There are several scenic and extensive mangrove wetlands and lagoons in the state of Colima. Our lagoons are lined with three types of mangroves: Red, black, and white (named for the color of their bark), and buttonwood, which is related and sometimes called a mangrove. What you most readily see is the red mangrove with its noticeable prop roots. The black and the white mangroves grow behind them.
Mangroves are extremely important to the ecosystems of lakes, lagoons and sea. They shed leaves copiously all year long, creating the basic source of food. Bark, twigs, root material, guano from birds roosting in the trees, and organic matter of all kinds including dead animals and loose sea grass trapped in the maze of roots add to it. All decompose to begin the food chain. Bacteria and fungi are the agents that produce edible detritus and are themselves eaten by marine animals often too small to see. They in turn are eaten by larger animals. And finally, larger predators, including humans, come along to harvest the bounty, including shrimp, crabs and fish.
The hiking route takes us through the back country and around the lagoon, offering many opportunities to observe the diverse bird and plant life that make this area so unique. The easy walk culminates with a stop at a seaside thatched-roof restaurant called a ramada. This area was once a small fishing village, that has existed for more than 450 years.
The saltwater lagoon has a channel that leads to the sea. The entire lagoon is home to thousands of waterfowl and migratory birds and affords an excellent opportunity for nature photography and observation. We see an average of 30 different bird species per day. This area is one of the premier ecological sites in this part of Mexico. You will be able to swim in the clear waters where the lagoon meets the sea, and is constantly refreshed during high and low tide, or you'll be able to body surf in the small waves in the corner of the bay. If you choose to stay for lunch, the restaurant serves excellent seafood at an additional cost. For a refreshing drink, try our namesake, a "Coco Loco" served in a fresh coconut. If you don't know what's in a Coco Loco, be sure and ask.
Please click on photos to enlarge
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Duration: 2-4 hours (Depending
on whether you decide to have lunch on the beach (not included but recommended).
Other activities also available: horseback riding, boogey boarding, banana boat
rides, shopping, swimming.)
Departure time: 9:30 a.m.
(Optional departure time: Sunset/late afternoon as the birds come in to roost in
the mangroves; time varies depending on time of year)
Price: $35 USD (Add $8-10 USD for lunch)
Coco Loco Tours
Km. 15 Blvd. Miguel de la Madrid, Santiago (at Scuba Shack)
Phone (314) 333-3678