The Damas Island Costa Rica Estuary Reserve is famous for its fantastic wildlife as well as the primary mangrove forests. The Damas Island Mangrove tour will introduce you to the mangrove ecosystem Damas Island is so famous for. You will get into a covered boat where you will be able to float down the waters and sit back and try to spot some white-faced capuchin monkeys, howler monkeys, silky anteaters, birds, and reptiles like boa constrictors. Apart from the large variety of animal species, you can see the various palm trees and tropical plants growing alongside the banks. The Damas Island is only 6 km removed from the town of Quepos and 13 km from the iconic Manual Antonio National Park.
Highlights
Mangrove ecosystem – Mangrove tours
The Damas Island Mangroves will introduce you to a unique ecosystem. You can spot herons, kingfishers and frigate birds. The different channels would lead you through various tunnels, passing by small islands. Enjoy the eco-friendly and quiet boat tour, passing through the waters next to the vivid wildlife.
On this Costa Rica tour, you will feel extremely close to nature, while admiring the magnificent mangrove plants and the quiet islands. Preserving the mangroves is extremely important to keep animals in the area safe, and during your Damas Island Costa Rica tour, the guides will tell you more about this vulnerable living environment. We can arrange for a mangrove tour by boat as well as kayak.
Conservation project
The mangrove forest in the Damas Island Costa Rica provides a safe environment for many endangered animal species. The government of Costa Rica works together with local people to ensure that the protection of the area. Even your grandchildren will be able to enjoy the same views as you. Many scientist and naturalists have already researched the mangrove forest ecosystem and they found that these plants attract wildlife as well as honey bees. They are the source of many medicines as well. Mangrove forests protect the coasts from harmful UV radiation; they fight against the greenhouse effect, this is why it is so important to preserve and protect them.
Quepos
The nearest town of some note is Quepos, most famous for the Marina Pez Vela. This impressive Marina opened back in 2014 and currently holds water slips for 200 boats. The Marina has become the hub for many activities including international Fishing Tournaments, boat rentals, paddle boarding, catamaran tours, to name just a few. This town is a favorite amongst sport fishers.
Manual Antonio National Park
Isla Damas is only 13 km removed from the iconic Manuel Antonio National Park, so this would definitely be worth a visit. Despite being one of the smaller national parks in Costa Rica, but it is renowned for its diversity in flora and fauna. there are still 184 species of birds and 109 species of mammals and almost 80 species of fish in the surrounding waters. Manuel Antonio is one of the best places in Costa Rica to spot wildlife. Hire a certified guide at the park entrance to help you spot monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and more. The guides know the best places to find hiding animals and use special telescopes to see up into the trees.
Tips
Visit between December and May: This is the Costa Rica dry season and ensures sunny, dry days.
Seal your food: Pack your food and belongings in tightly sealed bags. Monkeys, raccoons and iguanas are very curious and they know you have food! They are not aggressive but they will steal your food when they can.
Don’t feed the animals: It is possible that some monkeys will hop on your boat in the hope of finding some food. But however tempting it may be, do not feed them. It is bad for them and only teaches them to rely on tourists for food.
Visit nearby destinations: Do not come to Damas Island to visit only the island itself. Visit the famous Jaco beach, explore the town of Quepos and take a tour in the Manuel Antonio National Park!
If you are traveling from San Jose, you can take advantage of the domestic flights to Quepos airport (XQP). This is by far your fastest option as Quepos airport is located at only 5 km from town. From here, we can arrange for your tours to the Damas Island Mangroves as Quepos is only 6 kilometers from Damas Island. You can take a shuttle or rent a car as well, but you will have to prepare for a 160 km trip!
Dining
Quepos has quite a few high-quality dining options available around town. Sea food lovers will definitely want to pass by the Z Gastro Bar at Marina Pez Vela. This restaurant is mainly known for its amazing fish platters and shrimp cocktails. For a more international flair, visit Gabrialla’s Steak Seafood and Pasta!
Where to stay
The Gaia Hotel and Reserve is a gorgeous 5-star boutique resort in Quepos. You can enjoy the highly rated on-site restaurant, pool, rainforest spa and full-service gym. There are a wide array of lodging options in the Manuel Antonio that range from the super luxurious like Arenas del Mar, to vacation rentals like Tulemar Resort, to the Mid-Range Hotels like Hotel Costa Verde.
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