
La Manzanilla Cocodrilario
Witness over 400 crocodiles in their natural mangrove habitat from a unique boardwalk. An intense and educational wildlife encounter.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical light, active wildlife

La Manzanilla Cocodrilario
Best Time
Magical light, active wildlife

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness over 400 crocodiles in their natural mangrove habitat from a unique boardwalk. An intense and educational wildlife encounter.
"You can definitely see the crocodiles within 2 meters. A place worth visiting!"

🎯 Hold On Tight!
The handrails on the boardwalk can be weathered, so hold on securely, especially with kids .
👨🏫 Guided Tours Recommended
Opt for a guided tour to learn about the ecosystem and spot more wildlife .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Crocodile Boardwalk
Mangrove area
Walk among giants! See over 400 crocodiles in their natural mangrove habitat from a raised platform.

Mangrove Ecosystem Tour
Mangrove reserve
Explore the rich mangrove ecosystem with knowledgeable guides, spotting crocodiles and diverse birdlife.

Sunset Wildlife Viewing
Cocodrilario
Witness the reserve come alive at dusk with a guided tour, learning about crocodiles and local wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Close Encounters
Timing is Key for Wildlife
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Hold On Tight!
The handrails on the boardwalk can be weathered, so hold on securely, especially with kids.
👨🏫 Guided Tours Recommended
Opt for a guided tour to learn about the ecosystem and spot more wildlife.
💰 Affordable Entry
Entry fee is around $50 pesos, offering great value for the experience.
🐊 Intense Crocodile Views
Expect to see crocodiles very close, sometimes within 2 meters. Keep children supervised.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Hold On Tight!
The handrails on the boardwalk can be weathered, so hold on securely, especially with kids.
👨🏫 Guided Tours Recommended
Opt for a guided tour to learn about the ecosystem and spot more wildlife.
💰 Affordable Entry
Entry fee is around $50 pesos, offering great value for the experience.
🐊 Intense Crocodile Views
Expect to see crocodiles very close, sometimes within 2 meters. Keep children supervised.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Capture stunning images of crocodiles and the unique mangrove environment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Cocodrilario La Manzanilla a truly intense and fascinating experience, offering close-up views of numerous crocodiles within a beautiful mangrove setting. While the proximity to wildlife is thrilling, it necessitates vigilance, especially with children. The affordable entry and the option for educational guided tours, particularly at sunset, are highly praised aspects of this unique natural attraction.
"A really neat place. Raised platform walk around a mangrove with huge Crocs.
Also saw some neat birds. It would be nice if they added some information stations alongside the tiny museum"
Tyson Olynyk
"The experience is very intense! You can definitely see the crocodiles within 2 meters. If you visit the place with your family, make sure to take care of your kids a lot. I think it could be quite dangerous. Still, this is a place worth visiting"
Samara Rangel
"Went on a mangrove tour here with Gerardo. He's so knowledgeable about the local ecosystem. We enjoyed every minute of it, saw many crocodiles, and learned a lot. Highly recommend."
Renee Kipp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cocodrilario is located in La Manzanilla, Jalisco, Mexico. It's accessible by car, and many visitors stay at nearby accommodations like Hotel y Villas Palma Real. Public transport options might be available from larger towns in Jalisco.
While specific parking details aren't widely mentioned, it's common for attractions in smaller towns to have street parking or designated areas nearby. Arriving earlier in the day can help secure a convenient spot.
You can explore via a raised platform boardwalk that winds through the mangrove. For a more immersive experience, consider a guided mangrove tour by foot or even by lancha (small boat).
Yes, it's a popular day trip destination. Many visitors combine a visit to the Cocodrilario with exploring the beaches and town of La Manzanilla.
The raised boardwalk offers a unique perspective, but its condition can vary. It's advisable to check current accessibility conditions upon arrival, as some sections might be challenging.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Cocodrilario is typically open daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. It's always a good idea to confirm hours before your visit, especially during holidays.
The admission fee is approximately $50 pesos per person, making it a very affordable and worthwhile experience.
Advance booking is generally not required for the Cocodrilario. You can purchase tickets upon arrival.
Yes, guided tours are highly recommended, especially for sunset viewings. They offer valuable insights into the ecosystem and wildlife.
Most visitors spend about an hour to an hour and a half exploring the boardwalk and museum.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the large population of crocodiles, with over 400 individuals. You can also spot various bird species, including blue herons.
While the boardwalk is raised, it's crucial to supervise children closely due to the proximity of crocodiles. Hold onto handrails as they can be weathered.
There's a small museum on-site that provides some information about the crocodiles and the local ecosystem. Visitors suggest adding more information stations.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic spot for photography, offering unique opportunities to capture crocodiles and the mangrove scenery.
Restroom facilities are typically available at tourist attractions like this, though specific details are not widely advertised.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options within the Cocodrilario itself are limited. It's best to enjoy meals at the restaurants in La Manzanilla town before or after your visit.
La Manzanilla offers a variety of restaurants serving fresh seafood and local Mexican cuisine. Many beachfront eateries provide lovely views.
Bringing snacks and water is generally allowed, especially for longer visits. However, be mindful of waste and keep the area clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon, especially during sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. The golden hour can make the crocodiles and mangrove look particularly stunning.
A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing detailed shots of crocodiles from the boardwalk. A wide-angle lens is great for the overall mangrove landscape. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. Be respectful of other visitors and the wildlife. Avoid using flash photography directly at the animals.
Look for crocodiles basking on the banks, birds in flight, and the intricate patterns of the mangrove roots. The boardwalk itself offers unique angles.
You can get quite close to the crocodiles from the boardwalk, sometimes within 2 meters. Always maintain a safe distance and never attempt to feed or provoke the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Crocodiles
One of the most famous residents is 'Pancho,' an approximately 48-year-old crocodile measuring about 4 meters and weighing 380 kg. Learning about these animals, their behaviors, and their importance to the environment is a key part of the visit. The small museum on-site offers some basic information, and guided tours provide deeper insights from knowledgeable locals.
The Mangrove Ecosystem
Exploring the mangrove, whether via the boardwalk or a guided tour, allows visitors to appreciate the intricate web of life. You might spot various bird species, including majestic blue herons, and learn about the unique adaptations of plants and animals to this brackish environment. The Camarada Cocodrilo initiative highlights the importance of coexistence between humans and wildlife in these sensitive areas.
Community and Conservation
Local fishermen, like Gerardo, often lead tours, sharing their deep knowledge of the area and its inhabitants. This approach not only provides visitors with an enriching experience but also supports the local economy and encourages a sense of stewardship towards the natural environment. The ongoing efforts to remodel and enhance the visitor experience, including the museum, reflect a commitment to education and sustainable tourism.




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit