Punta Sur Region Hotspots

The Punta Sur Region comprises five different eBird hotspots and makes a wonderful daytrip for birding, sightseeing, and beach activities.  The beaches, lagoons, and forests of this 1,130 hectare natural state reserve host diverse flora and fauna.  Because the park encompasses such a large area of undeveloped land, it supports a wide diversity of bird species.  Indeed, it is among the best places on the island to observe sandpipers, plovers, terns, herons, egrets, and flamingos.  During fall, winter and spring, the mangroves host diverse migrant species.  Many beaches within the park are are used as nesting sites by sea turtles.  Crocodiles can be frequently sighted in the many lagoons.  A small museum Mayan ruin is located near the Laguna Columbia observation tower, and small museum can be found at the base of the lighthouse.

Additional information on species and sighting frequencies can be found on the eBird pages for five hotspots that make up the Punta Sur region (Parque Punta Sur Road—Gate to Laguna Columbia, Laguna Columbia - Torre de Observación, Faro Celerain, Punta Sur Eco Beach, and Laguna Columbia -- Muelle 2).

When visiting this site, please remember to use separate checklists as you move between different hotspot areas, which describe different geographic locations and environments.

Tips for Birding this Site

This is a large park, so a vehicle is needed to visit the different areas of interest.  The road leading from the park Gate (POI #1) is unpaved, but appropriate for rental cars.  The road is regularly maintained, but you will still want to drive slow through the potholes after it rains.  Access to the park from the highway is near Rasta's.  Like the other parks in Cozumel, Parque Punta Sur does not open until 9:00 am, and it is closed on Sundays.  This might seem to be somewhat disappointing for birders who generally like to get out early, but many of the shore and wading birds are easily observed throughout the day.  It is possible to arrange for an early, private birding boat tour on the lagoon.  This can be done by arranging in person with one of the guides (e.g., Melba Aguilera) at the lighthouse on a day prior to the desired private tour.  

The site is quite exposed so it can be windy, especially during periods of strong SE winds; this is a good place to bird on days when a "norte" is blowing on the other side of the island.  Bring sun protection as there is little shade available.  Biting insects are generally not an issue, but can annoying on calm days, especially along the nature trail leading from the west end of the lighthouse.  Food, drinks, and souvenirs are available from several small concessions at the lighthouse and at the Eco Beach, as are restroom facilities.  Nature guides can be found at the observation tower and at the lighthouse.  They are all very knowledgeable about the best places to go and the flora and fauna.  In particular, Melba Aguilera is a very well-known and knowledgeable birder on the the island, and she often guides birders both within and outside the park. 

Beginning at the park gate (Parque Punta Sur Road—Gate to Laguna Columbia; POI #1), the entrance road offers a number of opportunities to observe shorebirds and seabirds.  There are a number of "pull-offs" that permit getting out to scan the beach and sky for birds.  Before reaching the observation tower on Laguna Columbia, a prominent rocky point and small rocky island (informally referred to as "Tern Rock"; POI #2) is frequented by terns, gulls, plovers, and sandpipers.  During summer months, the beaches are full of sea turtle tracks and nests, and the occasional crocodile can be seen.  When you reach the small Mayan ruin ("El Caracol"), you can park and walk the short path/boardwalk to the observation tower (Laguna Columbia - Torre de Observación); this trail takes you through a mangrove restoration area (listen for Clapper Rail as you first enter the lagoon).  The tower is well-shaded and offers a breezy spot to observe the many birds moving about Laguna Columbia.  The large island to the NW of the tower if frequented by Magnificent Frigatebirds, and an active osprey nest can be seen in the dead treetops further to the north and at a greater distance.  Depending on the water levels in the lagoon, the shoreline is typically full of sandpipers, plovers, herons, and egrets.  The active foraging behaviors of the charismatic Reddish Egret are a delight to observe and one can easily spend a few hours in the tower.

A bit further into the park, you will find the lighthouse (Faro Celerain).  In addition to restrooms, a small museum, and several concessions, there is a nature trail (POI #3) that begins to the west of the lighthouse.  This short trail takes you through a coastal forest past a number of small cenotes (POI #4) where crocodiles and a number of bird species (including migrants)  can often be observed.  There is small observation tower (near a cenote) along this trail, just south of the park road.  A larger cenote, often filled with water, is located to the west of the trailhead north of the tower (POI #5).  Continuing further into the park, additional eBird hotspots (Punta Sur Eco Beach, Laguna Columbia -- Muelle 2) can be found at the end of the road; there are also a number of small concessions in this area as well.  Short tours on the lagoon (on a pontoon boat) depart midday at several different times from Muelle 2 and offer opportunities to get closer to birds on the lagoon; this is a general tour (included in the park entrance fee), and not just for birders.  If you are interested in seeing Boat-billed Heron or other species, it is best to arrange a private boat tour with a dedicated bird guide.