Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Park

Old Providence McBean Lagoon Overview

Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Park, or Parque Nacional Natural Old Providence McBean Lagoon in Spanish, is a small yet ecologically rich national park located on Providencia Island in the Caribbean Sea, part of Colombia’s San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina Archipelago.

Covering an area of approximately 4.3 square miles (11.2 square kilometers), this marine and coastal park is known for its vibrant coral reefs, turquoise waters, and lush mangrove forests, which together create a breathtaking tropical ecosystem.

The park’s landscapes feature coastal lagoons, seagrass meadows, and coral cays, with the prominent Cayo Cangrejo (Crab Cay) standing out as a favored viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Caribbean. The McBean Lagoon itself, with its shallow, crystal-clear waters, is a defining feature of the park and contributes to the region’s nickname, “The Sea of Seven Colors.”

The park’s biodiversity is equally remarkable, supporting a variety of marine and terrestrial life. The coral reefs shelter diverse fish species, sea turtles, and invertebrates, while the surrounding waters are home to rays and nurse sharks.

Birdlife flourishes in the mangrove ecosystems, with frigatebirds, herons, and brown pelicans being common sights. On land, iguanas and hermit crabs inhabit the park’s sandy and rocky coastal areas. The delicate balance of this ecosystem makes it an important conservation area for both marine and avian species, and the park plays a crucial role in preserving the region’s rich biodiversity.

A major highlight of the park is the chance to explore Cayo Cangrejo, a small cay where visitors can snorkel among vibrant coral reefs teeming with fish and sea turtles. Kayaking through the calm waters of McBean Lagoon offers a unique perspective of the mangroves and their role in supporting marine life.

The park is also ideal for birdwatching, with migratory and resident species frequently spotted in the dense vegetation. Swimming and free diving are popular activities due to the pristine water conditions and the fascinating underwater world that lies just below the surface.

Conservation efforts within Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Park have been largely focused on protecting the fragile coral reef ecosystem and maintaining the health of the mangrove forests. Restrictions on fishing and development have helped sustain marine populations and prevent habitat destruction.

However, the park faces challenges from climate change, coral bleaching, and human impact, particularly from tourism-related activities. Local conservation programs, often led by the island’s Raizal community, play an important role in maintaining the ecological integrity of the park while ensuring that visitors can continue to enjoy its natural beauty responsibly.

Park Map

Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Old Providence McBean Lagoon is an excellent destination for birdwatching, with a mix of seabirds, coastal birds, and forest species.

Magnificent Frigatebird
Recognizable by its long wingspan and distinctive red throat pouch, the magnificent frigatebird soars over the park’s coastline, often stealing fish from other birds.

Brown Pelican
A common sight along the coast, brown pelicans are expert fishers, diving into the ocean from great heights to catch their prey.

White-crowned Pigeon
This shy bird inhabits the park’s dry forests and mangroves, feeding primarily on fruits from native trees.

Caribbean Elaenia
A small songbird, the Caribbean elaenia is frequently heard calling from the park’s treetops as it hunts for insects.

Royal Tern
This sleek seabird is often seen gliding over the ocean or perched along the shoreline, feeding by diving into the water to catch small fish.

Black Noddy
A coastal bird that nests in rocky areas, the black noddy feeds by skimming the ocean surface for small fish.

White-tailed Tropicbird
A striking seabird with long, elegant tail feathers, the white-tailed tropicbird soars over the park’s waters, feeding on fish near the surface.

Yellow Warbler
This small, brightly colored songbird is commonly found in the island’s forests, feeding on insects and fruit.

Western Osprey
A skilled fish hunter, the Western osprey hovers over the ocean before diving to catch its prey with its sharp talons.

Ruddy Turnstone
Often seen along the park’s rocky shores, this migratory bird uses its strong bill to flip over stones in search of small invertebrates.

Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Park’s combination of pristine coral reefs, lush coastal forests, and unique marine ecosystems makes it one of Colombia’s most beautiful and ecologically significant protected areas. Whether snorkeling among vibrant reef fish, exploring mangrove-lined lagoons, or birdwatching along the coast, visitors to the park can experience a truly unforgettable Caribbean paradise.

Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Park, located in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Colombia, is a stunning marine and coastal protected area. Covering approximately 9,395 hectares, the park is part of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve and is famous for its “Sea of Seven Colors”, coral reefs, mangroves, and tropical dry forests. It is one of the most important conservation areas in the Colombian Caribbean, supporting a diverse range of marine and terrestrial species.

Popular Wildlife in Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Park

West Indian Manatee
This gentle marine mammal inhabits the shallow coastal waters of the park, grazing on seagrass beds. It is an important species for maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.

Green Iguana
A common sight on the island, the green iguana thrives in the park’s tropical dry forests and mangrove areas. It is primarily herbivorous and often seen basking in the sun.

Black Spiny-tailed Iguana
This agile reptile is well adapted to the park’s rocky coastal environments, where it feeds on fruits, flowers, and insects.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Critically endangered, the hawksbill sea turtle plays a crucial role in the park’s coral reef ecosystems by feeding on sponges and maintaining reef health.

Green Sea Turtle
A frequent visitor to the park’s waters, the green sea turtle is known for grazing on seagrass beds, contributing to marine ecosystem balance.

Lesser Capuchin Monkey
This small and intelligent primate is occasionally seen in the park’s dry forests. It is highly social and feeds on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.

Cuban Tree Frog
An introduced species, the Cuban tree frog has established itself in the park’s forests and wetlands, where it preys on insects and small amphibians.

Hermit Crab
These small crustaceans are commonly found along the island’s sandy beaches, using abandoned shells for protection as they scavenge for food.

Goliath Grouper
A massive reef fish, the goliath grouper is an important species in the park’s marine ecosystem, helping regulate populations of smaller fish and crustaceans.

Queen Conch
This large marine mollusk is a key species in the park’s seagrass beds, playing an essential role in nutrient cycling and supporting marine biodiversity.