Damas Island Mangrove Kayaking Tour vanuit Manuel Antonio

We went on this tour in August, 6 family members ( all adults). Our guides were Warner and Cesar. We were picked up from our hotel and then there were 2 other stops to pick up other people on the trip, probably around 20 in all. There was a quick stop on the way to go to the toilet and change, it took around an hour in total to get to the place where the kayaks were. The guide gave us a lot of information on the way about the local area, which was very interesting. We wore swimming costumes under shorts and tee shirts, you could leave anything on the coach while kayaking. Our family all had water shoes, which are essential. The kayaking was great fun. Each kayak had 2 people and it was quite easy to get the hang of it, even for us who had never kayaked before. The mangroves are really interesting. Shortly after we started the heavens opened and it poured, then thunder and lightning. I have never seen such heavy rain! We all got soaked of course, which added to the fun. My family spent most of the time laughing. Unfortunately due to the rain we saw very few animals, but we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I would recommend it. 2 of us are in our 60s but managed it fine. The guides were excellent. There was a Spanish group with us who were not so happy though. They complained vociferously to the guide on the way back. They were not dressed appropriately for an activity where you were going to get wet. They were wearing ordinary shoes and clothes and were soaked through. At least one of them we noticed was refusing to paddle throughout the tour. They were quite angry which soured the journey back for the rest of us, as they did not stop having a go at the guide. We wondered what they expected - kayaking in a rain forest in the rainy season - you are bound to get wet! They refused to join everyone else for the meal afterwards, (very good, and included in the cost of the trip) and demanded to be taken straight back to their hotel. The guides organised another coach to pick them up. We thought the guides were extremely professional throughout, refusing to get drawn into a slanging match. You need to take a change of clothes, a towel and water shoes! Even if it doesn't rain you will get wet. And we were told this before the trip.

Kayaking was amazing. The views were breath taking and snorkeling with the fish was so fun!! We got to swim for a bit, too, which was an added bonus. Lunch was super tasty, too.

We did the Mangrove boat tour. Our guide Alvin was very friendly, knowledgeable and provided lots of information throughout the tour. Our driver also went above and beyond to help us spot wildlife on the way to and from the tour. They truly made it a great experience and we would highly recommend them!