Terraba / Sierpe Wetlands

Location: Just outside of Sierpe on the Osa Peninsula 

See South Pacific Tourism Region

Size: 66,850 acres

Max Elevation:sea level

Date of Creation: March 1994

Part of: Osa Conservation Area

About:

This extensive national wetland protects the river mouths of the Terraba and Sierpe Rivers, as well as the vast network of canals, mangrove forests, and estuaries in between. Kayaking, boating, hiking and wildlife watching are some of the reserve’s most popular activities.

The eight species of mangrove found here are some of the tallest in the world – red, black, grey, and tea mangroves being the most common varieties. These fascinating plants – and their tangled roots – have evolved to survive despite high salinity levels, and the low oxygen content of the mud in which they grow. The impressive mangroves provide a valuable coastal ecosystem to an abundance of avian, mammalian, reptilian and aquatic animals.

Birding enthusiasts come from all over the globe to experience the area’s phenomenal bird watching opportunities. Both resident and migratory birds visit these swamps, which also boast two endemic hummingbird species: the mangrove hummingbird (Amazilia boucardi) and the yellow-billed cotinga (Carpodectes antoniae).

Activities:

Bird and Wildlife Watching:  Bird watching in the Terraba-Sierpe Wetlands is fabulous year-round. Herons (boat-billed, green-backed, tiger-throated, great blue and little blue), egrets, pelicans, osprey, roseate spoonbills, black-necked stilts, and mangrove black hawks are just a few commonly spotted species.

Underwater, a variety of freshwater fish and mollusks reside. Many types of reptile including crocodiles, caimans, boa constrictors, iguanas and lizards also call these swamps their home. A few types of mammals inhabit the area – mainly howler and white-faced monkeys, northern and crab-eating raccoons, silky and collared anteaters, and white-tailed deer.

Hiking: Hiking excursions to an 800-foot waterfall can be arranged in Sierpe. Half or full-day guided tours are unforgettable opportunities to see poison dart frogs, monkeys, crocodiles and a multitude of birds.

Mangrove Tours: Motorized boat outings run up and down the Terraba and Sierpe Rivers in search of wildlife. Guided kayak excursions are also an option – these silent paddleboats are less likely to startle animals along the riverbanks. Glide up to the estuary where the Sierpe River meets the open ocean for unbeatable birding and surfing.

Facilities:

There are no public facilities or trails in the Terraba-Sierpe wetlands.

Fees and Schedule:

Official hours are between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Due to the lack of infrastructure and personnel, the schedule is not enforced. There is no entrance fee.

Getting There:

Boats and kayaks can be rented from Sierpe for full or half-day excursions. Tours are also available from Drake Bay, which is half an hour away.

Nearby Parks:

Cano Island Biological Reserve

Corcovado National Park

Contact info:

Check with hotels in Drake Bay or tour companies in Sierpe, Dominical or Puerto Jimenez  for tour options. ACASA: Osa Conservation Area in Puerto Jimenez: 2735-5036

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