Best Tours in Sierpe

Into the Heart of the Mangroves

Best Tours in Sierpe

Into the Heart of the Mangroves

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Tours in Sierpe

Best Tours in Sierpe, Costa Rica

Tucked between dense jungle and winding rivers, Sierpe is one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets — and a dream for travelers who crave nature without the crowds. From quiet mangrove kayaking to deep-sea fishing and cultural village visits, tours in Sierpe offer a slower, wilder, and more authentic kind of adventure.

Why Choose Sierpe for Your Adventure?

Sierpe sits at the gateway to the Térraba-Sierpe mangrove estuary — the largest on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. It’s only a short ride from Uvita but feels like a world apart, with winding waterways, wildlife-rich forests, and deep cultural roots.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Sierpe?

Mangrove conditions stay stable year‑round, but dry season (Dec–Apr) offers calmer, sunnier paddling. Shoulder months still deliver lush scenery and active wildlife. Rainy months mean more river flow and dramatic skies — perfect for photographers.

Tours in Sierpe

Best Tours in Sierpe, Costa Rica

Tucked between dense jungle and winding rivers, Sierpe is one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets — and a dream for travelers who crave nature without the crowds. From quiet mangrove kayaking to deep-sea fishing and cultural village visits, tours in Sierpe offer a slower, wilder, and more authentic kind of adventure.

Why Choose Sierpe for Your Adventure?

Sierpe sits at the gateway to the Térraba-Sierpe mangrove estuary — the largest on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. It’s only a short ride from Uvita but feels like a world apart, with winding waterways, wildlife-rich forests, and deep cultural roots.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Sierpe?

Mangrove conditions stay stable year‑round, but dry season (Dec–Apr) offers calmer, sunnier paddling. Shoulder months still deliver lush scenery and active wildlife. Rainy months mean more river flow and dramatic skies — perfect for photographers.

Uvita - Adventure Starts Here

Whale Watching – Meet the Giants of the Pacific

Imagine the ocean suddenly breaking apart as a 40-ton humpback whale leaps into the air right in front of your boat. That’s not a dream — that’s Uvita during whale season. Every year, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm, calm waters around Marino Ballena National Park to give birth and raise their calves. This makes Uvita one of the best places in the world to witness these gentle giants up close.

Our whale watching tours are guided by experienced local captains who know exactly where to go for the best sightings. You’ll head out in the morning on a small, certified boat, with plenty of chances to see not only whales but also dolphins, sea turtles, and seabirds. All tours are respectful of marine life and follow conservation rules to protect the animals. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with kids — this is one of those moments that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.

Whale Watching
Whale Watching in Uvita and Marino Ballena National Park

Whale Watching Tour from Uvita | Marino Ballena National Park

4 Hours
Experience the thrill of whale watching in Uvita and witness majestic humpback whales up close in their natural paradise!

Dive into the Blue at Caño Island

Caño Island is a biological reserve and one of Costa Rica’s top underwater destinations — often compared to a mini Galápagos. Located just off the Osa Peninsula, it’s surrounded by crystal-clear waters, healthy coral reefs, and an incredible variety of marine life. Our tours start from Uvita with a scenic boat ride across the Pacific, often accompanied by dolphins. Once you reach the island, you’ll snorkel or dive among vibrant coral gardens, home to sea turtles, rays, moray eels, reef sharks, and hundreds of tropical fish.

Visibility is often 15–20 meters, making it ideal for underwater photography and that unforgettable “first-time snorkeling” feeling. All gear is included, and you’ll be guided by certified bilingual instructors who make sure everything is safe, smooth, and fascinating — even for beginners. Whether you float at the surface or dive deep below, Caño Island is the kind of place where every moment feels like a National Geographic special.

