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Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast

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Animal habitat
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Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast (Guatemala)

Weather…

The Punta de Manabique peninsula is located on the Caribbean coast of Guatemala in the department of Izabal and was officially designated as a wildlife reserve in 1999. This ecosystem includes extensive mangrove forests, coastal lagoons, and coral reefs that host exceptional biodiversity. The region is particularly known as a critical nesting site for endangered sea turtle species such as the hawksbill and leatherback turtles, which return to these beaches every year to lay their eggs. Geographically, the peninsula forms the easternmost point of the country and protects the Bay of Amatique from the waves of the open sea. In addition to turtles, the area provides habitat for over 300 bird species and manatees, making it a significant center for biological research and ecotourism. The conservation of this 1,329 square kilometer area is crucial for protecting Guatemala's marine resources and the sustainable development of local fishing communities.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C222324262726252525242322
Rain mm105786151127214188195227205174113

📋 Practical info

📅
Best season
The main nesting season for sea turtles typically runs from June to December. The best months to observe hatchlings emerging are August through November, when the beaches teem with activity.
🌅
Best time of day
Most nesting activity occurs at dusk or during the night to avoid predators. Early morning is also a good time to spot fresh tracks and returning turtles.
📜
Etiquette
Always maintain a respectful distance from the turtles and never use flash photography. Touching the animals or disturbing the nests is strictly prohibited.
🎒
What to bring
A red-filtered flashlight is essential to avoid blinding the turtles. Binoculars, insect repellent, and dark clothing are recommended.
🧭
Getting there
The area is only accessible by boat from Puerto Barrios or Livingston. Guided tours are available and require advance booking.
🦌
What to expect
Nesting is unpredictable - you may need to wait for hours. Spending multiple nights on site greatly increases your chances of a sighting.

Geography

Coordinates
15.64000, -88.54000

Facts

  • The official establishment as a wildlife reserve occurred in 1999.
  • The protected area covers a total surface of approximately 1,329 km².
  • Over 320 different bird species have been documented in the region.
  • The coast serves as an important nesting site for the endangered leatherback turtle.
  • It hosts one of the most important mangrove ecosystems in Guatemala.
  • The peninsula geographically forms the easternmost point of the country.

Explore nearby

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Gracias Central ParkGracias Central Park5 km · SWExplore →
Izabal Banana PlantationsIzabal Banana Plantations6 km · SExplore →
Cockscomb MountainsCockscomb Mountains6 km · SEExplore →
BerlínBerlín6 km · WExplore →

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

When do the sea turtles hatch?
The main season for egg-laying and hatching is between August and November.
What is the accommodation like in Punta de Manabique?
There are simple eco-lodges and guesthouses in the local community; luxury resorts are absent.
Can you swim there?
Yes, the beaches are beautiful, but be mindful of local currents and advice from guides.
How do you reach this nature reserve?
Mostly by boat from Puerto Barrios; the trip takes about an hour.
Are there restaurants there?
In the small settlement, there are small eateries serving fresh fish and local dishes.
Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast: where is it located?
Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast is located in Guatemala.
Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast: why is it worth visiting?
The Punta de Manabique peninsula is located on the Caribbean coast of Guatemala in the department of Izabal and was officially designated as a wildlife reserve in 1999.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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Nearby cities

Puerto Barrios — Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast (Guatemala)
Puerto Barrios
Important port city on the Caribbean coast and capital of Izabal department.
El Estor — Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast (Guatemala)
El Estor
Town on the shore of Lake Izabal, historically linked to nickel mining.
Morales — Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast (Guatemala)
Morales
Important city in the banana-growing region of the Formula-Tals.
Santo Tomás de Castilla — Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast (Guatemala)
Santo Tomás de Castilla
Modern port city on the Caribbean coast, next to Puerto Barrios.
Río Dulce — Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast (Guatemala)
Río Dulce
A tropical waterway connecting Lake Izabal to the Caribbean, lined with lush jungle and history.
Lake Izabal — Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast (Guatemala)
Lake Izabal
Lake Izabal is the largest lake in Guatemala, a freshwater paradise with colonial forts, manatees, and hot springs.

Nature

Río Dulce — Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast (Guatemala)
Río Dulce
A river connecting Lake Izabal to the Caribbean, known for its impressive gorge.
Sarstoon River — Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast (Guatemala)
Sarstoon River
A river that forms the southern border between Guatemala and Belize.
🗺️
Polochic River Delta
An important wetland and delta where the Polochic River flows into Lake Izabal.

More places

Izabal Banana Plantations — Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast (Guatemala)
Izabal Banana Plantations
Tropical plantations in Izabal where bananas are a major part of daily life.
Battle of Puerto Caballos — Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast (Guatemala)
Battle of Puerto Caballos
A 17th-century naval battle where pirates attacked a Spanish fortress.
Izabal Logistics Hub — Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast (Guatemala)
Izabal Logistics Hub
Large storage and logistics area.
Caribbean Coast — Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast (Guatemala)
Caribbean Coast
Guatemala's short but diverse coastal section on the Caribbean Sea.
Izabal Banana Packing — Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast (Guatemala)
Izabal Banana Packing
Center for banana processing and export.
History of the United Fruit Company — Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast (Guatemala)
History of the United Fruit Company
The historical influence of the American company on Guatemala's economy and politics, especially in banana cultivation.
Río Dulce National Park — Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast (Guatemala)
Río Dulce National Park
A national park protecting the Río Dulce and parts of Lake Izabal, including the gorge.
Rio Dulce Manatee Sanctuary — Punta de Manabique Turtle Coast (Guatemala)
Rio Dulce Manatee Sanctuary
A protected river stretch with calm water and important habitat for manatees.