The island is extremely dry, with no sources of freshwater other than washes following rainfall. It has an area of 931 sq km and a chain of mountains runs along its 69 km length, reaching a maximum of 1,300 m above sea level. It runs northwest to southeast.

The west coast is roughly straight in that direction, but the east coast runs inward near the middle before heading outward until it reaches the island’s widest point. The coast then runs south for a while before finally returning to its southeasterly direction.

Much of the island is inaccessible due to mountains at or near the shore, especially on the west coast. There are a few flat areas on the coast at the outlets of washes that were created by sediment.

These alluvial fans are mostly on the east coast, but a large one is found on the west coast where the island narrows in the middle. Much of the island’s geology is made up of volcanic and alluvial sand deposits.

Despite its extreme dryness, the island is relatively diverse in plant and animal life. There are many types of birds and reptiles, especially lizards. The Angel Island speckled rattlesnake and Angel Island mouse occur only on the island.

The only mammals are bats, rodents, and introduced feral cats. Plants include cacti, grasses, shrubs, succulents, and boojums.

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information to the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

National Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (Emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700

The island is located in the Caribbean Sea along the eastern side of the Yucatan Peninsula about 82 km south of Cancún and 19 km from the mainland.

The island is about 48 km long and 16 km wide. With a total area of 477.961 sq km, it is Mexico’s largest Caribbean island, the largest permanently inhabited island, and Mexico’s third-largest island, following Tiburón Island and Isla Ángel de la Guarda.

The majority of the island’s population lives in the town of San Miguel, which is on the island’s western shore.

The municipality, which includes two small areas on the mainland enclaved within the Municipality of Solidaridad with a land area of 10.423 sq km, has a total land area of 647.33 sq km.

The island is covered with mangrove forest which has many endemic animal species. Cozumel is a flat island based on limestone, resulting in a karst topography. The highest natural point on the island is less than 15 m above sea level.

The cenotes are deep water-filled sinkholes formed by water percolating through the soft limestone soil for thousands of years. Cozumel’s cenotes are restricted to qualified cave divers with appropriate credentials.

Cozumel has several endemic species and subspecies of bird including:

• the Cozumel emerald
• the Cozumel great curassow, which is vulnerable
• the Cozumel thrasher, which is near, if not already, extinct
• the Cozumel vireo
• the Cozumel wren

Endemic dwarf mammals are found on the island:

• the Cozumel fox, which is near, if not already, extinct
• the Cozumel Island coati, which is endangered
• the Cozumel Island raccoon, which is critically endangered

Three rodents are larger than their mainland counterpart: Oryzomys couesi, Peromyscus leucopus, and critically endangered Reithrodontomys Spectabilis, the latter of which is also endemic to the island.

Endemic marine life:

• the splendid toadfish

Other native wildlife includes:

• the American crocodile
• the black spiny-tailed iguana
• the blue land crab (Cardisoma Guanhumi)

Cozumel has a tropical savanna climate that closely borders on a tropical monsoon climate.

The dry season is short, from February to April, with an average of about 45 mm of rain per month. The wet season is from September to October being the wettest months when precipitation averages over 240 millimeters.

Thunderstorms can occasionally occur during the wet season. Temperatures tend to remain stable with little variation from month to month though the temperatures are cooler from December to February with the coolest month averaging 22.9 °C.

Owing to its proximity to the sea, the island is fairly humid, with an average humidity of 83%. The wettest recorded month was October 1980 with 792 millimeters of precipitation and the wettest recorded day was June 19, 1975 with 281 millimeters.

The Maya are believed to have first settled Cozumel by the early part of the 1st millennium AD, and older Preclassic Olmec artifacts have been found on the island as well.

The island was sacred to Ix Chel, the Maya Moon Goddess, and the temples here were a place of pilgrimage, especially by women desiring fertility. There are several ruins on the island, most from the post-Classic period.

The largest Maya ruins on the island were near the downtown area and have now been destroyed. Today, the largest remaining ruins are at San Gervasio, located approximately at the center of the island.

The first Spanish expedition to visit Cozumel was led by Juan de Grijalva in 1518. In the following year, Hernán Cortés stopped by the island on his way to Veracruz.