Isla del Caño
snorkeling-tour-isla-del-cano-from-uvita

Snorkeling at Caño Island in Costa Rica | Full-Day Tour from Uvita

Full Day
Experience the thrill of snorkeling at Isla del Caño, where even beginners can explore Costa Rica’s most stunning underwater paradise […]
From$145
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A Wild Day in Corcovado National Park

If Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, then Corcovado is its beating heart. This remote national park protects the largest remaining stretch of Pacific rainforest in Central America, and it’s often called “the most biologically intense place on the planet” by scientists and travelers alike. Our day trip to Corcovado starts early from Uvita and takes you by boat to either San Pedrillo or Sirena station — the two main access points to the park.

Along the way, you might spot dolphins, sea turtles, or even whales, depending on the season. Once inside the park, prepare to hike through untouched rainforest filled with towering trees, hidden waterfalls, and a soundtrack of howler monkeys and toucans. With a naturalist guide at your side, you’ll learn to spot elusive wildlife like tapirs, sloths, anteaters, scarlet macaws, and maybe even a puma. This isn’t a walk in a manicured reserve — it’s raw, real, and unforgettable.

Corcovado
corcovado national park tour from uvita

Corcovado National Park Tour from Uvita | Full-Day Jungle Adventure

Full Day
An amazing Corcovado National Park tour from Uvita where exotic wildlife, lush rainforests and breathtaking scenery await.
From$150
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First-Time Scuba at Caño Island – No Certification Needed

Always wanted to try scuba diving but never got around to taking a course? This is your chance. Our beginner-friendly scuba experience at Caño Island is designed for absolute first-timers — no certification required. It’s a safe, exciting introduction to the underwater world, set in one of the most stunning marine reserves in Costa Rica.

You’ll start with a full briefing and shallow-water practice, led by a certified dive instructor who stays by your side the entire time. Then, you’ll take a short boat ride from Uvita to Caño Island, where the magic begins. Expect clear blue waters, coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, and the possibility of swimming near sea turtles, reef sharks, or rays — all in calm, protected areas just a few meters below the surface.

Isla del Caño
costa rica Scuba Diving for Beginners at Isla del Caño

Scuba Diving for Beginners at Caño Island | No Certification Needed

Full Day
Experience the thrill of scuba diving for beginners at Caño Island, where you can explore Costa Rica’s most stunning underwater […]
From$325
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Scuba Diving at Caño Island in Costa Rica

Caño Island is often considered one of the best scuba diving spots in Costa Rica — and for good reason. This protected marine reserve boasts some of the healthiest coral reefs in the country, with excellent visibility, warm waters, and a chance to dive with everything from sea turtles to reef sharks.

Our full-day dive tour from Uvita is led by certified dive masters and includes two dives at different sites around the island. You’ll explore underwater canyons, volcanic rock formations, and vibrant reefs teeming with marine life. It’s common to see white-tip reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, snapper schools, and massive puffers. In the right season, you might even hear whale songs in the distance.

We keep our groups small and safe, with personalized attention and high-quality gear. Whether you’re an Open Water diver looking for your next great memory or an experienced pro chasing something wild, Caño Island delivers a world-class experience — no long haul flights required.

Isla del Caño
scuba-diving-isla-del-cano-from-uvita

Scuba Diving at Caño Island in Costa Rica | Full-Day Tour from Uvita

Full Day
Experience the thrill of scuba diving at Isla del Caño, where even beginners can explore Costa Rica’s most stunning underwater […]
From$235
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Experience the Best Horse Riding Tour in Uvita

There’s something timeless about exploring the jungle and mountains on horseback. Our horse riding tour in Uvita takes you off the beaten path and into the heart of Costa Rica’s wild beauty — with rivers to cross, waterfalls to swim in, and panoramic views over the Pacific coastline.

The adventure begins just outside of town, where you’ll meet your calm, well-trained horse and bilingual local guide. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced rider, this tour is designed for comfort and connection — both with the animal and the surroundings. The trail winds through lush forest, open pastures, and hidden streams, eventually leading to a stunning waterfall where you can cool off with a swim.

It’s more than just a ride. It’s a peaceful, grounding way to connect with the land, the wildlife, and the slower rhythm of life that defines this region. Families, couples, and solo travelers all love this tour — especially at golden hour.

