If you’re looking to get amongst nature and see crocodiles in their natural habitat you can see them at Laguna de Los Naranjos in Barra de Navidad as the Lagoon is home to over 300 crocodiles.
Close to Puerto Escondido and in La Barra, Laguna de Los Naranjos is a hidden destination in Barra de Navidad that very few people know about.
There are over 50 different species of birds that can be seen nesting and flying around the laguna making for a very tranquil experience. The crocodiles can be seen quietly waiting below hoping for a chickling to fall into the water.
Laguna de Los Naranjos is where the ocean and the river meet so depending on what time of the year you’re there may be a beach, sandbar, or even a rushing river.
*WARNING*
There are very large crocodiles here and we would highly recommend only going here with an experienced local guide.
We are aware that people will visit here regardless so this guide has been written to share the beauty of the destination but also implore you to take the utmost care.
Getting to Laguna de Los Naranjos
Getting to Laguna de Los Naranjos is not always the easiest and depending on if it has been raining recently makes it even harder to get here as the dirt roads tend to flood fairly easily.
This is definitely a place to visit if you have a scooter or a bike as there are no colectivos that will take you here and the chance of getting a taxi is slim to none.
Best time to visit Laguna de Los Naranjos
For the best experience and the best chance of seeing crocodiles, we recommend visiting in the afternoon. Laguna de Los Naranjos also has a high concentration of bird species which can be seen flying around as well as nesting in the trees over the water.
Crocodiles of Laguna de Los Naranjos
There are a lot of crocodiles in Laguna de Los Naranjos and their space needs to be respected. These are Crocodylus acutus and can reach lengths up to 6 meters.
We touched on it at the beginning of this guide, however, it is definitely worth mentioning that the jetty has seen better days and that a lot of caution needs to be taken.
Crocodiles lay by the water’s edge and are not only just in the water so it is definitely advised to take a very good look at your surroundings before even daring to go on the jetty.
Laguna de Los Naranjos Summary
Laguna de Los Naranjos in Barra de Navidad is a hidden gem for nature lovers looking to see crocodiles in their natural habitat.
With over 300 crocodiles and a variety of bird species, it provides a tranquil experience for visitors. However, it is important to note that caution must be taken as these are large and potentially dangerous animals, and visiting with an experienced local guide is highly recommended.
Additionally, the jetty is in poor condition and visitors should exercise extreme care. Despite these precautions, Laguna de Los Naranjos remains a beautiful and unique destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.