The Grijalva and Cortés expeditions were both received peacefully by the Maya of Cozumel, unlike the expeditions’ experiences on other parts of the mainland.

Even after Cortés destroyed some of the Maya idols on Cozumel and replaced them with an image of the Virgin Mary, the native inhabitants of the island continued to help the Spanish re-supply their ships with food and water so they could continue their voyages. Gerónimo de Aguilar was rescued at this time.

As many as 10,000 Maya lived on the island then, but in 1520, infected crew members of the Pánfilo Narváez expedition brought the smallpox contagion to the island and by 1570 only 186 men and 172 women were left alive on Cozumel.

In the ensuing years, Cozumel was often the target of attacks by pirates, and in 1650 many of the islanders were forcibly relocated to the mainland town of Xcan Boloná to avoid the buccaneers’ predation.

Later, in 1688, most of the rest of the island’s population, as well as many of the settlements along the Quintana Roo coast, were evacuated inland to towns such as Chemax.

In 1848, refugees escaping the tumult of the Caste War of Yucatán settled on the island, and in 1849 the town of San Miguel de Cozumel was officially recognized by the Mexican government.

In 1861, American President Abraham Lincoln ordered his Secretary of State, William Henry Seward, to meet with the Mexican chargé d’affaires Matias Romero to explore the possibility of purchasing the island of Cozumel to relocate freed American slaves offshore.

The idea was summarily dismissed by Mexican President Benito Juarez, but in 1862 Lincoln did manage to establish a short-lived colony of ex-slaves on Île à Vache off the coast of Haiti.

Although the original airport was a World War II relic and was able to handle jet aircraft and international flights, a much larger airport was built in the late 1970s.

Scuba diving is still one of Cozumel’s primary attractions, mainly due to the healthy coral reef marine communities. These coral reefs are protected from the open ocean by the island’s natural geography.

In 1996, the government of Mexico also established the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park, forbidding anyone from touching or removing any marine life within the park boundaries.

Despite the importance of healthy reefs to Cozumel’s tourist trade, a deepwater pier was built in the 1990s for cruise ships to dock, causing damage to the reefs, and it is now a regular stop on cruises in the Caribbean.

The island was struck directly by two Category 4 hurricanes during the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season. In July, Hurricane Emily passed just south of Cozumel, exposing the island to the storm’s intense inner core.

Despite Emily being a powerful storm, it was the larger, stronger, slower-moving Hurricane Wilma that caused the most destruction when it hit the island in October. Wilma’s eye passed directly over Cozumel.

There was some damage to the underwater marine habitat. This included the coral reefs, which suffered particularly at the shallower dive sites, and the fish that inhabit the reefs.

Tourism, diving, and charter fishing comprise the majority of the island’s economy. There are more than 300 restaurants on the island and many hotels, some of which run dive operations, and have swimming pools, private docks, and multiple dining facilities.

Other water activities include para-sailing, kitesurfing, and a tourist submarine.

There are also two dolphinariums. At the cruise ship docks, there are several square blocks of stores selling Cuban cigars, jewelry, T-shirts, tequila, and a large variety of inexpensive souvenirs.

San Miguel is home to many restaurants with a huge variety of different cuisines, along with several discothèques, bars, cinemas, and outdoor stages.

The main plaza is surrounded by shops; in the middle of the plaza is a fixed stage where Cozumeleños and tourists celebrate every Sunday evening with music and dancing.

All food and manufactured supplies are shipped to the island. Water is provided by three different desalination facilities located on the island.

Santa Cruz Festivities and El Cedral Fair

The Festival of Santa Cruz and El Cedral Fair is a historical tradition held in the town of El Cedral, in the south of Cozumel Island at the end of April. This annual event is said to have been started over 150 years ago by Casimiro Cárdenas.

Cárdenas was one of a group that fled to the island from the village of Saban, on the mainland, after an attack during the Caste War of Yucatánin 1848. The attackers killed other villagers, but Cárdenas survived whilst clutching a small wooden cross.

Legend has it that Cárdenas vowed to start an annual festival wherever he settled, to honor the religious power of this crucifix.

Today, the original Holy Cross (Santa Cruz) Festival forms part of the wider Festival of El Cedral, which includes fairs, traditional feasts, rodeos, bullfights, music, and competitions.

