A Place to Call Home: A Guide to Mayakoba Wildlife

Get to know the creatures that inhabit this unique tropical environment in the Riviera Maya.

A unique corner of the Riviera Maya, Mayakoba places guests in an enchanting environment where mangroves, canals, and lush jungle meet the Caribbean. This extraordinary setting is home to more than 240 species –birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles that roamed the land, water, and sky long before humans arrived.

Mayakoba’s sustainability team, which includes expert biologists, has identified five distinct ecosystems: aquatic mangrove, subdeciduous lowland rainforest, beach, marine (sea), and dunes. These nature and wildlife pros have studied the fauna that inhabits each ecosystem for the past 19 years, ensuring they thrive in their natural home. Learn more about the animals that live here –and that you’ll be lucky enough to encounter during your visit.

Reptiles in Mayakoba: Turtles, Crocodiles, and More!

Reptiles thrive in Mayakoba. The lagoon is home to turtles and crocodiles, which always draw delighted gasps from guests during boat tours. Keep your eyes open as you glide along the water, as they usually like to sunbathe in rocky areas. To ensure safety for animals and guests alike, the crocodile population is carefully monitored by expert biologists.

Sea turtles are some of the most beloved creatures in Mayakoba. Every season, they come back to the white-sand beaches to lay their eggs, which can sometimes be in peril due to the presence of predators. Mayakoba’s sea turtle camp, located next to the Dive & Watersports Center, is dedicated to protecting sea turtles during their nesting period, ensuring they reach their home in the sea safely. Ask a staff member about the turtle camp during your next visit –they’re always eager to share!

Protecting Mayakoba’s Coral Reefs

Mayakoba sits by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, also known as the Great Mayan Reef. The largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, its balance is essential to the health of the oceanic ecosystem. A team of biologists monitors the reef, reviewing its state, temperature, and health periodically. Embark on a guided snorkeling tour with Mayakoba Experiences and explore this magnificent reef, home to more than 65 coral species and 500 fish species. Keep your eyes open for thrilling encounters with colorful fish, and if you’re lucky, sea turtles.

Fly High: Bird-Watching in Mayakoba

Mayakoba is a true paradise for bird-watching aficionados –so much so that it inspired British photographer James Batt to publish the book Birds of Mayakoba in 2016. Birds of different colors, shapes, and sizes fly above the lagoon, rest among the mangroves, and even swim in the canals, bringing with them a sense of freedom and serenity as they infuse the air with their song. Cormorans, herons, and limpkins (also known as caraos) are among the species you might spot during your visit.

A Home for the Coatí in Mexico

It’s hard to think of a cuter animal running around Mayakoba than the coatí. These adorable carnivore mammals live in several parts of Mexico, but especially prefer humid climates and tend to run in packs. You will most likely spot coatíes hanging out with their families on the Nature Trail or El Camaleón.

Coatís are joined by other mammals like monkeys, which tend to lie low but make for the most amazing sighting for those lucky enough to spot them while swinging among trees and leaves. It’s more likely that you’ll spot raccoons, which tend to roam among vegetation and are curious, smart animals. It’s not uncommon to find a wide-eyed raccoon standing outside your villa –especially if you’re staying near the jungle!

How to Interact with Wildlife in Mayakoba

Being immersed in nature is an incredible privilege, and it’s always important to be mindful about our place in it. Every living being in Mayakoba, from a tiny butterfly to a charming coatí, is part of a delicate ecosystem, and our responsibility is to respect it and admire it without interfering. Avoid actions like feeding the iguanas or petting the raccoons, which can disturb them or even endanger them. The golden rule: this is their home; we are only the lucky guests.

Sustainability in Mayakoba: A Team at Work

Aware of the region’s wildlife’s immense value, the team at Mayakoba has developed a Wildlife Management Program to study and protect every animal that lives in the area. The team studies the area’s vegetation, ensuring it is suitable for animals to inhabit, mate, and rest in; observes and monitors species; and rescues and relocates species found far from their natural habitat. Constant training is key, allowing the team to stay updated and informed.

Mayakoba’s unique position in the Riviera Maya creates the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, as you share a home with an array of fascinating species. Book your stay via Mayakoba.com now and allow your surroundings to inspire an unforgettable stay.

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