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Honduras🇭🇳 | national parksJeannette Kawas National ParkPunta Sal peninsula, Los Micos lagoon, mangrove canoe channels, reef snorkeling | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Jeannette Kawas
🌟 Highlightnational park ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 23, 2026

Pelicans and cormorants work the shallow lagoons of Punta Sal, and the park's sandy tip, a long arm of land curling into the Caribbean, is where most people end up. Jeannette Kawas National Park (also called Punta Sal) sits in the north of Honduras, west of Tela, and is reached by boat or a long hike. It has mangrove channels, beaches, rainforest paths and a fair chance of howler monkeys, but trails are short and the park is not a trekking destination. Skip the idea of a multi-day hike. Go for one good day. I carried a full liter of drinking water per person because the beach has little shade and no tap water, and you should too. Bring small cash for the boat and entry, since cards aren't taken. Unlike nearby Lancetilla, a botanical garden of planted trees, this is wild coast with mangroves and reef.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 national park in HondurasWhat makes it a must-see national park

Jeannette Kawas National Park suits independent travelers because the main sights sit close together and need no guide to enjoy. You can walk the Punta Sal peninsula at your own pace, swim off the beach, and be back in Tela by afternoon without booking a package. Tours exist and make sense for the mangrove canoe trips, where a local paddler knows where manatees and birds tend to appear, but the beaches and short forest paths work fine alone.

The park's mix is the draw. In one outing you get Caribbean sand, mangrove wetland on the Los Micos Lagoon side, and rainforest with capuchin and howler monkeys. Its name honors Jeannette Kawas, the environmentalist who fought to protect the area, which adds meaning to the walk. Camping and simple lodging in the area keep costs low for people stretching a trip along the north coast.

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

  1. Punta Sal Beach: The sandy tip of the peninsula is the sight people search for, with calm water, palms, and snorkeling over nearby coral on clear days.
  2. Los Micos Lagoon: A brackish lagoon edged by mangroves, good for birds such as herons and kingfishers, and for slow canoe trips at dawn.
  3. Mangrove canoe channels: Narrow waterways where local guides paddle quietly, and you may spot manatees, caimans and other wildlife hiding in the roots.
  4. Howler and capuchin monkey viewing: Forest behind the beach holds both species, and howlers are often heard before they are seen.
  5. Rainforest trails: Short shaded paths lead from the shore into dense forest with birds, butterflies and the occasional agouti.
  6. Snorkeling at the reef: Fish and coral sit just offshore near the point, and visibility is best on calm days.
… read more 👉
  1. Punta Sal Beach: The sandy tip of the peninsula is the sight people search for, with calm water, palms, and snorkeling over nearby coral on clear days.
  2. Los Micos Lagoon: A brackish lagoon edged by mangroves, good for birds such as herons and kingfishers, and for slow canoe trips at dawn.
  3. Mangrove canoe channels: Narrow waterways where local guides paddle quietly, and you may spot manatees, caimans and other wildlife hiding in the roots.
  4. Howler and capuchin monkey viewing: Forest behind the beach holds both species, and howlers are often heard before they are seen.
  5. Rainforest trails: Short shaded paths lead from the shore into dense forest with birds, butterflies and the occasional agouti.
  6. Snorkeling at the reef: Fish and coral sit just offshore near the point, and visibility is best on calm days.
  7. Punta Izopo side views: The neighboring protected wetland area to the east is visible from the coast, a reminder of how much wild shoreline remains along this stretch.
Jeannette Kawas National Park is best started with Punta Sal Beach, because the boat landing is there and the calm morning water is ideal before the day heats up.
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🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs

  • Dry Season (February to May): Calmest seas for boat trips into Punta Sal and the Laguna de los Micos mangroves. Highs run 30 to 33°C (86 to 91°F), nights 22 to 24°C (72 to 75°F). Easter week brings Honduran families and higher beach prices.
  • Wet Season (June to September): Short, heavy downpours, humid heat near 32°C (90°F), and muddy trails. Rooms are cheapest and the sand is empty, but boat rides can turn choppy.
  • Rainy Peak (October to January): Northern fronts bring the wettest weather on this Caribbean coast, with cooler days of 26 to 29°C (79 to 84°F) and rough seas. Christmas and New Year fill Tela with domestic visitors, and prices rise.
  • Daylight: Roughly 11 to 13 hours all year, so plan on finishing boat and wildlife outings by mid-afternoon.
Book a dawn boat in March or April for the best bird and monkey sightings before the heat.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

