João Vieira and Poilão Marine National Park

João Vieira and Poilão Marine National Park is one of 7 national parks in Guinea-Bissau — protected area in Guinea-Bissau. It covers 495 km² (49,500 ha) — about 63% of the size of New York City, making it the #6 largest national park in Guinea-Bissau (7.3% of the country's national park area).

History and protection

The park was established in 2000, 26 years ago — the first national parks in Guinea-Bissau date back to 1980. It is listed in IUCN category II: National Park — protecting whole ecosystems while welcoming visitors for recreation and education.

Visiting João Vieira and Poilão Marine National Park

The closest airport is Osvaldo Vieira International Airport (OXB), about 105 km away — around 2 h 17 min by car; alternatively Ziguinchor Airport (ZIG, 189 km). Other national parks within reach include Orango Islands National Park (1,582 km²), Cantanhez Forest National Park (680 km²), Basse Casamance National Park (50 km²) and Kiang West National Park (115 km²) — easy to combine on one trip.