rio istian

Taqulik

This is a must if you go to Ometepe and like bird and animal watching! We used Caballeros del Mar in Mérida to rent a 2 place kayak with a guide and for $20 more, a boat that pulled the kayaks to the mouth of Istiam, which was well worth as we are not athletes and paddling all the way to the creek on the lake can be difficult depending on the wind and the waves. The guide took us all the way into the mangrove and we could see lots of different bird species, caimans, turtles, monkeys etc. It was quiet and he could show us lots of things we would not have seen without him. Sunscreen is a must as it is quite exposed in most places and it's easy to forget that the sun is really strong.

agsj

This "river" (actually it is wetlands, is a home for a large number of birds and some monkeys too. The 2 hour guided kayak trip gave a slow moving opportunity to enjoy the water, trees and flowers, birds, monkeys, and occasional local fishermen. It's relatively expensive (including the taxi ride over) but worth it.

BusyTravels264

Took a ride out to El Peru and went down a small road that had a kayaking sign posted at it. The guide, Edguard was extremely polite and friendly (and spoke English). You can take a motor boat out to the river and then kayak or just kayak from his spot to the river in about 15-20 minutes. The life up the river is absolutely amazing and the view of the two volcanoes when you're in the lake is stunning. On top of it, Edguard gave us some fresh fruit before going out to "give us strength" for the trip. Worth every penny

Roz-Mick

If you're into paddling this is worth it. We were happy to finally reach the mouth of the river and enter into it's serene mystical fauna. We saw quite a bit of wildlife, birds, turtles, monkeys and 2 caiman. It was the beginning of dry season so the caiman aren't as easily found. I loved the vegetation and quietness....Our guide was great and we were a small group so we took our time and hung out in quiet areas. You also get the some great views of the volcanoes! One on the left and one on the right...not too many places can you say you're kayaking between volcanoes! It was amazing.This tour is not for people who don't like to paddle. The couple of kilometers to reach the river was a bit tough with the high winds and we saw some people struggling. .

clo80

The river is quite scenic but we did not manage to see any wildlife as the locals had advertised us. We manage to see monkeys in a finca in san Domingo beach instead.

Jan-OlofO

I walked from hotel Xalli about 7 km away. You can rent a bike but the road is very bad so the gain is small with a bike. At playa Istian you can rent a Kayak and visit Isla Ometepes most beatuful areas! I did see several kingfishers and herons. There is also extraordinary landscape views from the volcano and the woods The local people are very nice!.

AnneF585

Dry season - so the paddling was along the lake shore. Then we got out and walked and watched birds. We had taken a local's advice and hired Noldan as our guide. He really knows the birds! This was a pleasant outing.

kennedyem3

This was the highlight of my trip to Nicaragua. In a country where wildlife is scarce this was a breath of fresh air. I'm a bird lover so naturally I was in my element. The guides were pretty good at identifying the animals, although he did call a spoonbill a flamingo, and caimens alligators (forgivable) he was spot on about the rest of the bird species we saw. We had our 11 month old with us, so we took the boat out to the river head then I rode in a 2 person kayak so the guide could paddle us while my boyfriend rode in his own kayak (then we switched coming back). It was great, the views of the volcanoes were amazing, the water was calm, the wildlife was teeming, and although we launched with another group, the guides spaced it out so that we felt like we were the only ones there! Great time, I recommend using this place (on the right with a red kayak on the road and arrow pointing down to the water on the road to Merida). Great breakfast and lunch too with a nice beach for when you get back!

831peggyg

This Rio is gorgeous, very pristine, with lots of birds that are so close you can almost touch when, it is a bit surreal. Go at around 3pm so you can be there when it is cool and then paddle back just before sun set. Fabulous and rare.

mudpie47

Ryan, at Finca Mystica, lined my son and I up with, Willie, a guide who took us by kayaks up the Rio Istian river. He pointed out so many different birds, crocs, turtles, wildlife. He really loves his country and sharing it with others. We wouldn't have had such an interesting trip without him explaining things to us. We had a great day!

johnwQ4703ZW

I think all the birds of the islands come to the river to hide. We saw so many unique and colorful birds. I'm not a birdwatcher and usually don't get into 'birding', but it was hard not to be thoroughly impressed with the immense variety of big and beautiful birds we saw during our hour or two paddle up the river. The caymen crocodiles were also really neat to see and we could get right up close to them. The monkeys, however, were much further back and difficult to see or photograph.We opted to do the paddle to the river instead of paying extra for the boat to pull us. Paddling the lake was fine and not too difficult or taxing. Personally, I don't think the boat pull would be worth it. Plus you're paddling between the awesome scenery of two spectacular volcanos. It makes for some great photo ops, particularly when passing the very tall palm trees sticking up in front of the volcano.This is a must-do activity in Ometepe that I've recommended to everyone heading there.

Polecat070

Stunning and abundant wildlife. We saw two caimans, a terrapin, and howler monkeys, as well as a ton of water birds.Go at sunset for maximum beauty and serenity but be aware that if you kayaked from Hacienda Merida it may take you an hour and a half to get back, mostly in the dark, especially if there is a head wind on the lake. It is hard work, so it is not for the couch potatoes!

Cdn_flipflops

Loved the sights but as someone who has not often kayaked, I went in a double kayak with a guide. To be frank, he was a jerk. Not nice, insulting. He admitted to being hung over. In short, I was v disappointed but I still tipped him even though he didn't deserve it. His name us Willy. If you opt to go with a guide, and are not that experienced, don't choose him. Views of volcanoes and animal life are amazing though.

karolina_x

Kayaking on the little river Istian was such a nice tour. You can't get through the whole way to the other side of the island, but it's nice and relaxing just to paddle around and look for animals. We saw some kaymans, alligators, turtles and lots of birds. Our guide was great and told us a lot about the nature and the animals living in the area. You can probably go on your own, but having a guide was great if you want to know more about the things you see. A highly recommended tour if you want to be active but have a relaxing day at the same time!

PDRToronto

Caymen, turtles, egrets and so many more birds. My husband and I kayaked the Rio when we were in Omepete and it was a highlight of our trip. We had a great guide and saw so much wild life. Jamie at La Omaja arranged our trip and the kayak company he recommended was wonderful (they also have a fantastic fish lunch if you want by the lake afterwards). Highly recommend!