Kayak Tour through the Mangroves
AUTHOR: Rebekka Probst
Recently, I had the unique opportunity to go on a Kayak tour through the mangroves in the river Terraba. We started at a small beach south of Ojochal (Puerto Boca Coronado), where our friendly tour guide greeted us. After a short introduction, we pushed our Kayaks into the river and started paddling! At first, navigating one Kayak with two persons was quite hard, but we got the trick after a while. So we were heading directly towards the river mouth until we weren’t pushed back by the waves anymore and turned left and followed the shoreline. About ten minutes later, our guide showed us a narrow, hidden entrance to the mangroves. As we were gliding through the mangrove forest, we became very quiet so as not to disturb the wildlife.

The mangroves are remarkable natural phenomena; in this environment, you can discover an enormous variety of species that live between the salty ocean and the sweet waters of the river (called salubrious water).
The Mangrove forest is essential in reducing tidal fluctuations and erosion and offers a unique habitat and recreational space for marine life with its labyrinth of large interwoven roots. As mangroves provide protection and food, they are the perfect environment for pelagic species such as Algae, barnacles, crustaceans, sponges, and mangrove crustaceans to grow. Over time, those plants have adapted perfectly to the saltwater and the small amount of oxygen.

Not only does marine life profit from this unique ecosystem, but reptiles, mammals, and a variety of birds also find a habitat with excellent conditions in the mangroves.
On our tour, we could see mangrove crabs, leguaans, and waterbirds.
After leaving the mangrove forest again, we paddled to the opposite shore of Playa Garza (which was further away than expected). It belongs to a small peninsula full of coconut trees. We walked to the other side of the island to find the perfect spot to sit and relax. We drank coconut milk, which our guide had freshly cut for us, ate some pineapple, and got rewarded for our efforts with one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen.
We returned to our starting point before it got completely dark, which was luckily easier as the tide was lower. As we arrived and thanked our guide for our tour, we were exhausted but filled with so many new expressions and emotions that made our trip worthwhile!
What to do, Where to eat and Where to stay…
South Pacific Costa Rica Beaches
Looking for business directories, maps or other printouts? We’ve got that too!
Dare to Discover and Enjoy…
Check out…
Need help planning your next trip to Costa Rica? We look forward to help you!
Email: carlos@ballenatales.com
Phone: +(506) 8946 7134 or +(506) 8914 1568
Skype: ballenatalestravel

Costa Rica Free Digital Magazine #90
Ballena Tales is an essential free digital magazine in Costa Rica,

Ojochal
Ojochal. If there is a town along Costa Ballena that genuinely deserves to be called a tranquil spot, it is Ojochal. I If you seek quiet and calm, you will find it here. Thats the […]

The impact of Nature on Human Health
The impact of Nature on Human Health Author: Manuela Siegfried, Certified Forest Therapy Facilitator in Costa Rica. I was born in Costa Rica, daughter of an adventurous biologist who taught me from a very young […]

The Good Life All in a Few Hundred Meters
The Good Life All in a Few Hundred Meters Author: Trevor Brown Specific locations and residents help in shaping the town’s atmosphere and vibe. Situated beachfront, hugging the south bank of the Baru River, Dominical […]

Uvita’s Great Culinary Diversity
Uvita’s Great Culinary Diversity Author: Louisa Bayer Uvita offers more than beautiful beaches, green nature, and great species diversity. The diversity of wildlife and plants is just as significant as its culinary offer. Almost on […]

Mercury the Planet of Light and Communication
Mercury the Planet of Light and Communication Author: Naïka Gabriel Naïka Gabriel is an Evolutionary Astrologer, Writer, Teacher, and amateur Herbalist. Naïka has studied astrology since she was 13 years old and earned her certificate […]

A Lifestyle of sewing and surfing, life changes
A lifestyle of sewing and surfing, life changes! AUTHOR: Allison Burns Traveling has been a passion of mine for several years, allowing me to go outside my comfort zones and connect with people while learning […]