Tela is the best base for Jeannette Kawas National Park, and nothing inside the park is set up for ordinary lodging. The town sits on the bay beside the park, with the boat landings and tour offices a short walk or taxi ride away.
Backpackers do well in Tela itself. Hostels and budget guesthouses near the beachfront and along the main streets offer dorms and private rooms, usually with fans or air conditioning, shared kitchens and tour booking. Mid-range hotels sit along the waterfront if you want a sea view.
For a quieter stay, head to the Garifuna villages on the park’s edge. Miami, a stilted … read more 👉
Tela is the best base for Jeannette Kawas National Park, and nothing inside the park is set up for ordinary lodging. The town sits on the bay beside the park, with the boat landings and tour offices a short walk or taxi ride away.
Backpackers do well in Tela itself. Hostels and budget guesthouses near the beachfront and along the main streets offer dorms and private rooms, usually with fans or air conditioning, shared kitchens and tour booking. Mid-range hotels sit along the waterfront if you want a sea view.
For a quieter stay, head to the Garifuna villages on the park’s edge. Miami, a stilted fishing village on the lagoon sandbar, has simple guesthouses and homestays, and Tornabé and San Juan have a few basic rooms. These are good for fresh fish, drumming nights and early boat rides into the lagoon, though electricity and hot water can be limited.
Camping and basic cabins are possible near the Punta Sal visitor area, but you should arrange this in advance with the park administration or a Tela operator, since facilities are minimal and you must carry water and food.
La Ceiba, about 1.5 hours east by road, works as an alternative if you plan to continue to Pico Bonito or the Bay Islands.
Best hostels in Honduras


Best quality hotels in Honduras

👛 Costs (as of 23 October 2026)How expensive it really is

Jeannette Kawas National Park costs most backpackers about US$55 a day, with boat transport and guides as the biggest expenses.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$5 to 10Foreign visitors pay at the park gate or through the boat operator, usually in lempiras. Fees can be bundled into tour prices.
Accommodation (high season)US$10 to 30Dorms in Tela run US$10 to 15, private rooms US$25 to 40, and prices rise at Easter and Christmas. Village guesthouses are similar.
Boat and guideUS$15 to 25A shared boat trip to Punta Sal or the lagoon costs about US$15 to 25 per person. Private boats cost more and are cheaper split among a group.
Local transportUS$1 to 4Taxis within Tela cost US$2 to 4, and local buses to nearby villages cost around US$1 to 2.
Food and suppliesUS$8 to 15Baleadas cost
… read more 👉
Jeannette Kawas National Park costs most backpackers about US$55 a day, with boat transport and guides as the biggest expenses.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$5 to 10Foreign visitors pay at the park gate or through the boat operator, usually in lempiras. Fees can be bundled into tour prices.
Accommodation (high season)US$10 to 30Dorms in Tela run US$10 to 15, private rooms US$25 to 40, and prices rise at Easter and Christmas. Village guesthouses are similar.
Boat and guideUS$15 to 25A shared boat trip to Punta Sal or the lagoon costs about US$15 to 25 per person. Private boats cost more and are cheaper split among a group.
Local transportUS$1 to 4Taxis within Tela cost US$2 to 4, and local buses to nearby villages cost around US$1 to 2.
Food and suppliesUS$8 to 15Baleadas cost US$1 to 2, and a plate of fresh fish with coconut rice runs US$6 to 10 in beach restaurants. Bring water and snacks for park days.
Total Daily BudgetUS$39 to 84About US$55 for a typical day with a shared boat tour and a mid-priced dorm bed.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsTrail guide for Jeannette Kawas national park

Jeannette Kawas National Park is a coastal reserve where walking is gentle and short, so plan on easy outings rather than long treks. Most visitors reach the peninsula by boat from the Tela side and walk from the landing area.

