Punta Izopo is a relatively small national park located on the Eastern end of the Bay of Tela. Most of the park is a mangrove forest and a marine estuary that is located between the municipalities of Tela and Arizona. Access is usually in the vicinity of Triunfo de la Cruz, one of the Garifuna communities located within the Bay. A tour of Punta Izopo National Park is an interactive experience, as it is done in sea kayaks. The boats are either one or two person units, which mean that you will be paddling yourself around the small lagoon estuaries and the mangrove canals.
This is the perfect form of transportation, as it allows you to paddle through the canals and sneak up on the wildlife. You can usually see howler monkeys, who unknowingly will let you know where they are with their loud, unfriendly howls. The quieter white faced monkeys are also easily seen. You are also likely to see crocodiles and of course, many different marine birds.
The tour usually takes about 2 ½ hours, and no previous experience is needed. You will of course be provided with all of the necessary equipment, including a life vest, and you do not need to be in great shape to experience this adventure. You will be accompanied by guides in their own kayaks, and if you prefer, you can team up with one of the guides in a two person unit.
After the tour, you might find yourself feeling hungry. Since your return trip to Tela will take you through the Garifuna community of Truinfo de la Cruz, we suggest that you take advantage and stop for lunch here. This will be a unique opportunity to get an insight to this unique culture that has been awarded the category of intangible world heritage by the UNESCO.
Remember to bring some cash to pay for your lunch and beverages as well as some sun screen, bug repellent and a hat. If you bring a camera, make sure you have a waterproof container for it! This tour is offered by Eco Di Mare Tours and Garifuna Tours, both out of Tela. We recommend that you hire this tour in Tela rather than to try to drive to the park on your own. The Kayaks are all privately owned and you will not be able hire them directly.