Dolphins, manatees and crocodiles are among the extraordinary creatures living between the mangroves, exotic forests and waterways of the country’s largest estuary.
Protected from the Gulf of Mexico by a narrow strip of land, the Laguna de Terminos is a vast tidal estuary teeming with exotic and colorful life. Plants and animals thrive here in a terrain comprising mangroves, wetlands and the largest lagoon in Mexico. Visit Laguna de Terminos and make your way around to marvel at the incredible biodiversity.
Inspect the tropical trees and plants as you stroll along the forest paths. With luck, you’ll spot intriguing wildlife in and around the trees, such as raccoons or even a wild cat known as an ocelot. Fearsome creatures also dwell here, from boa constrictors to crocodiles.
Spot the green iguanas and turtles down below, before looking up at the diverse migratory birdlife in the mangroves. The jabiru stork is one of the highlights.
Head into the still waters and bring snorkeling gear to see the array of colorful life around you. The lagoon is often visited by bottlenose dolphins, yellow stingrays and manatees. Catch your own sea bass and dogfish. Head through the wetlands to collect shrimp and other shellfish.
The lagoon receives plenty of water from the rivers originating in Chiapas, Guatemala and Tabasco. The mangrove forests and strip of land protect this area from natural disasters and other disruptive phenomena, allowing flora and fauna to thrive. The lagoon stretches across an area of 1.7 million acres (700,000 hectares). It was an important fishing source in pre-Columbian times.
The Laguna de Terminos stretches along the southern sides of Ciudad del Carmen, Isla del Carmen and Isla Aguada, in the northwestern corner of Campeche. From the state’s namesake city, drive southwest along the coast for 90 miles (140 kilometers) to reach the lagoon’s northeastern corner.
While in the area, visit other nearby landmarks such as the Museo Victoriano Nievez, the Casa de la Cultura and the Jardin Botánico UNACAR.