The celebrations last about 5 days in all and are held every year at the end of April or the beginning of May.

Cozumel Carnival

The Cozumel Carnival or Carnaval de Cozumel is one of the most important carnival festivities in México. It has been celebrated as a tradition beginning from the late nineteenth century and fills Cozumel’s streets with parades.

It begins the week before Mardi Gras in February. Cozumel’s Carnaval is a tradition that has been passed down through many generations and celebrates a mixture of cultures that escaped the warm embrace of Cozumel.

Dating back to the mid-1800s, Cozumel Carnaval was started by young people dressed in vibrantly colorful costumes known as “Estudiantinas” or “Comparsas”, who expressed themselves in the streets of Cozumel through the art forms of dance, song, and fantasy.

The ferry from Playa del Carmen (0:30-0:40 min) runs each hour from around 7:00 to 23:00.

Holbox means “black hole” in Yucatec Maya.

The climate is subhumid warm, creating a stable and consistent temperature year-round with rains in summer, the average annual rainfall is 877.7 mm, with the influence of cyclones in summer and autumn.
The average annual temperature is 26.4° C.

During hurricane season, the island is often evacuated as it can get directly damaged by hurricane winds.

Holbox is part of the Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protection and Biosphere Reserve, created by the federal government as a protection area on June 6, 1994, during the administration of Carlos Salinas de Gortari.

It is accessible by sea from the port of Chiquilá, where you can take the ferry to cross the Yalahau Lagoon, in an approximate journey of 20 minutes, or by a private boat service.

Holbox is a natural refuge of several species, both endangered and threatened. and most of the inhabitants are interested in protecting that area. Hence, it hosts tourism projects with a sustainable focus, seeking a minimal impact on the various ecosystems, fauna and endemic vegetation in the area.

Within the island, there is no pavement and there are only some cars, all streets are white sand, which allows pedestrian travel.

Traditional means of transportation are electric or gasoline golf carts and bicycles.

These lands have been inhabited since time immemorial by the Maya. Before the conquest, it was part of the Ekab chieftaincy, which extended from Cabo Catoche to Ascension Bay, along with the islands of Contoy, Isla Blanca, Isla Mujeres, Cancún and Cozumel.

The first mentions of the island were in 1852 from a document sent by Don Bartolomé Magaña to the Governor of Yucatán.
The adjacent mainland was frequently attacked by the Maya, therefore, people sought refuge on this island.

In the late nineteenth century, the largest islands, well protected from the sea, received from Yucatan many survivors fleeing the Mayan social rebellion, known as the Caste War and, around 1891, formed the Party of the Islands, with head in Isla Mujeres and that included Holbox.

As of 1880, some Yucatecan businessmen began the colonization of the peninsular north and created the Colonizing Company of the Eastern Coast and the Company El Cuyo and Annexes. This occupation was carried out between 1880 and 1920, in order to expand and diversify the agricultural and forestry border of Yucatán; Therefore, at the beginning of the century there were already estates and towns such as Solferino, Moctezuma, Punta Tunich, Yalahau, Chiquilá, San José, San Fernando, San Ángel, El Ideal and the sugar mill San Eusebio.

Hurricanes in 1886 completely destroyed the island, but the island was rebuilt following.

On November 24, 1902 the Federal Territory of Quintana Roo was created, so Holbox was integrated as a Sub-Prefecture of the Northern District.

In 1910 the population of the state was grouped into eight municipalities, which for economic reasons were divided into three areas that still persist: north, center and south; The north zone included the municipalities of Holbox, Cozumel and Isla Mujeres. At that time, Holbox was the municipal seat of eight locations, but shortly after, in 1921, Isla Mujeres absorbed them.

In the mid-twentieth century, coastal towns, with few exceptions, increased their population, which generated an over-exploitation of resources. In 1960 there were structural changes in the settlements, the importance of Holbox decreased and its population was reduced to scarce 500 inhabitants. The decade of the seventies was key for Quintana Roo because it was at that time when its population structure changed and, in 1974, it became a state.

Holbox island not yet heavily touristed, the island’s main industry is fishing. However, the island is developing a growing tourist industry in the form of whale shark viewing.

