Mangrove Tours

The Sierpe area is truly a secret wonderland of life waiting for you to behold! Come spend the day (or half day) with us to learn all about the ecology and biology of the mangrove forests. For those who take the time to explore our natural paradise, they are pleasantly surprised at HOW MUCH wildlife there actually is here (often times MORE than can be seen in San Pedrillo of Corcovado)! We offer half or full day mangrove tours or night tours by boat. Full day tours can include a variety of activities such as hiking along a remote gravel road, jungle fruit farm, beach picnic and swimming and more. Mangrove tours are a special delight for birders! More info below about the tours and the ecology of the area…

Half Day - Sierpe Wildlife Canal Tour:

The half day tour may be private or shared with other people (your choice). Private tours begin at your desired time and group tours usually begin around 7:30 or 8am from Sierpe and last about 3 hours. This tour passes thru the Estero Azul canal where there is an abundance of wildlife. Prices range depending on group size in private tours or shared tours start at $60pp.

Wildlife commonly seen:

Multitudes of bird species including several species of heron, fly catchers, kingfishers, owls, toucans, scarlet macaws, hawks, falcons, egrets, Ibis, song birds and MANY more
3 species of monkeys (white-faced, howler and titi)
Snakes
Sloths, racoons, Bats and other mammals
Frogs, Lizards & Iguanas
Crocodiles and Caimans
Turtles

This tour can be COMBINED with either our private Caño Island or San Pedrillo tour for a discounted price.

Full Day Mangrove Tour:

A Sierpe Outfitters SPECIALTY!!!
Full day tours are private only and begin at your desired time. These guided tours include the visiting the Estero Azul canal famous for its plethora of wildlife AND passing thru numerous canals out in the heart of the mangrove forest AND a visit to a boat-only accessible remote 'Jurassic Park-like' beach great for afternoon swimming, picnicking and hiking (if you wish) AND a loop out into the ocean to see the rock islands and a few species of pelagic birds (frigate birds, brown boobies, pelicans, etc). You can also add a stop in the morning or afternoon for a nature hike OR include a bit of artisanal fishing along the way (additional cost for fishing, please request ahead of time). Breakfast (complete with coffee) is available upon request ($13pp) for those early starts! Lunch is included on the full day tours (you order from a menu ahead of time and everything is made from scratch).

Please inquire with us for pricing. We can also drop you off in Drake Bay after the tour.

Night Mangrove Tours:

Twilight to Dark - Mangrove Night tours begin around 4 or 5pm and last for 3-4 hours. Read more about the night tour.

More About the full day Mangrove Tour: Tours depart from Sierpe where you will meet up with your guide and boat to begin your tour looking for wildlife and exploring the the winding network of canals in the Sierpe Terraba Mangrove Reserve and the coastal section in between the Sierpe and Guarumal river mouths. The tour will end at your desire, no later than about 4pm.

About the Mangroves: This delicate wetland ecosystem is a vital home, bio-corridor and migratory destination for countless species. Dripping with diverse flora and fauna each bend holds the potential for observing a plethora of animals in their natural habitat including: macaws, parrots, toucans, herons, flycatchers, kingfishers, ibis, wood storks, woodpeckers, wrens, woodcreepers, honeycreepers, cotingas, putoos, raptors, (yes the list continues!!!) swallows, hummingbirds, motmots, tanagers, plovers, sandpipers, tree boas, river turtles and otters, bats, 3 species of monkey: squirrel (titi) / howler / capuchin, anteaters, caimans and crocodiles.

Your mangrove tour will encompass the numerous canals and the Sierpe River and a loop out into the ocean (one river mouth to another) to see the pelagic birds and rock islands. Picnic lunch can be had at any time of day.

Read More about the International Sister Park Project between 12 mid-western parks and reserves in the USA and all of Costa Rica's southern conservation (ACOSA) district / Osa Peninsula's seven national parks and reserves. It was originally developed because of shared migratory bird species and founded by people who love Costa Rica and more specifically, the Osa Peninsula.

ACOSA’s seven public Parks and Reserves (different categories of protection):

Sierpe Terraba Wetland Reserve
Caño Island Biological Reserve
Corcovado National Park
Marino Ballena National Park
Piedras Blancas National Park
Golfo Dulce Forest Reserve
Golfito Wildlife Refuge

There are other parks that are private or mixed, but these are the seven main protected areas in Osa. Here is a map of these plus a few other private ones in the area