History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Yumurtalık Lagoons National Park is a world-class wetland ecosystem protected by the international Ramsar Convention, formed by the alluviums carried by the Seyhan and Ceyhan rivers, the lifeblood of Çukurova, to the Mediterranean over thousands of years. The national park covers a huge area of 16,430 hectares; It consists of Çamlık, Yelkoma and Ağyatan lagoon lakes, salt marshes, freshwater ponds and dune systems. The greatest ecological importance of the national park worldwide; It is home to the largest nesting beaches in the Mediterranean for the globally endangered green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Caretta caretta. It is also a wintering paradise for hundreds of thousands of migratory birds (flamingos, crested pelicans, shelducks, spur-winged plovers). Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
It extends between the Ceyhan River delta and Yumurtalık Bay. Its altitude is between 0 and 3 meters. Tamarisk trees, sea peas, reed beds and sand lilies grow in the lagoon flora where salt and fresh water mix; The mullet, bream and blue crab populations in the lagoons are extraordinarily rich. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:Entrance to the National Park is completely free.•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open for nature observation 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset.•Rules, Safety and Stroller/Disabled Access: The bird observation towers can be reached by vehicle and are wheelchair accessible with wooden ramps. It is strictly PROHIBITED to bring motor vehicles into the dune areas; During the nesting period of sea turtles (May - September), you should not go to the beach at night, turn on lights and disturb the birds.•Facilities and Facilities:Wooden bird observation towers, information boards, nature walking paths and parking area are available. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Deveciuşağı and Sugözü Mevkii, Lagoons Region, 01680 Yumurtalık / Adana.•Road Condition and Vehicle Suitability: You can drive slowly and carefully by passenger vehicle via the stabilized lagoon road, which is separated from Yumurtalık - Karataş coastal road, high vehicle is recommended.•Real Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): You can take Deveciuşağı minibuses from Yumurtalık center to the crossroads and from there you can reach the lagoon by hiking.•Parking Availability:There is a free car parking area next to the bird observation tower. Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Bird Watching Season:Watching the dance of tens of thousands of flamingos that paint the lagoon waters pink during the autumn and winter months (October - March) with a telephoto lens and binoculars is a magnificent nature experience.•Best Photo Spots:Flocks of flamingos over the lagoon from the observation tower and silhouettes hitting the water surface at sunset.•Local Recommendation:After nature observation, you should taste the famous lagoon mullet and fresh sea bean salad in Yumurtalık.