Located on the western end of the Bay of Tela, the Punta Sal National Park takes its name from the rocky point that juts out into the sea. Based on its size and biodiversity, the park is one of the most important national parks in Honduras. The small bays within the park served as havens to the pirates and buccaneers of yesteryear. The peninsula forms a natural barrier that protects the bay and port of Tela from the "nortes" that blow during the winter months. The park has two separate, well defined areas: the peninsula and the lagoon.