Costa Rica Mangrove Tours
Mangroves exist in estuaries, the confluent places where saltwater comes together with freshwater. The plants are both varied and unique, but can be invariably recognized by their striking root systems, which delve beneath the surface of the water to prop up the plants above. A great variety of animals reside within this habitat, including caimans, snakes, monkeys, iguanas, and several species of birds. Mangrove tours allow travelers to explore these complex waterways from the security of a kayak or covered boat, often with the company of a naturalist guide. These guides both educate passengers on the important biological relationships at work in the mangrove, as well as help spot critters along the way.
The best tours in Costa Rica
Damas Estuary Boat Trip
From $98The Damas Estuary Boat Trip takes you on a covered boat tour through the complex and beautiful estuaries and mangroves surrounding Damas Island. Damas Island got its name because it is said that the shape of the island resembles a woman.
Drake Bay Mangrove Tour
From $155If you are loving to birds and if you would like to see crocodiles, this is the tour we recommend, here you will have the opportunity to see many birds in a small island located near the mouth of the Sierpe River, which serves as habitat for many birds, in this place they can take care of their broods out of the danger of predators.
Mangrove Kayaking
From $102This kayaking tour will take you to the waters that surround Damas Island, off the coast of Manuel Antonio National Park. When you tour this area you’ll get to see estuaries and mangroves, and paddle up the inland canals. Your group can set the pace for this tour, and no experience kayaking is necessary.
Damas Island Mangrove Kayak Tour
From $98The Damas Island estuary is just fifteen minutes outside of Manuel Antonio. Mangroves are born where ocean waters meet fresh water rivers, creating an underwater rooting system amongst the trees.
Kayak Tamarindo Estuary
From $102On this tour, you’ll paddle around the Tamarindo Estuary and get a good look at the native wildlife. This estuary is between the Tamarindo Beach and Playa Grande.
Wildlife and Mangrove Kayak Tour
From $68The Wildlife and Mangrove Kayak Tour takes you kayaking along the Ora River and then to the Camaronal Beach. This tour departs from the Samara Beach area and lasts around 3 hours.
Costa Rica itineraries from local insiders
Explore hand-picked Costa Rica itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.
Pura Vida Adventure Together
We both love nature and hiking so Costa Rica is ideal for both of those. We went during what’s considered the rainy season so you need to be aware of that going in. It rained at some point almost every day we were there but we still had a very enjoyable time. We visited La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. We enjoyed La Fortuna more. La Fortuna was more jungle whereas Manuel Antonio was more coastal and felt more touristy.
Costa Rica
Adventure Through Costa Rica's Wild Heart
Costa Rica was just magnificent. The people, food, jungles, beaches were all fantastic. Can’t wait until my next trip back.
Costa Rica
Big Multi Family Group Adventure
Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican adventure that juxtaposes bustling urban energy with lush, untouched rainforests, delivering a dynamic escape from everyday routine. From San José’s lively streets you’ll head to Monteverde’s cloud‑forest canopy for sky tram rides and hikes, then dive into Rio Celeste’s turquoise waters and trek El Silencio’s volcanic paths. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in coffee farms, rainforest sounds, and volcanic vistas, leaving you with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s spirited hospitality and natural wonder.
Costa Rica
60th birthday jungle adventure
If you like the outside at all, Costa Rica is for you! It truly is a rich coast. The diversity of wildlife is mind blowing. It is spectacular.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica Two Family Journey
Lovely, relaxing country. Lots of activities, everything from lounging to adventure and more. Friendly people, tasty food, family-friendly.
Costa Rica
Matt and Fran’s Costa Rica holiday
Costa Rica has a diverse landscape and every area is unique and different. We easily rented a 4 wheel drive vehicle and drove from the Caribbean to the Pacific!
Costa Rica
Family Time in Costa Rica
Michelle and her family embarked on a multi‑generational adventure in Costa Rica, where mist‑cloaked cloud forests meet surf‑kissed Pacific beaches, offering a vibrant contrast of cool heights and warm tides. Your journey weaves through Monteverde’s canopy zip lines and canyoning thrills, the turquoise Tenorio River’s Class III/IV rapids, and La Leona waterfall’s lush river tubing. Guided by local experts and supported by a comfortable van, your family will soak up Pura Vida hospitality, returning home with shared stories of soaring forests and surf‑side sunsets.
Costa Rica
Family Adventure Through Costa Rica
Rachel and her family of four spent a week moving across Costa Rica, from Arenal to the Pacific coast, with every transfer and tour arranged door to door. In Arenal they rode the Sky Adventures aerial tram and ziplines, took on the Balsa River's Class II–III rapids, and walked the EcoGarden trails to find sloths in their actual habitat, not a roadside stop, then the falls at La Fortuna. On the coast at Manuel Antonio they hiked the national park with a local guide, snorkeled the reef, and chased the Mulguri waterfall. As Rachel said, these weren't tours with twenty other tourists trailing the buses. They were the real thing, reachable only through local connections, with the family's days handled start to finish.
Costa Rica
