Padre Ramos Estuary Nature Reserve

The Padre Ramos estuary is one of the better-preserved mangrove systems on the Pacific coast of Central America, a branching network of channels and islands behind a sandy point, and its significance is the hawksbill turtle: the eastern Pacific population of this critically endangered species is very small, and this estuary is one of its most important remaining nesting areas, protected through a community programme that pays local people to guard nests rather than sell the eggs. Kayaking the channels at dawn is the standard activity, with herons, ibis and kingfishers, and the village has simple lodging. The reserve is remote, on the road toward the Cosigüina peninsula, and sees few visitors.

The landscape

• Mangrove channels - a branching estuary paddled by kayak.
• Hawksbill nesting - one of the key sites for the eastern Pacific population.
• The community programme - nest guarding organised with local families.
• Estuary birds - herons, ibis, kingfishers and waders.

When to go

December to April for dry weather and calm paddling. Hawksbill nesting runs roughly May to November, which overlaps the rains, so seeing turtles and having good weather pull in opposite directions.

Practical notes

The village is basic with limited food and lodging, and getting there is a long rough drive from Chinandega. Mosquitoes are severe. Turtle encounters are managed strictly and not guaranteed. Kayaking depends on tides.

Nearby

Jiquilillo lies south along the coast; Cosigüina is west.