Mangrove & Estuary Safari by Boat, Tamarindo

4.3 (6 reviews)
Observe animals like monkeys swinging through the treetops above, and silent crocodiles bobbing in the brackish river nearby.

Overview

Embark on a fascinating journey through Tamarindo's intricate network of mangroves and waterways, making up one of the largest estuaries along the Guanacaste coast and part of Las Baulas National Park. Glide along the river in a comfortable open-air boat, exploring narrow canals and observing diverse wildlife, including colorful birds, darting fish, playful monkeys, and sunning iguanas. With an experienced guide, learn about the local flora and fauna, specifically the famous Guanacaste trees, and listen to the sounds of howler monkeys above.

Highlights

  • Explore the Tamarindo Estuary, one of the largest estuaries on the Guanacaste coast
  • Learn about the critical role mangroves play in the ecosystem from knowledgeable guides
  • See a variety of wildlife, including birds, crocodiles, and howler monkeys, in their natural habitat
  • Glide along the river on a comfortable boat tour through narrow canals

Know before you go

Duration
3h
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group

What you'll do

As one of the largest estuaries along the Guanacaste coast, the Tamarindo Estuary sanctuary is a treasure trove of biodiversity. Your experience begins at the river's edge, where a knowledgeable guide will provide essential safety instructions before you board your estuary boat. The smooth glide along the river navigates narrow canals of brackish water, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquility and vibrant ecosystem of the estuary. Along the way, watch for colorful fish jumping through the water and various bird species soaring overhead; you may even see nesting spots for leatherback and Pacific green turtles. Don't forget to look up at the mangrove trees, where you might spot monkeys and iguanas frolicking in the branches.

Throughout the experience, your guide will stop at specific locations to provide in-depth information about the local flora and fauna. Gain an understanding of the crucial role mangroves play in our ecosystem, and learn about the iconic local Guanacaste trees, Costa Rica's national tree. Listen to the calls of howler monkeys and watch as they swing through the treetops. Be sure to also keep an eye out for crabs, butterflies, and other creatures that inhabit the area.

Please note that departure times vary based on the tide (typically around 8 am or 3 pm).聽

Start times

  • Daily
    8:00 am, 3:00 pm

What's included

  • Round-trip transportation from/to hotel
  • Guide
  • Safety gear
  • Bottled water
  • Snack

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Traveler reviews

6 total ratings, 4 with reviews
4.3
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
4.4
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
4.5
Eric
Eric A.
San Jose, CA | Reviewed on Jan 07, 2025
This was our first time seeing a mangrove habitat, so we did not really know what to expect. We saw a wide range of wildlife: fish, birds, crocodiles, and monkeys. One thing that made it a truly unique experience is that it rained harder than I have ever seen the sky rain. I did not know that rain could look, sound, and feel like that until this tour. Read more

This was our first time seeing a mangrove habitat, so we did not really know what to expect. We saw a wide range of wildlife: fish, birds, crocodiles, and monkeys. One thing that made it a truly unique experience is that it rained harder than I have ever seen the sky rain. I did not know that rain could look, sound, and feel like that until this tour.

Tips for future travelers

Be prepared to get out of the boat to walk through the forest; and be ready for rain.

Quality of Experience
We were lucky to see and hear the howler monkeys in the forest. Our guide also provided a fresh pineapple snack, which was nice.
Tobi
Tobi S.
Canada | Reviewed on Apr 01, 2023
This is not a reflection of the guide or the tour, however, this tour was filled up by a group of Swiss travellers, who made this tour uncomfortable for us. We saw several birds and some crocodiles! Maybe not a trip for a tween, she was a little bored and then when she talked, they other tourists shhh鈥檇 her 馃槼馃檮. Read more

This is not a reflection of the guide or the tour, however, this tour was filled up by a group of Swiss travellers, who made this tour uncomfortable for us. We saw several birds and some crocodiles! Maybe not a trip for a tween, she was a little bored and then when she talked, they other tourists shhh鈥檇 her 馃槼馃檮.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Joseph
Joseph M.
Grand Lake, CO | Reviewed on Feb 21, 2023
Very interesting to learn more about the mangroves and the animals that live there. We saw many different birds. a couple crocodiles and several howler monkeys. Beautiful boat tour in the mangroves with a humorous tour guide, Moises. Read more

Very interesting to learn more about the mangroves and the animals that live there. We saw many different birds. a couple crocodiles and several howler monkeys. Beautiful boat tour in the mangroves with a humorous tour guide, Moises.

Tips for future travelers

Bring binoculars to zoom in on wildlife and take pictures.

Quality of Experience
Good tour that educates a person on the critical role that the mangroves play in our ecosystem.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Moises is knowledgeable and has a great sense of humor.
Transport
Clean, comfortable, safe and timely.
W
Wei S.
Bellevue, WA | Reviewed on Jul 19, 2022
The guide was nice, but there were hardly any animals we saw. I know there is a lot of luck envolved in these nature tours. It was fun seeing mangroves and monkeys though. We were able to see monkeys close up on our hotel's campus later. So if you want to see monkeys, I would still recommend this tour. Read more

The guide was nice, but there were hardly any animals we saw. I know there is a lot of luck envolved in these nature tours. It was fun seeing mangroves and monkeys though. We were able to see monkeys close up on our hotel's campus later. So if you want to see monkeys, I would still recommend this tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

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Itineraries with Mangrove & Estuary Safari by Boat