This work investigates mangrove tree zonation dynamics in a deltaic fan in the southwestern coast of Mexico. A hypothetical evolution that led to the formation and consolidation of the Arroyo Seco deltaic fan based on the environmental components from the hydrographic basin is proposed. Also, the relief morphogenetic types, along with their sedimentary composition, are derived from geomorphologic and edaphic diagnose methods. Finally, mangrove tree zonation, basal area and height along transects traced parallel to the relief are related to morphogenetic types and to the water table depth during the dry period. There was a clear sedimentological evidence of the accretion process in the deltaic fan. The accretion horizons conditioned the water table, which increased in depth from the margin of the lagoon to the hinterland, thus changing among geoforms. It was much greater at the middle part of the transects, where continental or lagoon water did not infiltrate due to high resistance of clayey soils. The geomorphic zonation of mangrove communities in the Arroyo Seco deltaic fan is: (1) a low fluvial distributary accumulative plain, with coconut palm plantations; (2) a bank fluvial accumulative plain between distributary channels, with coconut palm plantations and patches of low tropical forest; (3) a relatively high swamp accumulative plain, flooded during high water levels, with Avicennia germinans; (4) a low swamp, temporarily flooded accumulative plain, with Rhizophora mangle, Laguncularia racemosa and A. germinans; (5) a very low swamp, permanently flooded accumulative plain, with distributary channels, lateral microbars and tide microdepressions, where Rhizophora and Laguncularia codominate; and (6), a Rhizophora fringe and colonization area along the fan's frontal edge on the same plain. Along this gradient composed of six mangrove communities, basal area and height tended to increase as the water table reached soil level. The relevance of this study rests on the use of both geomorphological and ecological methods to explain the development and distribution of mangrove communities in an actively accreting area. It also highlights the importance of the water table on the survival, structure and zonation of mangrove communities.