— Nature & History —
The Mangrove habitat, its origin and natural beauties.
Welcome to our mangrove habitat in Curaçao.
Here, you'll find a diverse range of mangrove species, each with its unique charm. Explore our park and observe the black, white, and red mangroves, each with distinct characteristics. Take a leisurely walk among these remarkable trees. It's an experience you won't want to miss.
But that's not all. As you delve deeper into our mangrove area, be on the lookout for the Buttonwood Tree, a common companion to these mangroves.
As you approach the coast, you'll encounter a colorful array of algae. Keep an eye out for vibrant green and brown algae, adding to the beauty of our mangrove ecosystem.
Come and immerse yourself in the wonder of our mangroves, where the marvels of nature unfold right before your eyes.
Nature
Learn more about the mangroves and their characteristics!
Avicennia germinans
Description: It is a tree that can grow up to 8 meters tall. The stems are covered in white, velvety hairs, with numerous aerial roots protruding from the ground.
Leaves: The leaves are leathery, opposite, short-stalked, lanceolate to elliptical in shape, measuring 4-10 x 1.5-3.5 cm, with smooth margins. The upper surface of the leaves is smooth and covered in salt crystals, while the lower surface has a whitish powdery appearance.
Flowers: The flowers are sessile and densely clustered in 1 to 6 cm long spikes. The corolla is tubular with four unequal lobes, whitish with a creamy throat.
Fruit: The fruit is obliquely flattened and egg-shaped, measuring 1.5-2 cm, containing a single seed that often germinates while still on the tree.
Laguncularia racemosa
Description: It can be a shrub or a tree, ranging from 1.5 to 6 meters in height.
Leaves: The leaves are leathery, opposite, short-stalked, inverted ovate or elliptical, measuring 2-8 x 1-4 cm. The upper surface of the leaves is highly glossy, while the lower surface has small glands along the leaf margin and two dark glands near the base of the leaf stalk.
Flowers: The flowers are either male or bisexual, approximately 4 mm long, white or whitish, arranged in a 3-6 cm long spike-like inflorescence.
Fruit: The fruit is inverted egg-shaped, slightly flattened, measuring 1.5-2 x 0.5-1 cm, and covered in silky hairs.
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Rhizophora mangle
Description: It is a tree that can range from 1 to 8 meters in height. It has knee-shaped, arching prop roots and hanging aerial roots.
Leaves: The leaves are glossy, thick, and leathery, opposite, short-stalked, elongated, elliptical, or inverted ovate, measuring 5-15 x 2.5-7.5 cm, with a slanting base.
Flowers: The flowers are yellowish-green, approximately 2 cm in diameter, arranged in fork-like branching inflorescences with few flowers. The inner side of the flowers is densely hairy.
Fruit: The fruit is cone-shaped, measuring 2-3 cm in length. It germinates on the tree, with a root embryo that can grow up to 30 cm long, breaking through the top of the fruit. Fallen fruits stand upright in the mud.
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Conocarpus erectus
Description: It can be a shrub or a tree, ranging from 3 to 8 meters in height.
Leaves: The leaves are leathery, scattered, very short-stalked, elliptical to lanceolate, measuring 2-10 x 1.5-3 cm. The upper surface of the leaves is usually dull, while the lower surface has a few glands along the main vein, with 2 glands at the base.
Flowers: The flowers can be either male or bisexual, approximately 1 cm in diameter, greenish in color, arranged in dense, spherical inflorescences, which are clustered together in a spike. The corolla is tubular with four unequal lobes, whitish with a creamy throat.
Fruit: The fruit is a spherical structure that easily falls apart, measuring approximately 1-1.4 cm in diameter.
Explore our nature
Get ready to explore the wildlife that resides in this area. Let's take a closer look at the different species that live in this unique ecosystem.
Bird spotting paradise
Bird enthusiasts will be pleased to know that the mangroves here are a haven for various bird species. From the elegant Cattle Egret, Snowy Egret, and the White Heron to the graceful Black Neck Stilt, these birds feed and breed in the mangroves. You might also have a chance to spot the delightful Yellow Warbler, or the protected Brown Pelican. Keep an eye out for migratory birds as well!
Take a good look!
Big chance you come across the native lizard species known as the Bloublou. Also, don't forget to check the trees, as Green Iguanas are skilled at hiding in the dense canopy.
Important nursery
Explore a variety of fish species swimming in the Mangrove Park, including Yellowfin Mojarra, White Mullet, and others that also inhabit similar mangrove ecosystems in Curaçao. Identifying Juvenile Fish species can be challenging, but the mangroves serve as a crucial nursery for their growth.
Join us on this adventure through the mangrove forest, where you can witness the beauty and diversity of this unique ecosystem up close.
History
Explore more about our history and area
This unique mangrove area is in the Otrobanda district, the historical city center. The park is divided into two parts: Mangrove Park Rif I, situated east of the Corendon Mangrove Beach Resort (formerly known as Holiday Beach Resort), and Mangrove Park Rif II, located west of the resort. Despite the separation between the parks by the resort, they are connected through a canal. This canal improves water circulation and will allow for future kayaking between the two parks.
Explore the historical significance of the Rif, a former island at the mouth of the St. Annabaai. The restored Riffort, part of the UNESCO World Heritage, bears witness to the rich history of this area. The Rif used to play an important role as a recreational spot for the nearby city, offering walking paths, sports fields, swimming pools, and a freely accessible bathing area.
A significant portion of the Rifwater was filled in during the 20th century to accommodate the expansion of the city center. Nevertheless, the importance and beauty of this area are preserved in memories and historical value.
Come and discover the beauty of the Mangrove Park, where nature and education come together for an unforgettable experience!
Ecological value
Discover the value of mangroves in Curaçao!
Mangroves play a crucial role in protecting the coastline from erosion and provide a safe environment for various species of animals.
Unfortunately, the mangrove ecosystems in Curaçao are under threat due to coastal development. Therefore, it is essential to protect this valuable natural resource.
Managed by Carmabi
The Mangrove Park is actively managed by the CARMABI Foundation, with a strong focus on protecting, preserving, and enhancing the park's ecological value.
The park's management is dedicated to the protection, preservation, and improvement of its natural, educational, and recreational value. We strive to achieve this in an environmentally and financially sustainable manner, with scientific, educational, and recreational purposes as our foundation.
Healthy populations
By properly managing mangrove ecosystems, we can achieve numerous benefits. Well-managed mangroves contribute to healthy fish populations in the adjacent coral reef, which, in turn, supports local fishing and the economy.
And, mangroves provide protection during extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes.
Preserving & enhancing
Preserving and enhancing the ecological value of mangroves also strengthen the biodiversity of Curaçao.
Join us in preserving these valuable ecosystems and helping us create a sustainable future!
Please note:
We kindly request visitors to respect nature and refrain from littering. Together, we can preserve the splendor of mangroves for future generations.