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).

Kayak tour Mangroves: US $ 50 pp

(appr. 3 hours, minimum 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. 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.