Mangrove swamps are one of the richest natural environments in the world. Mangrove trees are the only plants that thrive in salt water. You'll see a great variety of birds in the swamps including: Bare-Throated Tiger Heron, Little Blue Heron, Brown Pelican, Royal Tern; and mammals including White Faced Capuchin Monkey, Three and Two-Toed Sloth, Northern & Crab Eating Raccoons, and White Nosed Coati. Some of the reptiles indigenous to the swamps are the Green Iguana, Jesus Christ Lizard, Boa Constrictor snake and 6 different species of crabs. Departing from Dominical, heading north for about 7 kilometers on the Costanera Highway you will arrive at the Hatillo Mangrove Swamps next to Guapil Beach. You may stop along the way to view sloths, toucans or monkeys. At the put-in spot your guide will give safety instructions and will explain to you the grand significance of this environment. You will then be introduced to an easy, 3 hour paddle through the canals discovering the beauty and the great variety of fauna that this estuary offers. The tours departure time depends upon the tide.