Payne's Creek National Park

Payne's Creek protects around thirty-seven thousand acres of pine savanna, lagoon and mangrove on the Toledo coast, with manatee, crocodile and a long bird list. Its unusual feature lies underwater: the floor of Punta Ycacos Lagoon holds the remains of Maya salt works, wooden posts and pottery preserved in the peat since the water rose over them, one of the best-preserved records anywhere of how the Maya made salt.

What you actually see

• The underwater salt works - Maya wooden structures preserved in the lagoon floor.
• The pine savanna - open savanna running behind the coast.
• The lagoon and mangrove - manatee and crocodile habitat through the park.
• The birdlife - savanna and wetland species across the different habitats.

When to go

December to April is the dry season and the practical window. Boat access depends on conditions. Mosquitoes and sandflies are heavy year round.

Honest expectations

The salt works are underwater and are not visible to visitors; they are a research site rather than an attraction. Access is by boat with a guide and must be arranged. Facilities are none and biting insects are severe.

Nearby

Monkey River is nearby, and Punta Gorda is south.