El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary
Bucerias Carretera Puerto Vallarta-Tepic, Bucerías, Mexico
Not far from the bustling tourist hub of Puerto Vallarta, El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary is a hidden gem in the heart of Nayarit. The sanctuary offers a safe haven for crocodiles and other native wildlife, as well as an enriching experience that combines adventure, education, and nature.
El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary was established to protect Mexican crocodiles from the challenges of the wild, including habitat destruction and hunting. The staff care for and rehabilitate crocodiles, plus collaborate with researchers and conservationists to implement programs that benefit the creatures and the local ecosystem. Education is at the heart of the sanctuary’s mission, so guided tours aim to teach visitors about crocodile behavior and conservation status. Guided tours, including boat tours, are led by specialized biologists and veterinarians and run throughout the day.
There is an admission fee for the sanctuary: guided tours incur an additional fee.
Guided tours depart every 20 minutes and last 1.5-2 hours.
Wear comfortable shoes to walk around the trails.
Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and bring insect repellent.
The sanctuary is suitable for children 4 years old and up.
The El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary is located in the El Quelele Estuary next to the Flamingos Golf Club in Bucerias. Look for a Cocodrilario El Cora small sign, featuring a picture of a crocodile, then turn onto the one-lane dirt road. The sanctuary is 1.2 miles (two kilometers) down the road.
El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary is open all year round from Tuesday through Sunday. It’s a good idea to visit during the week, when it's typically less crowded and you’re likely to get a more personal experience from the guides who will have more time to answer your questions.
Bring binoculars, if you have them, to spot some of the variety of native and migratory bird species that are attracted to the sanctuary’s diverse ecosystem. There are several well-maintained trails that go around the sanctuary, where you can see wildlife in its natural habitat.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!