In short
- Boat tours average $65 to $87 USD per person.
- Kayak tours usually cost $65 to $85 USD per person.
- Rates include a guide, gear, transport, and a meal.
In this article
Access to the estuary is free, but visitors must pay certified tour operators directly for guided experiences. These package prices cover everything you need for a half-day trip from Quepos or Manuel Antonio.
How much are boat tours?
Boat tours average $65 to $87 USD per person.
These are "from" prices per platform, and they change. Covered motorized boats are the most common way to explore the main canals. The rate covers a 3.5 to 4-hour round-trip experience.
How much do kayak tours cost?
Kayak excursions generally run $65 to $85 USD per person.
Paddling trips navigate the tightest sections of the estuary and shallow backwater channels. The price includes your kayak, paddles, and a local guide.
What do tour prices include?
Most tour rates include hotel transport, gear, a guide, and a meal.
- Round-trip hotel pickup from Quepos or Manuel Antonio
- A traditional Costa Rican meal
- Certified naturalist guide
- All necessary boating or kayaking equipment
Are there cheaper budget options?
Yes, budget-friendly kayak and boat tours start around $52 to $59 USD.
These lower prices often exclude a full meal. Instead of lunch, budget tours typically offer only snacks or fruit. The time spent on the water remains similar.
How much are night mangrove tours?
Night boat tours start around $79 USD per person.
Night excursions begin at 5:00 PM. The rate includes a guide with spotlights, boat transport, dinner, and hotel pickup. You will search for nocturnal wildlife like frogs and crocodiles.
Questions travellers ask
Do I have to pay to enter the Isla Damas estuary?
No, access to the mangrove ecosystem is technically free. You only pay for the guided tour package provided by local operators.
Are transport costs extra?
Almost all operators include round-trip hotel pickup from Quepos or Manuel Antonio in their standard $65 to $87 USD fee.
Do prices change throughout the year?
Yes. Tour prices are "from" prices set per platform, and they change based on the season and availability.
