EXCURSIONS & TOURS

MANGROVES RIO TERRABA - SIERPE

The mangroves in this area are part of the international Reserve Terraba – Sierpe Humid Forest. It covers in total 22.000 ha. of mangrove forests and is one of the biggest mangrove areas in Central America.
Mangroves are what botanists call halophytes, plants that thrive in salty conditions. Although they do not require salt (they in fact grow better in fresh water), they thrive where no other tree can.
Costa Rica's young rivers have short and violent courses which keep silt and volcanic ash churned up and suspended, so that a great deal of it is carried out of the mountains onto the coastal alluvial plains.
The nutrient-rich mud generates algae and other small organisms that form the base of the marine food chain. Food is delivered to the estuaries every day from both the sea and the land so those few plants--and creatures--that can survive here flourish in immense numbers. And their sustained health is vital to the health of other marine ecosystems. Mangrove swamps, especially those fed by freshwater streams, are marine nurseries of astonishing fertility. A look down into the water reveals luxuriant life, large schools of tiny fish cause the water to ripple as they come to the surface. Red snapper, grouper, snook, walleye, shrimp and crabs, spend much of their early lives among mangrove roots, shielded by the root maze that keeps out large predators. There is even an arboreal mangrove tree crab (Aratus pisonii) which eats mangrove leaves and is restricted to the very crowns of the trees by the predatory activities of another arboreal crab, Goniopsis pulcra.
Many varieties of aquatic birds are to be found in the mangroves. Common species are: reddish and blue egret, white ibis, kingfishers, ospreys, pelicans, frigates, tiger and boat-billed herons. Frequently spotted mammals are the white face, and squirrel monkeys and the crab eating Raccoon. Reptiles to be observed are mostly small constrictor snakes and young crocodiles (about 2 feet long).

Coopemangle, a self governed cooperative of 13 families, hosts the tour and provides the guides. Their 200 ha. sustainable development project of the mangroves is part of the Terraba – Sierpe Humid Forest Reserve, and is managed according to a plan controlled by the Ministry of Natural Resources. It is the only project of its kind in Costa Rica. Ecotourism has become an important alternative to cutting trees for charcoal production. Coopemangle is a member of Cooprena, the association of Costa Rican cooperatives working in tourism, formed to establish guidelines for safe and secure tourism activities. Lifejackets are available for children and others wishing to use them, although the tour circuit only goes through calm tranquil mangrove estuaries.
Note: The mangrove tours need to be reserved with a minimum of 24 hours before – all mangrove tours are tide dependent ! The mangrove tours leave from the harbor of Coopemangle, 6 kilometers South of Hotel Villas Gaia.

The Mangrove - Boat Tour
With a small motorboat you will go through the canals of the River Terraba.
This tour will show you the different types of mangroves, the ecosystem and the value and use for the forest. The duration of this tour is 2.5 hours
The boat tour leaves only at high tide. Price: U$ 30 per person (minimum of 2 persons).
The Mangrove- Kayak Tour Using short sit-on-top kayaks quietly travel in the shade of the Mangrove trees through narrow canals opened for this tour. No outboard motor disturbs the tranquil habitat. The guide takes you to favored feeling places of varied wildlife. After the tour you have lunch (fish and fruits) in a typical Costa Rican house and you can experience the atmosphere in the local life. Duration of the tour is 3-4 hours.
The kayak tour leaves only one hour before high tide, because of the fact that the tour goes with the flow during this time. Price: U$ 45 per person (minimum 2 persons).

RIVER TERRABA
The Grand Terraba River is the largest river in this country, 198 kilometers long with the biggest volume of water as well. Descending from the highest point of Costa Rica, Chirripo National Park (Talamanca Mounting Range ) down to the Pacific Ocean. This river its also surrounded by 2 Indians reserves The Borucas and Terrabas, located by the meddle length of the river and forms the biggest deltas and the largest mangrove swamp in this country, where you can get to identify 9 species of mangrove.

Kayak tour River Terraba
Your tour guide will pick you up around 8 am at the hotel and take you for about an hour South on the coastal road. Stops will be made wherever you spot birds, monkeys and sloths. When you arrive at Palmar Norte, you will get the best quality and safety equipment there is. A professional kayak instructor will introduce you to the grand canyon on 15 kilometers, scenery and the emotion of rapid classes I, II & III. Down river you will admire the great scenery of this river with its beautiful vegetation, great variety of fauna, including: Toucans, Iguanas, Caimans, monkeys and King Vultures. Spectacular view of mountains.
Full day Tour Kayaking River Terraba, US$ 65.- pp (including transportation, bilingual guide, box lunch).