Laguna Limón

Laguna Limón is a shallow freshwater lagoon of around five square kilometres sitting just behind the coast, separated from the Atlantic by a narrow bar of sand and coconut palm. It is part of a protected scenic reserve and it is very quiet: small boats run out from the shore with local guides, crossing to the sandbar where you walk over to an empty beach on the other side, with herons, egrets and occasional flamingos along the margins. The water is warm and shallow enough to stand in over much of the lagoon. The area east of Miches is one of the least developed stretches of coast in the country, though that is beginning to change.

What you actually see

• The lagoon crossing - a small boat over shallow warm water.
• The sandbar beach - empty Atlantic shoreline behind the palms.
• Waterbirds - herons, egrets and sometimes flamingos on the margins.
• The undeveloped coast - one of the quietest stretches in the country.

When to go

November to April is drier and the tracks passable. Mornings are best for birds and calm water. Weekends bring a few local families; midweek it is often empty.

Honest expectations

Access roads are rough and can be impassable after rain. There are no facilities at all: no shade beyond the palms, no water, no toilet. Guides speak little English and trips are arranged informally on arrival. The Atlantic beach on the far side has strong surf and no supervision. Resort development is starting on this coast and the quiet may not last.

Nearby

Montaña Redonda is nearby; Miches is the base town.