  • Beach and peninsula walk: Flat sand and packed trail along the point, roughly one to two hours at a relaxed pace, easy, with sea views and few trees for shade.
  • Forest paths: Short loops into the rainforest behind the beach, easy to moderate on roots and occasional mud, good for howler monkeys, toucans and other birds.
  • Lagoon and mangrove route: Done by canoe with a local
… read more 👉
Jeannette Kawas National Park is a coastal reserve where walking is gentle and short, so plan on easy outings rather than long treks. Most visitors reach the peninsula by boat from the Tela side and walk from the landing area.

  • Beach and peninsula walk: Flat sand and packed trail along the point, roughly one to two hours at a relaxed pace, easy, with sea views and few trees for shade.
  • Forest paths: Short loops into the rainforest behind the beach, easy to moderate on roots and occasional mud, good for howler monkeys, toucans and other birds.
  • Lagoon and mangrove route: Done by canoe with a local guide rather than on foot, around one to two hours, flat and quiet, best for birds, caimans and manatee chances.
  • Snorkeling: Easy swims near the point when seas are calm, with reef fish close to shore.
Trails here are not heavily signed, so going with a local guide helps for wildlife and for avoiding wrong turns. Terrain turns slippery after rain, so wear shoes with grip and bring insect repellent, sun protection and plenty of water.

The park is reached from Tela by boat or by a long, hot beach hike from nearby communities, and public transport only takes you as far as the coast. Crowds stay light on weekdays and can pick up on weekends and holidays. An entrance fee applies and is paid in local currency, so carry small bills.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Jeannette Kawas

Jeannette Kawas National Park is straightforward for hikers, and most trouble comes from sun, heat and sea conditions. Trails around Punta Sal are short, flat and humid, so wear breathable layers, carry at least 2 liters of water and use insect repellent, as mosquitoes and sand flies are heavy near the mangroves. Boat crossings can be rough in the wetter months, so use licensed local operators and wear the life jacket provided. Howler and white-faced monkeys, coatis and snakes may appear, so keep your distance, never feed them and watch where you step. Currents off the beaches can be strong, and a swim in rough surf is best skipped. Petty theft occurs in Tela, so leave valuables at your hotel, avoid walking the beach alone at night and take a taxi after dark. Hire a guide for lagoon trips, … read more 👉
Jeannette Kawas National Park is straightforward for hikers, and most trouble comes from sun, heat and sea conditions. Trails around Punta Sal are short, flat and humid, so wear breathable layers, carry at least 2 liters of water and use insect repellent, as mosquitoes and sand flies are heavy near the mangroves. Boat crossings can be rough in the wetter months, so use licensed local operators and wear the life jacket provided. Howler and white-faced monkeys, coatis and snakes may appear, so keep your distance, never feed them and watch where you step. Currents off the beaches can be strong, and a swim in rough surf is best skipped. Petty theft occurs in Tela, so leave valuables at your hotel, avoid walking the beach alone at night and take a taxi after dark. Hire a guide for lagoon trips, since it supports local communities and improves wildlife spotting.
Check Country Safety

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Two days is enough for Jeannette Kawas National Park if you base yourself in Tela. Spend one day on a boat trip to Punta Sal with a short walk and snorkeling, and another on the Laguna de los Micos mangroves or a Garifuna village such as Miami. Add a third day if you want to camp, birdwatch at dawn or relax on the beaches.
Yes, you can reach Jeannette Kawas National Park without a car, and most visitors do. Tela is served by buses from San Pedro Sula (about 2 hours) and La Ceiba (about 1.5 hours), and from there you take a boat or a taxi to the park. Local buses and taxis connect Tela with villages like Tornabé and Miami for US$1 to 4.
Yes, Jeannette Kawas National Park charges foreign visitors an entrance fee, typically around US$5 to 10, paid in lempiras at the entry point or included in your boat tour price. No separate hiking permit is normally needed for day visits. Camping or overnight stays should be arranged in advance through the park administration or a Tela tour operator.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Honduran national parks near Jeannette Kawas

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We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on exploring Jeannette Kawas

Jeannette Kawas National Park suits beach-loving travelers who also want a taste of wildlife without committing to a hard trek. Birders and paddlers will get the most from it. If you want serious mountain hiking, go elsewhere. I would book a guide for the mangroves and bring more water than seems necessary.

✈️ When did I visit Honduras?
Honduras I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Honduras, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

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