10 tours · Manuel Antonio & Jacó
Water Adventures in Costa Rica
Kayaking, sailing, mangrove tours, rafting, surfing and a crocodile river safari, all on or in the water.
Between Manuel Antonio and Jacó, Tucanes runs ten different tours that put guests on or in the water. Ocean kayaking and snorkeling covers the Manuel Antonio coastline and its offshore rock islands. The Isla Damas estuary can be explored by kayak or by covered boat, both trips slower-paced and built around spotting monkeys, crocodiles and herons in the mangroves. A full-day catamaran sails the same coast under sail power, with a stop to snorkel and a barbecue lunch on board.
Three rivers add whitewater rafting to the water lineup: the Savegre, Naranjo and El Chorro, each a different difficulty level. From July to October, Marino Ballena National Park adds humpback whale watching by boat. Surf lessons run on the beaches around Manuel Antonio for anyone who wants to try standing up before committing to a full surf trip, and a river safari on the Tárcoles River gets guests close to wild American crocodiles from a boat. Every tour below includes hotel pickup and a certified guide.
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Water Adventures
Frequently asked questions
Ocean kayaking and snorkeling, the Isla Damas mangrove kayak and boat tours, the catamaran sail, and Savegre River rafting all depart from Manuel Antonio and Quepos hotels.
Guests staying in Jacó can join the same catamaran and mangrove tours with Jacó pickup, plus Naranjo and El Chorro rafting and the Tárcoles River crocodile safari, which departs from Jacó only.
Humpback whales pass through Marino Ballena National Park roughly mid-July through mid-October. The whale watching tour runs during that window.
Life jackets are provided on every boat and kayak tour and guides keep groups close by, but basic swimming ability is recommended for kayaking and snorkeling. Surf lessons start in shallow water with an instructor.
