Damas Island Riverboat Wildlife Safari in the Mangroves
Good to Know
Embark on the Damas Island Riverboat Safari, a captivating journey through Costa Rica's diverse mangrove ecosystem. Glide silently on a covered riverboat, observing abundant wildlife like playful White-faced Capuchin monkeys, sleepy sloths, prehistoric crocodiles, and vibrant bird species including Herons and Roseate Spoonbills. This half-day expedition includes round-trip transportation, an expert bilingual guide, and a traditional Costa Rican meal. Please note that tour start times and meal service are tide-dependent and confirmed upon booking.
Located on the Central Pacific coast, a little north of Manuel Antonio, the Damas Island Estuary is a great place to observe rare and exotic wildlife. This half day tour will take you through this interesting refuge on a covered riverboat, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the scenery and natural surprises around every turn.
The tour starts when you are picked up from your local area hotel. Most guests will be coming from Manuel Antonio, which equates to about a 20 – 30 minute drive. Those coming from Uvita, Dominical, or Jaco will have a longer drive. Once you reach the refuge, you will meet your guide and board the boat for your safari.
The riverboat is covered to protect from sun or rain. It is equipped with a quiet engine so you have a better chance of hearing the wildlife and guide. Your bilingual guide is certified by the ICT as a professional naturalist guide ensuring you receive the best information on the wonders you will witness.
The Damas Island Estuary is loaded with wildlife! It is not uncommon to see playful capuchin monkeys, silky anteaters, sloths, and other mammals. Of course, there are plenty of reptiles including boas, crocodiles, and caiman. Many coastal migratory birds stop in at different times of the year. Egrets, herons, and spoonbills are commonly observed.
The tour is tide dependent as it is on a coastal estuary. Because of this, transportation and meal times may vary. Be prepared to spend around 2.5 hours on the boat. On this tour you will enjoy a traditional Costa Rican meal at a local restaurant.
Your safari adventure includes transportation, bilingual guide, gear, and a meal. In total, the tour is expected to last 4 hours, though this is subject to change and longer if you are staying in Jaco, Dominical, or Uvita. Transportation from these areas is at set times. If you have to wait for the tide to come in or wait for the bus back to your hotel, don't worry, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the beach, or hang out in the restaurant; please be prepared for these eventualities.
NOTE: Since this tour is tide dependent, please do not coordinate other tour activities on this day when staying in Jaco, Domical, or Uvita.
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Highlights
- Riverboat ride through the Damas Island Estuary
- Chance to see exotic wildlife
- Enjoy a typical Costa Rican style meal
What to Bring
Insect repellent, binoculars, camera, and rain gear.
Includes
Transportation, bilingual guide, boat, fruits, and a meal.
Available in: Manuel Antonio, Herradura, Jaco, Dominical, Uvita
Tour Times
Tour Type
- Safari Cruise
Location
Lattitude: N 9° 27' 30.76" (9.458544)
Longitude: W 84° 12' 3.37" (-84.200935)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What wildlife can I expect to see on the Damas Island Riverboat Safari?
The Damas Island Riverboat Safari offers opportunities to observe diverse wildlife, including White-faced Capuchin monkeys, sloths, silky anteaters, crocodiles, caimans, boas, and various bird species such as Herons, Toucans, Roseate Spoonbills, and Egrets.
What is included in the Damas Island Riverboat Safari tour?
The tour includes round-trip transportation from local hotels, an expert ICT-certified bilingual naturalist guide, a covered riverboat ride, fruits, and a traditional Costa Rican meal at a local restaurant.
How long does the Damas Island Riverboat Safari last, and why do start times vary?
The Damas Island Riverboat Safari is a half-day tour, with approximately 2.5 hours spent on the boat and a total duration of about 4 hours. Start times and meal service vary daily because the tour is tide-dependent, operating within a coastal estuary.
What should I bring for the Damas Island Riverboat Safari?
For the Damas Island Riverboat Safari, it is recommended to bring insect repellent, binoculars, a camera, and rain gear.
Related Costa Rica Travel Planning
- Explore Manuel AntonioRead the destination guide for Manuel Antonio.
- Explore Manuel AntonioRead the destination guide for Manuel Antonio.
- Explore Hermosa de JacoRead the destination guide for Hermosa de Jaco.
- Explore JacoRead the destination guide for Jaco.
- Explore DominicalRead the destination guide for Dominical.