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Jeannette Kawas National Park

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Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)

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Jeannette Kawas National Park, formerly known as Punta Sal, is located on the Caribbean coast of northern Honduras, west of the town of Tela. Established in 1994, it was later renamed in honor of environmental activist Jeannette Kawas, who campaigned tirelessly for the area's protection. The park encompasses an impressive variety of ecosystems, including sandy beaches, mangrove forests, tropical lagoons, and coral reefs. Geographically, the area is divided into two primary zones: the Punta Sal peninsula and the Los Micos lagoon. The park's waters are home to manatees, dolphins, and numerous fish species, while the forests provide habitat for howler monkeys and various reptiles. The Los Micos lagoon is also a significant resting area for migratory birds. Beyond its biological wealth, the park is culturally significant due to its proximity to Garifuna communities whose lifestyles are deeply intertwined with the marine environment. The park has spectacular landscapes with white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, making it a jewel for eco-tourism. Preserving this fragile territory remains an ongoing challenge against human encroachment and development.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb–Apr.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C242526272828282828272625
Rain mm1801108147115195172174198279286189

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Jeannette Kawas National Park is a protected area usually visitable with guides or independently. Access to beach and mangroves is generally free.
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Typical hours
The park is typically open from sunrise to sunset. Exact times vary; check at the entrance.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the park, handy for landscape and wildlife shots. Drones require a special permit.
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Time needed
Allow 3 to 4 hours for an exploration tour. Those wanting to snorkel the coral reefs need extra time.
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Combine with
The park is near La Ceiba and can be combined with a city visit. The La Ceiba Botanical Garden is also worth a detour.
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Getting there
The park is reachable by car from La Ceiba in about 30 minutes. Public buses go to the turn-off, then walk.
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Insider tip
Bring swimwear and snorkeling gear to enjoy the beaches and reefs. Mosquito repellent is important especially in the mangroves.

Geography

Coordinates
15.81670, -87.62500

Facts

  • Established in 1994 (renamed in 1995)
  • Total area: approximately 781 square kilometers
  • Home to over 35 species of mammals and 147 bird species
  • Includes 35 km of coastline along the Caribbean Sea
  • The Los Micos lagoon is a significant Ramsar site
  • Contains four different types of mangrove ecosystems

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Jeannette Kawas National Park (Punta Sal)Jeannette Kawas National Park (Punta Sal)<1 km · NEExplore →
MorazánMorazán4 km · NWExplore →
Los Micos LagoonLos Micos Lagoon5 km · NExplore →
Pico PijolPico Pijol6 km · NWExplore →
San Jeronimo ChurchSan Jeronimo Church6 km · NWExplore →
Palmerola Logistics CenterPalmerola Logistics Center6 km · WExplore →
San Sebastian Church (Comayagua)San Sebastian Church (Comayagua)7 km · WExplore →
Lejamani AgricultureLejamani Agriculture8 km · SWExplore →

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 Punta Sal?
The park's most famous peninsula with dreamy beaches and clear water.
How to get into the park?
You usually take a boat from Tela; the trip takes about 45 minutes.
Can you see monkeys?
Yes, howler monkeys and white-faced capuchin monkeys are very common in the coastal forests.
Is there snorkeling available?
Yes, the coral reefs near Punta Sal offer excellent conditions for snorkeling.
Is camping allowed there?
Camping is only allowed with a special permit and usually only in designated areas.
Jeannette Kawas National Park: where is it located?
Jeannette Kawas National Park is located in Honduras.
Jeannette Kawas National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Apr.
Jeannette Kawas National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Jeannette Kawas National Park, formerly known as Punta Sal, is located on the Caribbean coast of northern Honduras, west of the town of Tela.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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Nearby cities

Tegucigalpa — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
Tegucigalpa
The capital and political center located in a mountain valley.
San Pedro Sula — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
San Pedro Sula
The second largest city and industrial heart of Honduras.
La Ceiba — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
La Ceiba
A coastal city known as the gateway to the Bay Islands.
El Progreso — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
El Progreso
Important commercial and agricultural city in the northwest.
Comayagua — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
Comayagua
Former capital famous for its Spanish colonial architecture.

History & landmarks

Lancetilla Botanical Garden — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
Lancetilla Botanical Garden
One of the world's largest tropical botanical gardens, located near Tela.
Pulhapanzak Waterfall — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
Pulhapanzak Waterfall
An impressive 43-meter waterfall near Lake Yojoa.
Christ at El Picacho — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
Christ at El Picacho
A monumental statue of Christ overlooking the capital city of Tegucigalpa.
La Tigra National Park — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
La Tigra National Park
The country's first national park, vital for the water supply of the capital city.
🗺️
Cuero y Salado Refuge
A wildlife refuge especially famous for the protection of manatee populations.
Pico Bonito National Park — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
Pico Bonito National Park
A rugged national park featuring jungles, rivers, and diverse wildlife.

Nature

Lake Ticamaya — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
Lake Ticamaya
A protected wetland area providing habitat for numerous migratory bird species.
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Lake Yojoa
Honduras's largest lake with rich birdlife.
Laguna de los Micos — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
Laguna de los Micos
A narrow lagoon on the Caribbean coast near Tela.

More places

🗺️
Comayagua Mountains
A mountain forest area west of Comayagua.
🗺️
Tenampúa Ruins
An archaeological site of the Lenca culture located on a high plateau.
Jeannette Kawas National Park — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
Jeannette Kawas National Park
A coastal park with mangroves, lagoons, and beach forest.
Punta Izopo National Park — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
Punta Izopo National Park
A protected coastal area between sea and mangroves.
Punta Sal National Park — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
Punta Sal National Park
A coastal park with rainforest, mangroves, and beach.
San Fernando Fortress — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
San Fernando Fortress
A massive Spanish colonial fortress in Omoa, built to protect against pirate attacks.
Lancetilla Botanical Garden — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
Lancetilla Botanical Garden
A vast tropical garden near Tela.
Montana de Yoro National Park — Jeannette Kawas National Park (Honduras)
Montana de Yoro National Park
A highland park with forest and cool nights.