Just 20 minutes from port, this hidden reserve delivers cascading waterfalls, swimming holes of crystalline rainforest water, and a canopy full of toucans and howler monkeys — all on a pristine interpretive trail almost no visitors know about.
What to expect
The Sendero Las Escobas reserve is a lush pocket of protected Caribbean lowland forest run by a local conservation cooperative. Your naturalist leads you along a well-maintained trail that crosses a series of wooden bridges over gurgling streams before opening onto the main cascade — a multi-tiered waterfall pouring into a deep natural pool perfect for swimming. The upper trail loops through old-growth ceiba trees draped in bromeliads, where your guide points out poison-dart frogs, leaf-cutter ant highways, and roosting toucans.
Good to know
The shortest and easiest excursion on this list — ideal for guests who want nature without a full-day commitment. Depart port at 8:30 AM; back by 12:30 PM, leaving the afternoon free. Wear light hiking clothes and bring insect repellent, a dry bag for valuables, and a swimsuit under your clothes.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Santo Tomas de Castilla — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.