Discover the largest lagoon in Campeche, Laguna de Términos, and where it’s located, plus key information on Laguna de Silvituc for eco-tourism.
Laguna de Términos spans 70 kilometers from east to west and 40 kilometers from north to south, covering approximately 1,550 square kilometres and ranking as the largest lagoon in the state of Campeche and one of the most extensive coastal lagoons in Mexico. Juan de Grijalva first charted the inlet known as Boca de Términos during his 1518 expedition along the Yucatán coast.
Fed by major waterways—the Palizada, Candelaria and Chumpán rivers—Laguna de Términos receives an average of 75% of its freshwater inflow from the Palizada alone, creating a gradient of salinity that shapes its rich estuarine habitats. The lagoon maintains tidal connectivity to the Bay of Campeche through two inlets—Boca de Puerto Real and Boca del Carmen—facilitating the renewal of approximately 50% of its water volume every nine days. Its mean depth of 3.5 metres and expansive mangrove fringes support both fisheries and coastal protection functions.
Recognized for its biodiversity, Laguna de Términos was designated a Flora and Fauna Protection Area by the national government in 1994, covering more than 7,061 square kilometres and falling under IUCN Category VI. Surveys have recorded at least 1,468 fauna species within its boundaries, including 279 bird species, 74 insect groups and 34 mammal species. The lagoon serves as a key nursery for commercially important fish species, as well as migratory birds traversing the Mississippi Flyway.
Visitors can explore Laguna de Términos via eco-tours that navigate mangrove-lined channels to Isla del Carmen and neighbouring barrier islands. Anglers seeking snook, tarpon and catfish can fish in designated zones, while wildlife enthusiasts often spot bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and crocodiles along its shores. Designated camping areas and marked hiking trails offer opportunities for overnight stays and nature walks, granting immersive access to the lagoon’s wetlands.
Access from Campeche City to Laguna de Términos takes roughly two hours by car via Federal Highways 180 and 3714; public buses and taxi services provide daily connections for visitors without private transport. The nearest urban centre, Ciudad del Carmen, lies on Isla del Carmen and serves as a gateway for boat tours and lodging before entering the protected area.
In the interior of the state, Laguna de Silvituc in the municipality of Escárcega ranks as Campeche’s second-largest lagoon and its largest inland waterbody. Spanning approximately 1.5 kilometres in length and 0.6 kilometres in width, Silvituc occupies a forested basin characterized by dark sandy and clay substrates. Seasonal rainfall connects Silvituc to adjacent wetlands, forming a network of lagoons common to the permeable limestone terrain of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Motorized boats are prohibited on Laguna de Silvituc, ensuring tranquil exploration by canoe. Canoe tours and freshwater fishing draw visitors seeking species such as catfish and barred mojarra, while the lagoon’s periphery shelters white-tailed deer, wild boar, armadillos and dozens of bird species. Marked trails and camping sites permit multi-day wildlife excursions in a less-developed setting than its coastal counterpart.
Laguna de Silvituc lies about 134 kilometres southeast of Champotón and 60 kilometres east of Escárcega, accessible via Federal Highway 180, the Champotón–Escárcega road and Highway 186. Road access follows Federal Highway 180 toward Champotón, then the Champotón–Escárcega route and finally Highway 186 to Silvituc village.
Together, Laguna de Términos and Laguna de Silvituc showcase Campeche’s diverse lagoon ecosystems, offering critical habitat for wildlife and supporting local fisheries and tourism industries. Despite their protected status, Laguna de Términos faces ongoing pressures from oil exploration and regional development, while Silvituc contends with water extraction and habitat fragmentation. Conservationists emphasize the need for sustainable management to balance ecological integrity with community livelihoods in Campeche’s lagoon networks.
