time. Should severe weather occur while you are on the tour, it will be discontinued for security reasons.
Children Policy: Infants from 0-7 years are not allowed. CHD rate apply from 8 to 11 years old
Important Remarks: This tour requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate and maximum of 24 passengers. Maximum passengers per guide: 8 passengers.