Jonuteek Manatee Encounter
One of the most comprehensive wildlife encounters on the banks of the Usumacinta River, it's a fantastic conservation program for birds, manatees, and for people too.
Jonuteek is a fantastic place to experience manatees way up the river to the south of Jonutadeep in the wetlands of Tabasco. The Jonuteek project was born of a love for local wildlife. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for manatees and hundreds of migratory birds. Founded by a group of committed conservationists and enthusiastic local supporters, to the organization's goal is to protect the endangered manatees while providing comprehensive and fair development of the local communities who share the environment with them.
Visitors to the complex get three distinct approaches. The first is a Close Encounter. Upon arrival, you get a welcome that includes a complete explanation of the manatees, where they've come from, what they eat, and how they live. You get an opportunity to interact with them after this brief orientation
Feeding and Observation takes place in a larger viewing area. The Jonuteek team leads the serving of the watery beasts with advice on what they like, table manners, and some explanation of what they'll eat in the wild.
Navigation and Local Culture gives visitors a better understanding of the wild new landscape of Jonuta. It's actually very old, but always changing. A trip onto the rivers and canals lets you see where the manatees spend most of their time and how people are finally better managing and preserving the ecosystem.
There is time for people to eat too. The local community is on hand to provide traditional meals at reasonable prives while guests enjoy the recreation and relaxation areas.
Jonuteek is in the little town of Los Pajaros, some 45 minutes to the south of Jonuta. Getting there is part of the fun. Many guests will arrive from Villahermosa directly to Jonuta. From Jonuta, colectivos and other transport can be arranged. From Palenque and the train stations (Tren Maya and Tren Interoceánico), the trip takes just about an hour and collectivo and tour group services are increasingly common.
Contact:
Lic. Juan Carlos Peralta Carrasco
Tel: +52 322 148 2412
https://www.facebook.com/jonuteek.manatis
https://www.instagram.com/jonuteek_manaties/
