Banc d'Arguin National Park Travel Guide
Facts and practical information
Located in the Dakhlet Nouadhibou region of Mauritania, Banc d'Arguin National Park is a pristine and diverse natural reserve that offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and abundant birdlife.
The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 2 million migratory birds from Europe and Siberia making their way to the park every year. The coastal wetlands and mudflats provide an ideal habitat for a wide variety of bird species, including flamingos, pelicans, and terns. Visitors can enjoy birdwatching from the comfort of a boat or take a guided walking tour to get up close and personal with the feathered inhabitants of the park.
In addition to its avian residents, Banc d'Arguin National Park is also home to a diverse array of marine life. The park's pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters are teeming with marine species, making it a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. Visitors can explore the park's underwater world and encounter colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, and a variety of fish species.
For those interested in cultural and historical experiences, the park is also home to traditional fishing communities whose way of life has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Visitors can interact with the local Imraguen people, learn about their traditional fishing techniques, and gain insight into their unique way of life.
Dakhlet Nouadhibou
Banc d'Arguin National Park Attractions - What to See and Explore
Banc d'Arguin National Park offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Tidra, Kijji. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.
Best Ways to Experience the Park
Wildlife
AnimalsSee what popular animal species you can meet in this location.
Fin whale
The fin whale, often referred to as the finback whale or common rorqual, is a majestic marine giant and the second-largest species on our planet, second only to the blue whale. Belonging to the baleen whale family, these impressive creatures are characterized by their...
Mammals
Blue whale
The blue whale, a marine mammal beloning to the baleen whale suborder Mysticeti, holds the distinction of being the largest animal ever known to exist. These magnificent creatures can reach lengths of up to 29.9 meters and weigh as much as 173 tonnes.
Mammals
Northern Right Whale
The North Atlantic right whale, a gentle giant of the sea, belongs to the genus Eubalaena. Known for their calm demeanor, slow feeding habits, and thick blubber, these whales were once heavily hunted, making them one of the most endangered whale species today.
Mammals
Sei whale
The sei whale is a captivating baleen whale and the third-largest member of the rorqual family, trailing only the blue whale and the fin whale. These majestic creatures inhabit most of the world's oceans, favoring deep, offshore waters.
Mammals
Hawksbill Turtle
The hawksbill sea turtle, a critically endangered species in the Cheloniidae family, is the only extant member of the Eretmochelys genus. These turtles are distributed globally, with populations in both the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions.
Reptiles
Dakhlet Nouadhibou