Cartagena-Mangrove,Swamp-Eco tour

[manatee49]

We are booked on the Jewel for early December and are interested in this tour. Being avid birders and naturalists, we are interested in any information as what percentage of this tour is really in the Mangrove swamp ecosystem and how much is lounging on the beach/pool? Is a large number of wildlife and birds visible? We have been extremely disappointed on some previous tours where the "goal" has been to rush you to the beach/ shops/ folkloric show. We are aware that most tours are geared more to "normal tourist" but we've been on some where the guides were knowledgable and interested in directing us into some interesting experiences. We'd rather opt for a tour of the city instead of more pool/beach time if this were the case. Any information will be greatly appreciated!

 

Manatee49

[dzcruisers]

Will you be in Costa Rica also? There's a tour there with okeydokey tours that I think you would enjoy! Didn't see anything like this in Cartagena.

[manatee49]

We are going to Costa Rica and have booked an eco/birdwatching tour there. We actually did this same tour 3 years ago and it was wonderful.

Thanks for your reply.

[Charmingly58]

We are going to Costa Rica and have booked an eco/birdwatching tour there. We actually did this same tour 3 years ago and it was wonderful.

Thanks for your reply.

What company are you using for your bird tour? We would love to go birding in February when we're there on the Island Princess.

Thanks

[manatee49]

We booked the tour through RCCL, but the company that provides this excursion is Asuaire Travel. It is a trip to the Bocuare Wildlife Reserve which is about an hour and a half from the ship. The info says that more then 300 bird species have been documented there. We added 15-20 birds to our lifelist when we were there. It is the best excursion we have had on any trip.

[celle]

Has anyone done the Eco Tour to the Mangroves and Swamp?

 

How big were the canoes and did you each have to paddle a single canoe?

 

How long does the tour actually spend in the mangroves?

 

Any advice based on personal experience welcomed! Thanks.

[cruise4msjg]

We recently experienced the Mangrove Canoe Excursion in Cartegena, Colombia.

If you are looking for a "different" experience...this is something to consider. The short bus ride takes you through the old city and drives through impoverished native land on route to the mangroves. But the security was high, they had police accompany us the entire time. The tour guides were amazing, friendly and polite. They safely steered us through the Mangroves which were beautiful. It was a relaxing and new experience. We did not see too much wildlife, but there were natives in the Mangroves who were crabbing who showed us how they catch. They shared fresh coconut water with us. If you would like an enriching experience, do this tour. And bring a few dollars, because they are gracious for tips, and they are well deserved, for the steering of the canoes through these naturally made mangroves.