Cartagena: Bird Watching in the Mangroves on a Typical Boat

Cartagena’s lush mangroves provide an incredible opportunity to witness the vibrant avian life that thrives in this unique ecosystem. Aboard a colorful barge, visitors can enjoy a two-hour bird watching excursion, where they’ll encounter over 1,000 birds across 80 diverse species. From herons and kingfishers to pelicans, the sheer variety of feathered creatures is truly astounding. With an experienced animator guiding the way, guests gain valuable insights into the mangrove environment while enjoying a traditional breakfast or snack. This captivating adventure offers a chance to connect with the natural world and uncover the hidden wonders that await in Cienaga del Cabrero and Chambacú.

This experience made our list of the 14 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Colombia.

Key Points

• Set out on a 2-hour bird watching excursion through the mangroves of Cienaga del Cabrero and Chambacú on a colorful barge.
• Observe over 1,000 birds across approximately 80 species, including herons, kingfishers, seagulls, plovers, and pelicans.
• Enjoy a typical fried food breakfast or afternoon snack and drink, accompanied by an animator for educational insights.
• Benefit from discounts of up to 12% on tour prices and a reserve now, pay later option with free cancellation.
• Meet at the statue of Catalina India near the castle of San Felipe de Barajas, with no hotel pickup/drop-off provided.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

Participants can embark on a bird watching excursion through the mangroves aboard a colorful barge.

The 2-hour activity allows them to observe over 1,000 birds across approximately 80 species, both endemic and migratory.

Key species include herons, kingfishers, seagulls, plovers, pelicans, cormorants, curlews, ducks, and parrots.

The tour takes place in the areas of Cienaga del Cabrero and Chambacú, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the mangrove ecosystem, its flora, and fauna.

The activity is accompanied by an animator who shares their expertise, enabling participants to identify the diverse bird species while immersed in the sights and sounds of nature.

Booking Information

Visitors can save up to 12% on the bird watching tour, with prices ranging from CRC796 to CRC701 per person.

The activity offers a reserve now and pay later option, allowing travelers to book their spot without upfront payment. Plus, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Customers can choose from morning departures at 5:30 A.M. or afternoon departures at 5:00 P.M., depending on availability. This flexible scheduling allows visitors to plan their day around the bird watching experience.

Inclusions and Amenities

What does the bird watching tour in Cartagena include?

The tour provides a typical breakfast of fried food and coffee for morning departures, and a snack of fried food and a drink for afternoon tours.

An animator accompanies the group, and participants can skip the ticket line.

The tour covers the mangrove ecosystem, flora, and fauna, allowing visitors to identify native and migratory birds while enjoying the sounds of nature.

Travelers can contact the activity provider via WhatsApp if they’ve any questions, ensuring a flexible and convenient experience.

Experience Highlights

The bird watching tour in Cartagena offers an immersive experience, allowing participants to learn about the mangrove ecosystem, flora, and fauna.

Guests can identify native and migratory birds while enjoying the serene sounds of nature.

The tour highlights include:

• Observing over 1,000 birds across approximately 80 species, including endemic and migratory birds such as herons, kingfishers, seagulls, plovers, pelicans, cormorants, curlews, ducks, and parrots.
• Gaining insights into the diverse mangrove environment from the accompanying animator.
• Enjoying the flexibility to contact the activity provider via WhatsApp for any questions.
• Skipping the ticket line for a seamless experience.
• Savoring a typical fried food snack and drink during the afternoon tours.

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Meeting Point and Important Information

Participants can select the date and number of attendees for the bird watching tour in Cartagena.

The meeting point is near the castle of San Felipe de Barajas, at the statue of Catalina India. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so travelers will need to make their own arrangements to reach the starting point.

The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and allows visitors to observe over 1,000 birds across 80 species, both endemic and migratory. Key species include herons, kingfishers, seagulls, plovers, pelicans, cormorants, curlews, ducks, and parrots.

Travelers can contact the activity provider via WhatsApp if they’ve any questions about the experience.

Duration and Schedule

For the bird watching tour in Cartagena, the duration is approximately 2 hours.

Departures are available at either 5:30 A.M. or 5:00 P.M., allowing visitors to enjoy the mangroves during the best times for observing the diverse bird life.

The tour covers the Cienaga del Cabrero and Chambacú areas, where over 1,000 birds across 80 species, both endemic and migratory, can be spotted.

Key species include:

• Herons
• Kingfishers
• Seagulls
• Plovers
• Pelicans

Whether you’re an early riser or prefer an afternoon adventure, this bird watching experience in Cartagena’s mangroves offers a unique opportunity to learn about nature.

Species and Sightings

Beyond the abundance of birds, the tour also affords visitors the opportunity to spot a diverse array of species. Over 1,000 birds across approximately 80 different species can be observed, including both endemic and migratory varieties.

Key species that may be seen include herons, kingfishers, seagulls, plovers, pelicans, cormorants, curlews, ducks, and parrots.

The tour’s location in the Cienaga del Cabrero and Chambacú mangrove ecosystems provides a rich habitat for these avian wonders. Guests can admire the vivid colors and unique behaviors of these birds while learning about the local flora and fauna from the accompanying animator.

Ecosystem and Environment

The mangrove ecosystems of Cienaga del Cabrero and Chambacú provide a rich and diverse habitat for the birds observed on the tour.

These coastal environments are characterized by the following:

• Intricate root systems that offer shelter and nesting sites for various species
• Brackish waters that support a unique blend of saltwater and freshwater flora and fauna
• Nutrient-rich sediments that sustain a thriving food chain, attracting a wide array of bird life
• Resilience to environmental changes, providing a stable and sustainable ecosystem
• Importance as a natural buffer against storms and coastal erosion, protecting nearby communities

Exploring these mangrove habitats offers a glimpse into the delicate balance of this dynamic ecosystem and the incredible diversity of birdlife it supports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Camera Equipment?

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own camera equipment to capture the birds and scenery during the bird watching tour. Bringing a camera is encouraged to make the most of the experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join the bird watching activity. The activity provider aims to accommodate visitors of all ages to enjoy the mangrove ecosystem and observe the diverse bird species.

Is the Barge Wheelchair Accessible?

The barge used for the bird watching tour is not explicitly mentioned as wheelchair accessible. However, the activity provider should be contacted to inquire about accessibility accommodations for guests with mobility needs.

How Much Cash Should I Bring for Additional Purchases?

The activity includes breakfast or a snack, so travelers should only need to bring cash for any additional purchases, such as souvenirs or tips for the guide. Approximately $10-20 USD should be sufficient.

Can I Extend the Tour if I Wish to Stay Longer?

Participants can extend the tour if they wish to stay longer, though additional fees may apply. The activity provider can be contacted via WhatsApp to discuss options for extending the experience.

Recap

The bird watching excursion in Cartagena’s mangroves offers a unique opportunity to observe an abundance of diverse avian species in their natural habitat. Travelers can enjoy the vibrant ecosystem, guided by an animator who provides insights into the mangrove’s captivating environment. This immersive adventure showcases the beauty and biodiversity thriving within Cienaga del Cabrero and Chambacú, leaving visitors with a greater appreciation for the area’s remarkable natural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: