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Tuzly Lagoons

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

park

Weather…

The Tuzly Lagoons National Nature Park is situated in the Odesa Oblast and comprises a chain of coastal lagoons separated from the Black Sea by a narrow sandbar. Established in 2010, the park covers an expansive area of 27,865 hectares, protecting a series of brackish water bodies including Burnas, Alibey, and Shagany. This territory is a designated Ramsar site of international importance, serving as a critical stopover for millions of migratory birds traveling between Europe, Asia, and Africa. More than 250 bird species have been recorded within the park, featuring significant populations of pelicans, flamingos, and rare waders. The shallow, nutrient-rich waters provide essential breeding grounds for fish and a diverse array of aquatic invertebrates. In addition to its ecological value, the lagoons are famous for their mineral-rich therapeutic muds, which have been used for medicinal purposes for over a century. Managing the delicate balance of salinity and ensuring the natural flow of water remains the primary focus of local conservation efforts.

Location: Ukraine
Nearby: Artsyz (43 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-1	1	5	11	18	22	25	25	19	12	7	1
Rain mm	39	30	33	32	41	52	46	29	32	42	38	38

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Reach the lagoons from the Odesa region via the coastal road towards Lebedivka or Kurortne. The park entrance is typically accessed by car through these nearby seaside settlements.

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Best season

Spring and autumn are the peak seasons for birdwatching during migrations. Summer is popular for those which combine nature walks with the nearby Black Sea beaches and warm coastal weather.

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Terrain & paths

The terrain is flat, featuring sandy spits, marshy lagoon shores, and coastal steppes. Walking along the sandbars can be tiring but gives the best views of the diverse bird life.

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What to bring

Binoculars are a must-have for birdwatchers in this national park. Bring comfortable shoes suitable for sand and mud, plenty of drinking water, and effective insect repellent for mosquitoes.

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Parking

Designated parking is limited, so most visitors park in the villages of Lebedivka or Kurortne. Some dirt tracks lead closer to the lagoons, but they require a vehicle with high clearance.

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Safety

Avoid disturbing nesting birds by keeping a respectful distance and staying on established paths. Be aware that coastal weather can change quickly, bringing strong winds from the Black Sea.

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Time needed

Allow at least 3 to 5 hours for a meaningful birdwatching session and a walk along the lagoons. Many visitors spend a whole day to explore different lagoons and the nearby sea coast.

Geography

Coordinates

45.85000, 29.95000

Facts

The national park was officially established on January 1, 2010.
The total area of the protected territory is 27,865 hectares.
A 36-kilometer-long sandspit separates the lagoons from the open sea.
More than 250 bird species are recorded in the park annually.
The lagoons are part of the international Ramsar List of Wetlands.
Significant nesting colonies of Great White Pelicans are found here.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Artsyz43 km · WExplore →

Danube Biosphere Reserve52 km · SWExplore →

Vylkove Canal System57 km · SWExplore →

Southern Desert58 km · SEExplore →

Danube Delta62 km · SExplore →

Letea Forest66 km · SWExplore →

Eridu69 km · EExplore →

Lower Dniester National Park73 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Tuzly Lagoons (1)

Khadzhyder Lagoon📍 landmark

Khadzhyder Lagoon is a coastal lagoon in Ukraine. It is part of the Tuzly Lagoon system.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the Tuzly Lagoons?

A chain of salty lagoons on the Black Sea coast near Odesa.

Why are they important for birds?

They are a significant resting place for millions of migratory birds.

Can you see flamingos there?

Yes, in recent years, greater flamingos have been increasingly spotted here.

Is there therapeutic mud?

Yes, the mud from some lagoons is used for medical purposes.

What activities are possible?

Birdwatching, photography, and beach walks.

Tuzly Lagoons: where is it located?

Tuzly Lagoons is located in Ukraine.

Tuzly Lagoons: when is the best time to visit?