DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Inagua National Park

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Animal habitat
—°
Inagua National Park (Bahamas)

Weather…

Inagua National Park on Great Inagua Island is a cornerstone of Bahamian conservation and a world-renowned destination for birdwatchers. Established in 1963, it covers a vast expanse of over 280 square miles (740 sq km), dominated by expansive salt pans, mangroves, and wetlands. The park is most famous for hosting the world's largest breeding colony of West Indian Flamingos. Through rigorous protection efforts by the Bahamas National Trust, the flamingo population has recovered from near extinction to more than 80,000 birds. Beyond its iconic flamingos, the park provides a habitat for rare species like the Inagua Amazon parrot and the Bahamian woodstar hummingbird. The unique ecosystem is intricately linked with the commercial salt production of the Morton Salt Company, as the birds forage in the nutrient-rich salt ponds. Inagua National Park stands as a monumental success in wildlife preservation, remaining one of the most pristine and biodiverse regions in the entire Bahamas.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252525262728292929282726
Rain mm3522303892704766941357840

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The best time to observe the flamingos is usually from May to August during the nesting season. However, the birds are present year-round, with peak activity in the warmer months.
🌅
Best time of day
Early morning and late afternoon see the most feeding activity. At midday the birds often rest, so plan your visit for the early hours.
📜
Etiquette
Maintain a respectful distance of at least 50 metres from nesting sites. Do not feed or disturb the birds; follow all park regulations.
🎒
What to bring
Binoculars are essential for viewing the birds from a distance. Sturdy footwear is recommended for the salt flats and trails.
🧭
Getting there
The park is located on Great Inagua Island, accessible by plane from Nassau. Once on the island, local guides or rental vehicles provide transport to the park.
🦌
What to expect
Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the large flamingo colony has reliable views. Be prepared for hot, humid conditions and bring plenty of water.

Geography

Coordinates
21.05000, -73.50000

Facts

  • Established in 1963 to prevent flamingo extinction.
  • Spans over 183,740 acres (roughly 740 sq km).
  • Home to a colony of more than 80,000 West Indian Flamingos.
  • Managed and monitored by the Bahamas National Trust.
  • Provides a critical habitat for the rare Inagua Amazon parrot.
  • The ecosystem thrives alongside commercial salt production.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Lake RosaLake Rosa8 km · SExplore →
Inagua's Salt PansInagua's Salt Pans11 km · SExplore →
Great InaguaGreat Inagua13 km · NExplore →
Matthew Town Salt PansMatthew Town Salt Pans16 km · SExplore →
Matthew TownMatthew Town19 km · SExplore →
Môle Saint-NicolasMôle Saint-Nicolas42 km · WExplore →
Fort de la PoudrièreFort de la Poudrière44 km · NWExplore →
Fort DelpescheFort Delpesche46 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the main attraction of the park?
The vast colony of West Indian flamingos.
Is a guide needed?
Yes, a certified guide from the Bahamas National Trust is required.
When is the best time to see the flamingos?
Between March and July, during the breeding season.
Is there accommodation nearby?
There are a few small guesthouses in Matthew Town.
What should I bring?
Plenty of water, sun protection, and binoculars for birdwatching.
Inagua National Park: where is it located?
Inagua National Park is located in Bahamas.
Inagua National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Inagua National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Inagua National Park on Great Inagua Island is a cornerstone of Bahamian conservation and a world-renowned destination for birdwatchers.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America
More places in Bahamas →

Nearby cities

Matthew Town — Inagua National Park (Bahamas)
Matthew Town
The only settlement on Great Inagua, known for salt production.
Pirate's Well — Inagua National Park (Bahamas)
Pirate's Well
One of the few settlements on the remote island of Mayaguana.
Snug Corner — Inagua National Park (Bahamas)
Snug Corner
A small settlement on Acklins Island.
Anderson — Inagua National Park (Bahamas)
Anderson
A small settlement in northern Acklins.
Salina Point — Inagua National Park (Bahamas)
Salina Point
The southernmost settlement on Acklins Island.
Betsy Bay — Inagua National Park (Bahamas)
Betsy Bay
A small coastal settlement on the island of Mayaguana.
Maisí — Inagua National Park (Bahamas)
Maisí
The easternmost municipality of Cuba, known for its lighthouse and unique terraced landscape.

Nature

Lake Rosa — Inagua National Park (Bahamas)
Lake Rosa
A large, shallow, saltwater lake within Inagua National Park, serving as a feeding ground for flamingos.

More places

Matthew Town Salt Pans — Inagua National Park (Bahamas)
Matthew Town Salt Pans
The salt pans of Great Inagua and a core site of the island economy.
Inagua's Salt Pans — Inagua National Park (Bahamas)
Inagua's Salt Pans
Expansive, man-made salt pans that dominate the landscape of Great Inagua and attract flamingos.
Great Inagua — Inagua National Park (Bahamas)
Great Inagua
The southernmost island of the Bahamas, dominated by a national park and a vast flamingo colony.
Môle Saint-Nicolas — Inagua National Park (Bahamas)
Môle Saint-Nicolas
Historical site where Columbus first landed in Haiti.
Fort de la Poudrière — Inagua National Park (Bahamas)
Fort de la Poudrière
Historical gunpowder magazine from the colonial era.
🗺️
Fort Delpesche
A colonial fort in the northwest of Haiti.
Habitation Saint-Jean — Inagua National Park (Bahamas)
Habitation Saint-Jean
Old sugarcane plantation in the north.
🗺️
Plana Cays Forests
Two uninhabited islands with a dry forest that is a habitat for the endangered Bahamian Hutia.