El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary — Attraction in Nayarit

El Cora 🐊 sanctuary was very very cool! We paid for the guided tour in English. It was so worth it! Our guide, Juan, was incredible. He was so passionate and knowledgeable. We could tell he really cares about the animals and birds in their care. We learned so much from him. It was amazing to hear about the history of the sanctuary, the area it is located in (plus to learn about the fauna of the whole of Banderas Bay) and the stories of the animals in their care. To learn which ones can be rehabilitated and which ones will need lifetime care due to many reasons, such as being blind and not being able to fend for themselves in the wild.

The mangrove swamp there is so beautiful too - made me feel like I was in Africa. Or the Amazon. Juan told us that there are over 100 species of birds in the area. And many of them are in the mangrove water area. We saw some very cool birds as well as creatures in the sanctuary. We loved learning about the crocodiles too, their ages, their personal stories, how the young ones are released back to the wild and more.

We highly recommend a visit to this sanctuary and will definitely bring more family and friends to visit here in the future.

So glad we finally made the trip there. It’s actually less than 10 minutes from our place near Bucerias. We were surprised how close it was! We had been hesitant to go in the past due to the stories of the long bumpy treck in. But it really wasn’t that bad at all. It was actually like a cool adventure and really made us feel like we were entering a jungle to see the sanctuary.

We will...

We liked the fact that this is not a zoo but a small rescue, rehab & release, ecological facility.

We had a guided one hour tour (all you need at this sanctuary) for a $300 pesos donation, each. An unguided tour may cost less but you won't get the backstory on each animal, learn about the local ecology or hear about the efforts of the sanctuary.

Crocodiles, turtles, macaws, coati, boar, other animals & the mangroves are being supported there. They are attempting to purchase & preserve the adjacent mangrove & river bank.

The sanctuary is located down a long side road/driveway off the main road in Bucerías, not far from the Mega grocery store. We had considered walking but we're glad we didn't as it's a long driveway!

We took a taxi from Chedraui, Bucerías, for $260 pesos each way & when we asked the driver to return for us he spoke to our guide & said he'd simply wait for us.

Our biologist guide was very knowledgeable & spoke English so much better than my Spanish. I am always so impressed with the linguistic skills of Mexico's youth. She told us about each animal, their story & the work that the sanctuary does. She was fun & very kind.

It's worth the effort to go & the donation which is more than stated (since 2014) on the website. The donations support the sanctuary, which receives no...

When I say that this is the best ecological tour (or tour in general!) you can take in Puerta Vallerta, I wholeheartedly mean it.

As someone studying biology, it's hard to find someone who's passion for wildlife conservation matches my own. Cesar is so intelligent, kind, and tenacious in his work with these beautiful animals, and in saving what precious little habitats we have left for them.

Please, go here and learn, especially if you are in the resort rows. Saving our planet and the stunning creatures who were here far before us is a never ending battle - you can help us, and meet some of the awesome wildlife while doing so.

The tour takes approximately an hour, and is 2km long in a loop around the property. It was an easy walk and there were benches for breaks if needed. Cesar was incredibly interactive and hands-on, making this a great activity for parents to bring their children to. He gives tours in English and Spanish, and is fluent in English. He is extremely knowledgeable, and answered all the questions we had with gusto.

I recommend closed toed shoes that you don't mind getting a little muddy.

Prepare to have your breath taken away - this is not a zoo, or anything like it. This is an Animal Sanctuary, promoting true welfare for its...