Lake Izabal

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Lake Izabal
from space
Coordinates	15.5° N 89.1667° WCoordinates: 15.5° N 89.1667° W
Primary inflows	Polochic River
Basin countries	Guatemala
Surface area	589.6 km²
Max. depth	18 m

Lago de Izabal, also known as the Golfo Dulce, is the largest lake in Guatemala. The Polochic river is the largest river that drains into the lake. The lake drains into the Caribbean Sea through the smaller Golfete Dulce and the Rio Dulce. The well preserved colonial Castillo de San Felipe de Lara guarded this lake against the pirates attacks, and there are some ancient sunken ships nearby.

It has a surface area of 589.6 km² and is the largest lake in the country. Maximum depth of the lake is 18 m. Polochic River is the largest stream entering into the lake. It is home to several species including the Manatee, Jaguars spider and howler monkeys and it is a wonderful birdwatching place.