Gandoca Lagoon: Kayak Mangroves & Wildlife with Local Guide

Summary

Kayak Costa Rica’s only Caribbean mangrove forest for wildlife

You’ll paddle through Costa Rica’s only Caribbean mangrove forest at Gandoca Lagoon with a local guide, spotting monkeys and sloths along quiet waterways. Enjoy included snacks on the shore and learn about local wildlife as you kayak far from any crowds—just you, nature, and that peaceful green light.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the quiet — not total silence, but that layered hush you get in the middle of the Gandoca Lagoon, somewhere between the rustle of leaves and the low splash of our paddles. Our guide, Luis, waved us over to a patch where the mangroves tangled into each other. He pointed out a sloth, just hanging there like it had nowhere else to be (which, honestly, same). The air smelled green — I don’t know how else to say it — and salty at the same time.

I’d never kayaked through a mangrove forest before. The water felt slow under us, almost syrupy. Luis explained this is the only mangrove forest on Costa Rica’s Caribbean side. He kept spotting things I’d have missed: a spider monkey leaping overhead (I flinched — they move so fast), some kind of bird with a call that sounded like laughter. At one point I tried to pronounce “Gandoca” properly; Luis grinned and corrected me gently. I probably still didn’t nail it.

We stopped for snacks on a little bank where you could hear cicadas buzzing and see tiny crabs skittering sideways. My arms were tired but in that good way — like I’d actually done something with my morning instead of just scrolling my phone. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for one distant splash (maybe a caiman?), and I just sat there feeling kind of lucky to be far from crowds or traffic or anything loud.

If you’re thinking about a day trip to Gandoca Lagoon from Puerto Viejo or somewhere nearby, it’s worth it just for that feeling — being tucked inside all that green with someone who knows every twist in the water. I still think about how calm it felt drifting back toward shore, sun coming through the leaves in strips. Not sure photos really catch it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayaking and wildlife exploration

• Drive to starting point
• Kayak through mangrove forest
• Spot wildlife like monkeys and sloths
• Visit Wildlife Refuge with guide
• Learn about local flora and fauna

Top questions

Is kayaking in Gandoca Lagoon suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and beginners are welcome.

Are lifejackets provided on the Gandoca Lagoon kayak tour?

Yes, lifejackets are included for all participants.

What animals might I see during the Gandoca Lagoon kayak tour?

You may spot spider monkeys, sloths, caimans, birds, and more local wildlife.

Is transportation included to the starting point?

No hotel pickup is included but public transportation options are available nearby or you can drive yourself to the starting point.

Are snacks included during the tour?

Yes, snacks are provided as part of your day on the lagoon.

How long does the kayaking tour last?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect several hours including stops for wildlife viewing and snacks.

Can people with health issues join this kayak tour?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes all kayaking equipment like lifejackets, tasty snacks along the way, plus entry fees—so you can just show up ready to explore without worrying about extra costs or logistics.