What is Laguna Chacahua?

Chacahua is a coastal lagoon national park 70 km west of Puerto Escondido, with mangrove channels, crocodile habitat, bird colonies, and a beach village (Chacahua Pueblo) accessible only by boat across the lagoon.

How much does a Chacahua day trip cost?

Full-day group tours from Puerto Escondido run $40–60 USD per person, including the colectivo, the boat across the lagoon, a crocodile spotting stop, beach time, and lunch.

Can you stay overnight in Chacahua?

Yes — there are basic palapa cabins on the beach for $20–40 USD per night. No reservations, no Wi-Fi, no ATMs. Bring cash and a flashlight. This is the trip if you want a genuinely off-grid night.

Puerto Escondido · Day Trip

Laguna Chacahua — The 2026 Honest Guide

By Mr. Playas · Updated March 2026

Chacahua is what the Oaxacan coast looked like before tourism. A national park 70 km west of Puerto Escondido — mangrove channels with crocodiles, a brackish lagoon, bird colonies, and a beach village reachable only by boat. The kind of day trip that delivers a different country than the Zicatela surf scene 90 minutes east.

Quick answer

What does the day trip include?

Colectivo from Puerto Escondido to Zapotalito, motorboat across the lagoon to Chacahua Pueblo, 2–3 hours of beach time and lunch, mangrove and crocodile spotting on the return. 9 AM departure, back by 6 PM. $40–60 USD.

What You'll See

Mangrove channels — narrow waterways with herons, kingfishers, and pelicans
Crocodile sanctuary — small conservation project en route
Playa Chacahua — wide open Pacific beach, palapa restaurants only
Bioluminescence — possible on overnight trips with new-moon timing (Jun–Dec)

Book a Chacahua Day Tour

Full-day group tours from Puerto Escondido including transport, lagoon boat crossing, lunch, and the crocodile sanctuary stop.

Browse Puerto Escondido tours on Viator

You might also like

For the night-tour version of an Oaxacan lagoon see Manialtepec bioluminescence, or the full Puerto Escondido things to do guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better as a day trip or overnight?

Day trip is what most people do and it works. Overnight rewards you with empty beaches at sunrise, possible bioluminescence on dark nights, and a real off-grid pause. Bring cash and don't expect amenities.

Can I get there independently?

Yes — colectivo from Puerto Escondido to Zapotalito ($5 USD), then a public boat across the lagoon to Chacahua Pueblo ($2 USD each way). Adds time and saves about half the tour price.

Is the lagoon swim safe?

Yes in marked areas — guides know where crocodiles are not. Do not swim the open mangrove channels independently. The ocean beach at Chacahua has rip currents — strong swimmers only.