Horse Riding Tour
Experience Horse Riding Tour in Uvita

Guided Horse Riding Tour in Uvita | Family-Friendly Experience

3 Hours
Join the ultimate Horse Riding Tour in Uvita! Perfect for groups, families, and thrill-seekers. Reserve your spot today!

Wildlife Night Tour in Uvita – Discover the Jungle After Dark

When the sun goes down in Costa Rica, the jungle wakes up. The Wildlife Night Tour in Uvita is your chance to experience nature from a completely different perspective — guided only by moonlight, headlamps, and the sounds of frogs, owls, and rustling leaves. Led by a local naturalist, this easy walk takes place in a private forest reserve, away from noise and light pollution.

You’ll search for tree frogs, glowing fungi, sloths, kinkajous, snakes, insects, and maybe even a sleeping toucan if you’re lucky. It’s a completely different world from the daytime jungle — quieter, cooler, and surprisingly full of life. Perfect for curious travelers, nature lovers, families, and photographers. If you think you’ve already “seen” the jungle, wait until you meet it at night.

Night Tour
Wildlife Night Tour in Uvita

Wildlife Night Tour in Uvita | Discover the Jungle After Dark

3 Hours
On this night tour in Uvita, you’ll step into a completely different world, where the jungle comes alive after dark. […]

Caño Island Jungle Walking Tour – Step into an Ancient World

Most people know Caño Island for its coral reefs, but few realize it also holds deep secrets above the surface. This Caño Island Jungle Walking Tour takes you through a lush, protected ecosystem rich in history, biodiversity, and quiet beauty — all without getting wet.

Once you arrive by boat from Uvita, you’ll follow your naturalist guide along a gentle trail winding through tropical forest. Keep your eyes open for curious coatis, colorful birds, poison dart frogs, and prehistoric trees wrapped in vines. The island is home to several endemic species and archaeological sites, including mysterious stone spheres left by pre-Columbian civilizations.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to explore Caño beyond snorkeling or diving. It’s slow-paced, educational, and filled with the kind of details you’d miss without a guide. If you’re into plants, wildlife, or hidden history, this inland adventure will surprise you.

Isla del Caño
Caño Island Jungle Walking Tour

Hiking Tour on Caño Island | Explore the Wild Side of the Island

Full Day
Hike through Caño Island’s jungle and discover ancient stone spheres in their original location in the center of Cano Island
From$135
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Night Diving in Uvita – Explore the Ocean After Dark

Scuba diving at night is a whole different world — and Uvita offers one of the most unique night diving experiences in Costa Rica. Once the sun dips below the horizon, the reef transforms. Nocturnal creatures emerge, bioluminescence flickers in the water, and your flashlight reveals a hidden side of the ocean you’ve never seen before. This guided night dive is designed for certified divers with a sense of adventure.

After a detailed briefing, you’ll enter the calm Pacific waters near Uvita or Marino Ballena, where visibility is still excellent even after dark. Look out for octopuses hunting, sleeping parrotfish, crustaceans, and the soft glow of plankton lighting up with every movement. It’s quiet, surreal, and intensely peaceful — like drifting through a dream. For many divers, night diving is the moment everything clicks. And once you try it, you’ll understand why.

Uvita
Night Diving in Uvita – Explore the Ocean After Dark

Night Diving in Uvita, Costa Rica | Discover the Ocean After Dark

Half a Day
Experience night diving in Uvita and discover nocturnal marine life, and more. Book your guided dive today!
From$219
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Sport Fishing Tour in Uvita – Half-Day or Full-Day on the Open Pacific

If reeling in mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, or even a mighty marlin sounds like your kind of vacation, Uvita is the perfect place to cast off. Located right on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, it gives you quick access to deep-sea fishing grounds with stunning ocean views in every direction. Our half-day tours are ideal for beginners or families, focusing on nearshore species like roosterfish, snapper, and jack.

