The delta formed by the Sierpe and Terraba Rivers holds great biological wealth. Here is found the largest mangrove forest system on the Pacific Coast of Central America. The importance of this was recognized by the Costa Rican government and it is now a protected area. Mangroves which were once considered worthless swampland have been shown to be of great benefit to man. They are the nurseries where many of our fish and shrimp species breed and produce more that any other possible use of the land. Mangroves also play an important role in improving water quality and controlling sedimentation and erosion.
The Rio Sierpe and its watershed, the Dequis Valley, isolate the Osa Peninsula from the mainland. This substantial river is unusual in that it is tidal almost up to its source, the Sierpe Lagoon. The Rio Sierpe is roughly divisible into two wetland areas: the flooded forests of the upper Rio Sierpe basin, and the extensive mangrove swamps of its delta.
The upper Rio Sierpe wetland is virtually uninhabited, relatively unspoiled and it contains large areas of raffia palm swamp, flooded forest and lagoons. Fingers of high ground, thickly clad in rainforest, permeate this area. This wetland basin is home to some large crocodiles!
The delta of the Rio Sierpe, which it shares with the Rio Terraba, is the most extensive area of mangrove swamp in Costa Rica (almost 50% of all the mangrove wetland of the country). This swamp is permeated by a maze of channels in which it is easy to become lost! On the coastal fringe of this delta, near the mouth of the Rio Sierpe, lies Violin Island. Sir Francis Drake reputedly buried a large treasure here. The many attempts to find this treasure have met with no success. However, Violin Island has yielded many gold nuggets of one or more kilos in weight.
On this tour you will have a chance to explore the backwaters and smaller channels along the Sierpe River. It’s an opportunity to see different varieties of birds such as the roseate spoonbill and perhaps spot crocodiles basking along the riverbank. Your guide and captain will have refreshment and a box lunch packed aboard your boat to enjoy whenever you wish.
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