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- Chacahua lagoon system — a braided series of shallow lagoons where freshwater meets the Pacific; the colors shift with light so you get glassy reflections at dawn and wild blues by afternoon. Boat and kayak routes thread through it, so it feels more like exploring a watery maze than a single lake.
- Mangrove canals — dense, photogenic mangrove tunnels that act as nurseries for fish and crustaceans and hide all kinds of birdlife. Quiet boat rides through these channels are the best way to see the ecosystem up close: tangled roots, lots of birds, and the satisfying creak of an old wooden skiff.
- Birdwatching hotspots — colonies of herons, egrets, pelicans and frigatebirds concentrate here, especially on small islets and mangrove edges. Go early for the best light and action; even a casual walk
- Chacahua lagoon system — a braided series of shallow lagoons where freshwater meets the Pacific; the colors shift with light so you get glassy reflections at dawn and wild blues by afternoon. Boat and kayak routes thread through it, so it feels more like exploring a watery maze than a single lake.
- Mangrove canals — dense, photogenic mangrove tunnels that act as nurseries for fish and crustaceans and hide all kinds of birdlife. Quiet boat rides through these channels are the best way to see the ecosystem up close: tangled roots, lots of birds, and the satisfying creak of an old wooden skiff.
- Birdwatching hotspots — colonies of herons, egrets, pelicans and frigatebirds concentrate here, especially on small islets and mangrove edges. Go early for the best light and action; even a casual walk or a short boat trip will reward you with real diversity.
- Sea turtle nesting beaches — several stretches of sand in the park are important nesting sites (Olive ridleys are the usual suspects). If you time it right you can see conservation crews or monitored releases—quiet, moving stuff—so check local schedules and respect the rules.
- Chacahua beach and sandbanks — long, raw coastline where the lagoon spills into the ocean; good for walking, shell hunting, and watching the meeting of two very different waters. It’s not a developed resort beach—bring basics and expect rustic charm.
- Dunes and short hikes — small trails and dune ridges give quick, dramatic overlooks of the lagoons and ocean. Nothing too strenuous, but the viewpoints are great for sunset photos and for getting off the boat to stretch your legs.
- Local fishing villages and rustic boat tours — the park’s human side: small communities that run the boats, sell fresh seafood, and know every channel. Hiring a local guide supports the people who care for the place and usually makes the wildlife sightings happen—this is my personal favorite for the combination of nature and real local color.
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Dolphin & Whale Watching in Puerto Escondido
✓ Free cancellation
Guided tour of an ancestral Mezcal distillery with transport
✓ Free cancellation
2-Hour Surf Lesson in the Waves of Puerto Escondido
✓ Free cancellation
Boat Trip to See Marine Life in Puerto Escondido
✓ Free cancellation
Dolphin Watching Tour
✓ Free cancellation
5 Hours of Private Sport Fishing In Puerto Escondido
✓ Free cancellation
Made in Oaxaca Food Tour
✓ Free cancellation
Mexico on Your Plate: Hands-On Cooking Experience
✓ Free cancellation
Inner Light Women´s Retreat Mexico
Chacahua Afternoon Journey
✓ Free cancellation
Best Backpacking
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.