You’ll spend around 4 hours at sea with an experienced local captain, high-quality gear, and a cooler full of drinks. Looking for something more intense? Choose a full-day tour and head further offshore in search of bigger game like sailfish, dorado, and tuna. It’s a full 8-hour adventure with bait, gear, lunch, and a boat built for both comfort and action.

Sport Fishing
Sport Fishing Tour in Uvita

Sport Fishing in Uvita, Costa Rica | Half-Day and Full-Day Charters

Half a Day / Full Day
Join our Sport Fishing Tour in Uvita and reel in marlin, mahi-mahi, and more! Equipment, and lunch included!
From$949
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Mangrove Kayak Tour on the Térraba River

Glide silently through winding mangrove tunnels, surrounded by twisted roots, exotic birds, and the soft sounds of nature. This Mangrove Kayak Tour on the Térraba River offers a peaceful yet fascinating look at one of Costa Rica’s most important and least-visited ecosystems. Located just south of Uvita, the Térraba-Sierpe mangrove forest is the largest on the Pacific coast of Central America.

Paddling here means entering a world where white-faced monkeys leap through branches overhead, herons and kingfishers dart past your kayak, and crocodiles sunbathe on the banks (at a safe distance). Our bilingual guides will point out wildlife, explain the ecological role of mangroves, and help you navigate through narrow water channels accessible only by kayak. Tours are suitable for beginners, families, and nature photographers — no prior kayaking experience needed.

Kayak Tour
Mangrove Kayak Tour from Uvita Térraba River Mangrove Adventure

Mangrove Kayak Tour | Térraba River Mangrove Adventure

4 Hours
Explore Costa Rica’s wild mangrove on a guided Térraba River kayak tour. Peaceful paddling, local wildlife, and zero crowds.

Where to Stay in Sierpe? Sleep by the River

  • Jungle Lodges & Riverside RetreatsFall asleep to the rhythm of the river and wake up to toucans calling from the trees. Sierpe offers cozy eco-lodges and rustic jungle cabins nestled along the Térraba River — ideal for travelers looking to unplug and reconnect with the natural world.
  • Local-Run Guesthouses & Cultural StaysStay with families who’ve lived along the river for generations. These simple but welcoming guesthouses give you a more authentic, community-based experience, with home-cooked meals and insights into Sierpe’s rich cultural roots.
  • Fishing Cabins & Nature HideawaysPrefer something quiet and practical? Sierpe has plenty of no-fuss lodges and cabins perfect for early-morning fishing tours or wildlife excursions. Many are located right by the water, giving you easy access to boat docks and mangrove adventures.

Vacation Rentals in Sierpe

Green Villa in Uvita – Luxury in the Heart of Nature

Green Villa in Uvita – Luxury in the Heart of Nature

Experience luxury glamping in Uvita with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and views of the rainforest, just steps away from the national park.
Luxury Jungle Glamping in Uvita – Nature & Comfort

Luxury Jungle Glamping in Uvita – Nature & Comfort

Experience luxury glamping in Uvita with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and views of the rainforest, just steps away from the national park.
uvita vacation rental pet friendly

Million-Dollar View and a Spot for Your Pup

Escape to a peaceful mountain retreat with stunning ocean views, a refreshing pool, and pet-friendly cabins surrounded by nature. One of the few places near Marino Ballena National Park where your dog is as welcome as you are.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best tours to do in Sierpe, Costa Rica?

Top tours in Sierpe include mangrove kayaking on the Térraba River, wildlife boat safaris, sport fishing, cultural village visits, and guided night tours. Many of these experiences are led by locals who know the area’s ecosystems better than anyone.

Is Sierpe a good place for wildlife tours?

Yes. Sierpe is one of the best spots in Costa Rica for spotting monkeys, crocodiles, birds, iguanas, and even river otters. Thanks to its low visitor numbers and protected habitats, animals here are often more active and visible than in crowded parks.

Can beginners join kayaking tours in Sierpe?

