Located 9km from downtown Aguadulce, the tideland is quite expansive. When the tide is out, you can walk nearly 2km before reaching the ocean. But be careful; once the tide turns, it rises rather quickly, and it’s frighteningly easy to be swept out to sea if you’re caught in the rush. If you’ve walked 1km or so beyond the pools and notice the tide rising, head inland immediately.
Once the site of a salt works, today the tidelands serve as an important habitat for various species of birds. When the tide is out, the bird-watching here is fantastic – several species of marsh and shore birds descend on the area in search of food. In fact, the flats are also famous for their jumbo shrimp, which are harvested in great abundance and served in restaurants throughout the country. When the tide is in, keep an eye out for sea lions, which are occasionally spotted swimming near the pools.
The best way to get here is by taxi. Tell the driver to take you to Restaurante Johnny Tapia. From Johnny Tapia, walk south toward a clearing in the mangroves.
