Laguna de Manialtepec is a coastal lagoon that is located to the West of Puerto Escondido. Measuring 15 kilometers in length the lagoon is surrounded by mangroves and dense foliage that is home to hundreds of species of birds as well as crocodiles.
During the rainy season (June & July) the lagoon connects with the sea which is the perfect time to witness the bioluminescence phenomena.
Laguna de Manialtepec is one of the best things to do in Puerto Escondido and to experience it properly you’ll want to explore the lagoon by boat or kayak which means you will need to organize a tour.
Laguna Manialtepec is located approximately 18 kilometers 20 minutes West of Puerto Escondido.
When to visit Laguna de Manialtepec
Although you can visit Laguna de Manialtepec all year round if you’re a bird fanatic it is highly recommended to visit between December and March to ensure seeing as many species as possible.
The best time of the day to visit is either dawn or dusk as this will present gorgeous tranquil scenery which will ensure you capture the most beautiful pictures possible.
How to get to Laguna de Manialtepec
Getting to Laguna de Manialtepec itself is not difficult as it is located 20 minutes north of the center of Puerto Escondido.
A taxi will take you here however to actually go on a tour of the Lagoon itself you will need to organize a tour which will usually include transport to and from your accommodation.
Laguna Manialtepec Bioluminescence
Laguna Manialtepec connects with the ocean and this leads to bioluminescent organisms entering the lagoon which lights up when agitated.
This Puerto Escondido Bioluminescence attracts tourists and scientists that enjoy swimming with it and studying with it respectively.
In addition to the bioluminescence phenomenon, Manialtepec Lagoon is home to over 60% of the bird species that can be found in Mexico.
From the likes of parrots, ospreys, falcons, herons, and many more the lagoon is the perfect place to spot them in their natural habitat.
Hearing and seeing them up close is a relaxing and tranquil experience especially when the sun is setting.
As it gets later into the evening there are also a number of boats doing the bioluminescent tours which allow you to see dinoflagellate plankton light the water blue when disturbed.
Laguna de Manialtepec is home to a lot of crocodiles however tours still operate at night to see the bioluminescence so it is important that you choose the company carefully with an experienced local guide.
The crocodiles of Laguna de Manialtepec are normally territorial and avoid humans wherever possible.
Why can this intense blue be observed?
Bioluminescence is a fascinating occurrence found in living organisms like bacteria, fungi, insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and fish, with fireflies being perhaps the most recognized example.
The emission of light serves diverse purposes, including communication, reproduction, defense, and attracting prey.
Millions of dinoflagellates, a species of phytoplankton originating from the sea, inhabit the Manialtepec Lagoon, reproducing in these waters.
Their luminosity results from a chemical reaction employed as a defense mechanism against predators.
What additional points of interest does this lagoon offer?
For bird enthusiasts, this location is a haven. Mangroves and the overall tropical ecosystem attract a diverse range of species, from herons and iguanas to ibises, ducks, and parrots.
During the early morning, it’s typical to spot photographers equipped with telephoto lenses, poised to capture these creatures in motion.
Tips:
Don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent and a towel. Leave your cell phone and cameras behind as capturing this natural phenomenon demands specialized equipment.
What type of birds can you see at Laguna Manialtepec?
The lagoon is home to a large number of birds, including migratory, permanent residents, and temporary residents. Some of them travel from Canada to spend the winter in the lagoon.
- Fulica americana
- Gray Pelican
- Tiger Heron (Tigrisoma mexicanum)
- Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
- Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
- Rufescent Tiger Heron (Egretta rufescens)
- Green Heron (Butorides virescens)
Laguna de Manialtepec Tours
There are a number of different laguna de Manialtepec tours that operate all year round however our personal favorite is the birdwatching tour.
They operate two times a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon however if you want the best experience we’d highly recommend the morning tour.
Although there are bioluminescence tours that operate in Manialtepec we normally recommend the Chacahua bioluminescence tour as there is usually more bioluminescence present in the area.
There are often other tours that run in Laguna de Manialtepec such as paddleboarding but as of 2023, they aren’t currently operating as tourists normally prefer the birdwatching tours.
Laguna de Manialtepec Guide Summary
Laguna de Manialtepec is a stunning lagoon and we would highly recommend visiting here while you’re in Puerto Escondido.
The wide range of wildlife and flora and fauna makes for a truly rewarding experience and there are a number of different companies that will take you to experience the lagoon.
Although in theory, you could visit the lagoon on your own we would highly recommend visiting with a certified tour operator such as the ones that we have linked within this guide.
