Manialtepec lagoon

Manialtepec is a coastal lagoon located 18 kilometers west of Puerto Escondido in Oaxaca. The name of the lagoon literally translates as “place of the lizard”.

The lagoon is 15 kilometers long. Its entire territory is covered by jungles, mangroves, some of which reach a height of 15 meters. Although most of the wildlife scenery is visible from the San Jose docks and local restaurants, most people explore the lagoon by boat or kayak.

Several species of birds nest in this lagoon, including wild ducks and storks. Here swim sea bass, catfish, lobans. About four times a year, the water in the lagoon glows due to phosphorus, so at night the bands of light are especially visible due to the movement of fish or people in the water.