Discover the Terraba-Sierpe Mangroves by boat in Costa Rica

Travelers from around the world come to Costa Rica to experience the adventure and beauty of the great outdoors. There is no shortage of adrenaline-inducing tours in the Southern Pacific of Costa Rica. But if you aren’t one for zip lines, paragliding or off-road vehicles, a perfect option is the mangrove tour in Sierpe. 

Getting an up close view of Costa Rica’s wildlife and mangroves from your seat on a comfortable boat ride is a great option.   The Sierpe Mangroves are one of the largest mangroves in Central America and well worth a visit.  This protected wetland falls under the Osa Conservation Area, which also includes Corcovado, Ballena National Park and Piedras Blancas. 

All about the Terraba Sierpe Area:

The Terraba Sierpe mangroves are located in one of the more remote zones of Costa Rica. Many visitors have considered the area magical, even before they learn of the existence of hundreds of almost perfect stone spheres that surrounded this river delta long ago, possibly as far back as 400 A.D.

The full history of the mysterious stones have yet to be uncovered. Many of the stones were moved, but near the Sierpe river, the stones remained in their original place. This is one of the few areas where original placement can help to shed light on the cultural significance of the spheres to the pre-Columbian people who called this area home. 

Oftentimes visitors plan to pass through the area en route to Drake Bay or Corcovado National Park. But rather than a starting-off point, Terraba-Sierpe wetland itself is something spectacular to see. Especially as wetlands and mangroves are rapidly disappearing around the world. 

What is a Mangrove?

According to the NOAA, Mangroves are “a group of trees and shrubs that live in the coastal intertidal zone.” They don’t like the cold, and only grow near the equator in tropical environments. Their dense roots, which appear to be tangled in the water, are the most prominent feature. The root system allows the trees to handle the ups and downs of the tides. Mangroves are flooded twice per day at high tide. 

Mangroves offer a helping hand to the environment around them, protecting the coastline from storms and erosion. Their roots offer up a safe harbor for aquatic life and like other trees, they help to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. 

The mangroves are also home to a mollusk used in the yummy ceviche you’ll enjoy if you spend time in any of the beach towns around our stunning vacation villas near the coast. 

Who lives in the Mangroves?

The Sierpe Mangroves are home to a massive amount of wildlife. Over 100 species of birds call this area home. The smallest primate in Costa Rica, called the titi monkey, makes its home here in the canopies. Another much larger resident, the Boa, also utilizes the overhead branches. Down in the water, the crocodiles and caimans meander through. And over 55 species of fish have been identified here as well. 

From your comfortable seat in the boat, an experienced and bilingual captain will make sure you don’t miss a thing. It’s hard to spot wildlife in the wild, which is why so many people flock to national parks, zoos and sanctuaries. But nothing will compare to seeing the real thing in its home environment. You are most likely to spy birds, crabs, monkeys, snakes and maybe even a crocodile on this 2.5-3 hour boat tour.

All tour times are dependent on the tides, so email [email protected] to find out more.