Cienaga Grande in Santa Marta

Cienaga Grande, nestled near the vibrant city of Santa Marta, offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy Colombia’s natural wonders. This sprawling aquatic sanctuary, recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, from playful monkeys to graceful manatees. Visitors can embark on scenic boat tours, gaining insights into the local communities that have thrived in harmony with this extraordinary environment for centuries. The sights and sounds of Cienaga Grande promise to captivate the senses, leaving one eager to explore further the majesty of this remarkable Colombian treasure.

Key Points

1. Cienaga Grande is the largest complex of lagoons and swamps in Colombia, located along the Caribbean coast near the city of Santa Marta.

2. The Cienaga Grande Sanctuary is a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, home to diverse wildlife including monkeys, manatees, alligators, and otters.

3. Visitors can explore the sanctuary through a 2-hour boat tour, experiencing the local waterborne communities and engaging with the rich biodiversity.

4. The tour includes transportation, a bilingual guide, safety assurance, and a hearty lunch, providing a comprehensive and immersive eco-tourism experience.

5. To prepare for the tour, visitors are advised to wear lightweight, quick-drying clothing, bring sun protection, insect repellent, and binoculars for wildlife viewing.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Overview

Explore Colombia’s Ciénega Grande Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, located between Santa Marta and Barranquilla.

This 6-hour tour offers a chance to take in the largest complex of lagoons and swamps in the country. Priced from $428 per person, the sanctuary is accessible via a 45-minute drive from Santa Marta to Tasajera, followed by a scenic two-hour boat tour on a motorized canoe.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this small-group experience (limited to 8 participants) allows travelers to encounter diverse wildlife and learn about the centuries-old way of life in the vibrant, waterborne communities.

Sanctuary Features

The Ciénega Grande Fauna and Flora Sanctuary is a sprawling complex of lagoons and swamps, the largest of its kind in Colombia.

Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000, this unique ecosystem is home to a rich biodiversity of wildlife, including monkeys, manatees, alligators, and otters.

Visitors can experience the centuries-old way of life in the vibrant, waterborne communities that thrive within the sanctuary.

The sanctuary’s diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a truly remarkable destination for nature enthusiasts and eco-travelers alike.

Tour Logistics

To visit the Ciénega Grande Sanctuary, travelers embark on a 45-minute drive from Santa Marta to the town of Tasajera, followed by a scenic two-hour boat tour on a motorized canoe.

The tour is facilitated by a small group of up to 8 participants and a live guide available in both English and Spanish.

Getting to the sanctuary is accessible, with the following logistics:

• Pickup included from the hotel
• River transportation with safety regulations
• Bilingual guide
• Private vehicle for transportation
• Local guides to provide insights

Inclusions

The Ciénaga Grande sanctuary tour includes a range of amenities to enhance the experience.

Travelers are provided with a private vehicle for transportation and a bilingual guide to lead the tour. Safety is a priority, with river transportation adhering to all necessary regulations.

To ensure a seamless journey, travel insurance is included. Local guides provide valuable insights, while a hearty lunch, hydration, and snacks are provided to keep guests nourished.

The small group size, limited to 8 participants, ensures an intimate and personalized experience. With these thoughtful inclusions, visitors can fully enjoy the natural wonders of the Ciénaga Grande without worrying about logistics.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Preparation and Recommendations

Comfortable shoes and clothing are essential for making the most of the Ciénaga Grande sanctuary tour.

Visitors should come prepared with:

• Lightweight, quick-drying fabrics to stay cool and comfortable during the boat ride.
• Sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield against the tropical sun.
• Insect repellent to deter mosquitoes and other insects.
• A small backpack or bag to carry personal items and any snacks or water.
• Binoculars to spot wildlife like monkeys, manatees, alligators, and otters in their natural habitat.

With the right gear, visitors can fully enjoy the rich biodiversity and vibrant waterborne communities of the Ciénaga Grande Sanctuary.

Exploring Cienaga Grande

Nestled along the Caribbean coast of Colombia, the Ciénaga Grande Sanctuary offers visitors a chance to enjoy a vibrant, aquatic ecosystem teeming with diverse wildlife.

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is the largest complex of lagoons and swamps in the country, home to an abundance of monkeys, manatees, alligators, and otters.

Visitors embark on a scenic two-hour boat tour, gliding through the waterways and witnessing the centuries-old way of life of the local communities.

With the guidance of a bilingual tour leader, travelers can explore this rich biodiversity and learn about the sanctuary’s importance for the region’s flora and fauna.

The Ciénaga Grande Sanctuary provides a unique and unforgettable opportunity to connect with Colombia’s natural wonders.

Wildlife Encounters

Teeming with a vibrant array of wildlife, the Ciénega Grande Sanctuary offers visitors unparalleled opportunities to spot an array of captivating creatures.

From the playful antics of mischievous monkeys to the serene movements of graceful manatees, the sanctuary is a haven for an incredible diversity of flora and fauna.

Visitors may also catch glimpses of:

• Alligators basking on the banks
• Otters gliding effortlessly through the water
• Colorful birds soaring overhead
• Schools of fish darting through the lagoons
• Lush mangrove forests teeming with life

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a true natural wonder, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich tapestry of Colombia’s stunning biodiversity.

Recap

Cienaga Grande in Santa Marta offers a unique opportunity to take in a vibrant aquatic sanctuary teeming with diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy scenic boat tours, glimpse playful monkeys and graceful manatees, and gain insights into the harmonious relationship between the local community and this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This remarkable ecosystem showcases the natural beauty and environmental preservation efforts in Colombia.

You can check if your dates are available here: