Kayak the Maullín River Sunken Forest: Paddle through a submerged forest

The forest here sits half-underwater, and you paddle straight through it.

Kayak the Maullín River's submerged forest with a local guide who points out the birds and plants as you paddle. The outing runs four hours and includes the kayak, safety equipment, a fruit bar, and pizza with craft beer or soft drink afterward. Children from age 12 are welcome. Swimming ability is required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Maullín River and Llanquihue

• Observe biodiversity with specialized guides
• Visit Llanquihue city, Maullín River source

The experience

You arrive at the Maullín River and meet your guide, who hands you a sea kayak or sit-on-top kayak fitted with safety gear. The river's defining feature is the forest that grows partially submerged in the water. You paddle directly through it, moving past the trunks and branches that rise from the riverbed. Your guide points out the birds that nest in and around the trees, and names the native plants as you move through. The abundance of life here is what makes the paddle worthwhile: the guide knows where to look and what to listen for.

After paddling, you travel by air-conditioned vehicle to Llanquihue, where the Maullín River begins. This is a chance to see the geography of the watershed and understand where the water that carried you comes from. The full outing takes four hours. You finish with pizza and craft beer or a soft drink, plus the fruit and chocolate bar offered during the paddle itself.

What’s included

• Local guide in English or Spanish.
• sea kayak or sit-on-top kayak with safety equipment.
• fruit and chocolate bar.
• pizza with craft beer or soft drink.
• air-conditioned vehicle to Llanquihue.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 14:30 and 15:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 65 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cahuil Adventure

Is this one for you?Book this if you're staying near the Maullín River or have transport to it. The operator does not provide pickup, so you'll need a car or local transit to reach the meeting point. The four-hour paddle and visit to Llanquihue fit a free afternoon or morning without eating into a full day of other plans.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years). Children under 12 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I kayak the Maullín River if I've never paddled before?

The guide works with paddlers of varying experience, but you must be able to swim and have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The sit-on-top kayak is more stable than a sea kayak if you're new to the sport.

What birds and plants will I see on the Maullín River?

The guide points out the abundant bird species that live in and around the submerged forest, along with the native plants that grow there. The exact species you spot depends on the season and time of day, but the river is known for its biodiversity.

Is there a pickup from my hotel or the airport?

The operator does not include hotel or airport pickup, but public transportation options are available near the meeting point on the Maullín River.

What's included in the four-hour outing?

The kayak, safety equipment, a local guide in English or Spanish, a fruit and chocolate bar during the paddle, and pizza with craft beer or soft drink at the end are all included. Tips are not.