Lagunas de Chacahua National Park

Lagunas de Chacahua Overview

Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, known as Parque Nacional Lagunas de Chacahua in Spanish, is a coastal paradise located in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Covering approximately 54 square miles (141 square kilometers), this park is a breathtaking blend of lagoons, mangroves, beaches, and tropical forest.

It sits along the Pacific Ocean, providing a stunning mix of coastal and wetland ecosystems. The park is characterized by a network of five main lagoons, including the namesake Chacahua Lagoon, along with a series of smaller interconnected waterways. The diverse landscape also features sandy beaches, rocky outcroppings, and rolling hills that create a picturesque backdrop for visitors.

The vegetation is dominated by mangroves, particularly red, white, and black mangrove species, which provide essential habitat for various marine and bird species. Inland areas of the park showcase tropical dry forests with an array of flowering plants and cacti that thrive in the warm, humid climate.

Wildlife in Lagunas de Chacahua National Park is abundant and varied, offering visitors the chance to encounter a range of species unique to the region. The park is home to an impressive array of birdlife, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Among the notable species are herons, pelicans, egrets, roseate spoonbills, and kingfishers. Migratory birds also pass through the area, adding to the diversity of avian life.

Mammals such as raccoons, armadillos, and deer roam the park, while reptiles such as iguanas and crocodiles inhabit the wetlands. One of the park’s most cherished inhabitants is the sea turtle, as several species, including olive ridley, leatherback, and green turtles, nest on the park’s beaches. The park’s waters are also teeming with marine life, with various species of fish, mollusks, and crustaceans making their home in the lagoons and coastal areas.

Lagunas de Chacahua National Park is renowned for its pristine beaches, particularly Chacahua Beach, which attracts visitors with its golden sands and excellent surfing conditions. The park’s lagoons are a major draw, offering boat tours that take visitors through the mangroves, where they can observe the rich biodiversity up close.

One of the most magical experiences in the park is witnessing the bioluminescence in the lagoons, where microscopic organisms create a glowing effect in the water at night. Visitors can also explore the small Afro-Mexican village of Chacahua, known for its vibrant culture and delicious seafood. The lighthouse at Cerro Hermoso provides a spectacular panoramic view of the park, allowing visitors to take in the lush landscapes and sparkling waters from above.

There are multiple ways to experience the beauty of Lagunas de Chacahua National Park. Boat tours are the most popular, offering an immersive way to explore the mangrove forests and spot wildlife. Kayaking through the lagoons provides a more intimate and eco-friendly approach, while hiking trails lead visitors through the park’s varied landscapes. Surfing is a major attraction, with consistent waves drawing surfers of all levels.

For those interested in local culture, visiting the village of Chacahua offers a glimpse into traditional Afro-Mexican heritage. At night, guided tours of the bioluminescent waters create an unforgettable spectacle. Camping on the beaches is a popular option for those who want to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the park.

Despite its natural beauty, Lagunas de Chacahua National Park faces conservation challenges, including habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Efforts to protect the park’s fragile ecosystems include local conservation programs aimed at preserving mangrove forests and protecting sea turtle nesting sites.

Sustainable tourism initiatives are also being developed to minimize human impact while promoting environmental awareness. The park remains a critical sanctuary for wildlife and a valuable natural resource for the communities that depend on it, making continued conservation efforts essential for its future.

Park Map

Lagunas de Chacahua National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The park’s coastal wetlands, mangrove forests, and open lagoons attract a vast array of bird species, including migratory and resident waterbirds, raptors, and songbirds.

Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja)
A striking pink wading bird, the roseate spoonbill sweeps its spoon-shaped bill through shallow water to catch small fish and crustaceans.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)
A large, elegant wading bird, the great egret hunts for fish and amphibians in the park’s lagoons and mangroves.

Black-bellied Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis)
This distinctive duck, with its long neck and pink bill, is commonly seen in the park’s wetland areas, where it feeds on aquatic plants and insects.

White Ibis (Eudocimus albus)
A wading bird with a long, curved bill, the white ibis is often found near the park’s coastal waters, searching for small fish and invertebrates.

Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens)
Known for its impressive wingspan and bright red throat pouch, the magnificent frigatebird soars over the coastline and often steals food from other birds.

Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
A common sight along the coast, brown pelicans plunge into the water to catch fish using their expandable throat pouches.

Mangrove Warbler (Setophaga petechia erithachorides)
A vibrant yellow warbler found in the park’s mangroves, it feeds on insects and helps control local insect populations.

Limpkin (Aramus guarauna)
A wetland bird with a distinctive call, the limpkin is often found along the water’s edge searching for snails and crustaceans.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
A fish-eating raptor, the osprey is commonly seen hovering over the lagoons before diving feet-first to snatch fish from the water.

Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus)
A scavenger and opportunistic hunter, the crested caracara is frequently seen in open areas, feeding on carrion, small mammals, and reptiles.

Lagunas de Chacahua National Park, located on the Pacific coast of Oaxaca, Mexico, is a vast wetland ecosystem that includes coastal lagoons, mangroves, and tropical forests. This unique environment provides a critical habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including aquatic and terrestrial species.

American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)
A top predator in the park’s mangrove-lined lagoons, the American crocodile is an impressive reptile that preys on fish, birds, and small mammals.

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
A frequent visitor to the park’s beaches, the green sea turtle nests along the shores and feeds on seagrass and algae in the coastal waters.

Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
A critically endangered species, the hawksbill turtle is known for its beautiful shell and is often found near the park’s coral reefs, where it feeds on sponges.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
This pig-like mammal roams the tropical forests of the park in small groups, foraging for roots, fruits, and small invertebrates.

Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
A nocturnal burrower, the nine-banded armadillo is often seen digging for insects and larvae in the park’s forests and grasslands.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
One of the larger mammals found in the park, white-tailed deer graze on vegetation in forested and wetland areas.

Northern Raccoon (Procyon lotor mexicanus)
A highly adaptable mammal, the northern raccoon is often seen near water sources, foraging for fish, crabs, and fruits.

Black Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata)
A fast-moving reptile, the black spiny-tailed iguana is often seen basking in the sun on rocky outcrops and tree branches.

Boa Constrictor (Boa imperator)
A large, non-venomous snake that thrives in the park’s forests, the boa constrictor preys on rodents, birds, and small mammals.

Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus)
Smaller than the American crocodile, the spectacled caiman is a nocturnal predator found in the park’s lagoons and freshwater areas.