Río Istián kayak tour on Ometepe Island
The Río Istián is a slow, green river that crosses the isthmus between Concepción and Maderas, the two volcanoes of Ometepe. It winds through marshes, water lilies and big Helequeme trees with their roots in the water. It is one of the best places on Ometepe Island to see wildlife: caimans, freshwater turtles, herons, egrets, kingfishers, ospreys, bats and howler monkeys in the trees.
The best way to discover it is a guided kayak tour, and you can book it directly at El Zopilote eco hostel.
Book your Río Istián kayak tour at El Zopilote
We work with Caballito’s Mar, a small local kayak station in Mérida, on the Maderas side of the island. Their guides know the river very well and have been taking travellers into the Istián for many years.
- Price with guide: 20 dollars for one person, 15 dollars per person for two or more
- Duration: about 3 hours
- Starting point: Caballito’s Mar in Mérida
- How to book: at the El Zopilote reception, we arrange everything for you
The tour starts on Lake Nicaragua. You paddle along the shore with views of Concepción Volcano, then enter the mouth of the river and glide slowly into the marsh, where the animals live. Go in the morning: the lake is calmer and the wildlife is more active.
Why a guided kayak tour is better
You can rent a kayak in other places on the island and paddle the Río Istián on your own. But without a guide it is not so interesting. Caimans, turtles and monkeys hide well, and most visitors paddle past them without noticing. A local guide knows where to look, tells you the names of the birds and finds the right channels, which change with the water level. In the dry season the water is low and sometimes the kayaks must be pulled for a short stretch, the guide knows how to handle it.
What to bring
- At least 2 liters of water and a snack
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a light long-sleeve shirt
- Mosquito repellent
- A small bag: you can leave the rest at the kayak station
- A camera or binoculars for the birds
How to get to Mérida from El Zopilote
Mérida is on the Maderas side, like El Zopilote. You can go by bus or taxi, or rent a scooter at the hostel with our scooter and motorbike rental. Ask at reception and we help you organize the day. If you are still on the mainland, check our Ometepe ferry schedule and how to get to El Zopilote.
Make it a full day on the Maderas side
Combine the kayak with a swim at Ojo de Agua, the hike to San Ramón Waterfall or the Maderas Volcano hike. More ideas in Discover Ometepe Island.
Stay at El Zopilote eco hostel
El Zopilote is a permaculture farm, eco hostel and Sustainability Learning Center on Ometepe Island, running since 2002 and almost completely off-grid. After the river, come back to the farm for:
- Dorms, private cabins, hammocks and camping
- Daily yoga, temazcal, breathwork and the cacao ceremony
- Our farm-to-table restaurant and Pizza Night every Tuesday and Saturday
- The free permaculture farm tour and the mushroom lab tour
- The volunteer program for longer stays
Ready to explore Ometepe? See how to book your stay at El Zopilote or write to us on our contacts page.