Absolutely. Mangrove kayaking tours in Sierpe are slow-paced and beginner-friendly. Guides provide basic instruction before launching, and the kayaks are wide and stable for comfort and safety.

When is the best time to do tours in Sierpe?

Tours run all year, but the dry season (December to April) offers the best weather. For early-morning wildlife sightings and cooler paddling, aim to start around 7:00 or 8:00 a.m.

How long are typical tours in Sierpe?

Most Sierpe tours last 2 to 4 hours, though full-day fishing charters and combo river + cultural tours can last 6 to 8 hours. Breaks for snacks or swimming can often be arranged if requested in advance.

What should I wear for a tour in Sierpe?

Wear light clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and water-resistant shoes. It’s also smart to bring a change of clothes in case your kayak or boat ride gets splashy.

Can I go fishing in Sierpe?

Yes. Sierpe offers both river fishing for species like snook and snapper, and offshore fishing for tuna, mahi-mahi, and roosterfish. Boats come fully equipped, and most tours include bait, rods, and coolers for your catch.

Are tours in Sierpe suitable for kids?

Definitely. Many families enjoy calm boat rides, easy kayaking, and wildlife spotting in Sierpe. Kids especially love spotting monkeys in the mangroves and learning about the animals from fun, engaging guides.

How do I get to Sierpe from Uvita or Ojochal?

Sierpe is located about 45–60 minutes south of Uvita by car. The road is paved and easy to navigate, and there’s secure parking near most tour departure points.

Do I need to book Sierpe tours in advance?

It’s best to book in advance, especially during high season (December–April and July–August), as spots are limited. Some tours require advance notice to coordinate boat availability and tide conditions.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best tours to do in Sierpe, Costa Rica?

Top tours in Sierpe include mangrove kayaking on the Térraba River, wildlife boat safaris, sport fishing, cultural village visits, and guided night tours. Many of these experiences are led by locals who know the area’s ecosystems better than anyone.

Is Sierpe a good place for wildlife tours?

Yes. Sierpe is one of the best spots in Costa Rica for spotting monkeys, crocodiles, birds, iguanas, and even river otters. Thanks to its low visitor numbers and protected habitats, animals here are often more active and visible than in crowded parks.

Can beginners join kayaking tours in Sierpe?

Absolutely. Mangrove kayaking tours in Sierpe are slow-paced and beginner-friendly. Guides provide basic instruction before launching, and the kayaks are wide and stable for comfort and safety.

When is the best time to do tours in Sierpe?

Tours run all year, but the dry season (December to April) offers the best weather. For early-morning wildlife sightings and cooler paddling, aim to start around 7:00 or 8:00 a.m.

How long are typical tours in Sierpe?

Most Sierpe tours last 2 to 4 hours, though full-day fishing charters and combo river + cultural tours can last 6 to 8 hours. Breaks for snacks or swimming can often be arranged if requested in advance.

What should I wear for a tour in Sierpe?

Wear light clothing, a hat, sunscreen, and water-resistant shoes. It’s also smart to bring a change of clothes in case your kayak or boat ride gets splashy.

Can I go fishing in Sierpe?

Yes. Sierpe offers both river fishing for species like snook and snapper, and offshore fishing for tuna, mahi-mahi, and roosterfish. Boats come fully equipped, and most tours include bait, rods, and coolers for your catch.

Are tours in Sierpe suitable for kids?

Definitely. Many families enjoy calm boat rides, easy kayaking, and wildlife spotting in Sierpe. Kids especially love spotting monkeys in the mangroves and learning about the animals from fun, engaging guides.

How do I get to Sierpe from Uvita or Ojochal?

Sierpe is located about 45–60 minutes south of Uvita by car. The road is paved and easy to navigate, and there’s secure parking near most tour departure points.

Do I need to book Sierpe tours in advance?

It’s best to book in advance, especially during high season (December–April and July–August), as spots are limited. Some tours require advance notice to coordinate boat availability and tide conditions.

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