With a population of 800, the town of Punta Allen sits at the end of a 56-km stretch of dune covered in coastal vegetation, the Caribbean Sea on one side and Ascension Bay on the other. Lobster fishing is the main source of income in Punta Allen, but tourism is playing an increasingly important role in the local economy, with Punta Allen offering an excellent opportunity to discover Caribbean culture and serving as a great starting point for exploring marine ecosystems where one can observe reptiles such as iguanas, lizards, crocodiles and sea turtles; birds such as frigatebirds, pelicans, blue-footed boobies, cormorants, herons, egrets, ospreys and many others. Dolphins are commonly seen, and with a bit of luck, manatees can also be spotted. Snorkeling on the Mesoamerican Reef (the second largest in the world) is a must to enjoy its incredible biodiversity.