Holbox has several alternatives to enjoy nature, but the one that attracts most visitors is the experience of swimming with the impressive whale shark from June to September, an opportunity you can experience in very few parts of the world.

Kiteboarding in Holbox

Holbox has one of the safest beaches for learning how to kiteboard. Conditions are ideal for beginners, as the beach has shallow waters, no big obstacles on the wide and long beach, many days of wind during the winter months, and a nearby school with professional instructors.

Advanced riders can find also very good conditions when the north or south winds reach 25 knots or more.

Yalahau

30 minutes from Holbox is Yalahau, a spring of crystalline waters that encloses as much beauty as history. It is said that it has healing properties, so this beautiful eye of water is considered a “fountain of youth.”

It was an important merchant port for the state, it was located in the coastal region of the current municipality of Lázaro Cárdenas, almost in front of the island of Holbox and a few kilometers from the port of Chiquilá.

Its location at the entrance of the so-called Yalahau Lagoon or Conil Bay was due to the greater depth of its waters, fishermen and Mayan travelers used the place as a source of fresh drinking water.

Birds Island

Pajaros Island is a small islet covered with mangroves and cacti located in the Yalahau or Conil lagoon, where a great diversity of birds live, some in danger of extinction; So there are two viewpoints and walkers in order to minimize direct contact with the birds, in order to protect the natural environment while admiring them.

Flamingos, cormorant, herons, frigates, pelicans, wild ducks, seagulls, are just some of the species to observe in a space still in a natural state.

Passion Island

Passion Island is a small islet that is 10 minutes from Holbox by boat. It is recommended to enjoy virgin beaches, the sun and the sea; for its calm atmosphere and its tropical adventure space, far from civilization.

Cabo Catoche

Cabo Catoche is a “tip” on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico is located approximately 53 kilometers north of Cancun. Its location belongs to the continental territory of Holbox Island. Cabo Catoche determines the continental divide between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

In the vicinity of Cabo Catoche, and during the colonial era, a Catholic temple was built, which is known as Boca Iglesia. There are no walkable roads to reach Cabo Catoche by land, only by sea you can access to visit the ruins of Ekab and Boca Iglesia.

Lobster is the main product of this fishing and many of the dishes made on the island center around lobster or other seafood.

The island has virtually no cars, with transport by most residents and tourists by golf cart or moped. The entrance of vehicles is not allowed at Holbox in order to protect the environment and to prevent the streets from getting sand.

There are several ways to reach Holbox. You could travel by car or public bus to Chiquila port and then catch the Holbox ferry across to the island. Or you can fly to the island by plane. Your plan will depend on where you’re coming from and how much you want to spend.

Traveling to Isla Holbox by plane

There’s a tiny airport on Isla Holbox, so you can reach the island by private plane. Most flights leave from Cancun airport, but you can also make arrangements to fly from Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel and Merida. The journey time is around 40 minutes, making it the quickest way to reach Holbox.

It’s not cheap though. Prices start around 470 USD one way, and as the planes are small, there may be limits on how much luggage you can take. You can check out all the latest prices and info on the Flights Holbox website.

You’re guaranteed some incredible views from a plane window!

Traveling to Isla Holbox by public bus

The cheapest and easiest way to get to Holbox is by public bus. Rather than the collectivos (minibuses) you see all over Mexico, these are smart coaches run by ADO (Mexico’s main bus network).

From Cancun bus station, the journey to Chiquila by bus takes around three and a half hours, and when I looked, tickets were between $180 MXN (9.50 USD / £7.48) and $300 MXN (15 USD / £12.50) depending on when you travel. The buses from Chiquila also go to Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Valladolid, Merida and a few other places.

The buses drop you off at the ferry port in Chiquila, where you can buy tickets for the ferry to the island.

You can check out all the latest prices and info on the ADO website.

Approximate costs of buses to Holbox (including journey time)

Cancun to Holbox – 266 MXN (3 hours 10)
Playa Del Carmen to Holbox – 276 MXN (2 hours 30)
Tulum to Holbox – 360 MXN (3 hours 40)
Merida to Holbox – 418 MXN (5 hours 30)
Valladolid to Holbox – 198 MXN (2 hours 25)

Traveling to Isla Holbox by car

As with the bus routes, if you travel by car, the furthest you can get is Chiquila port, where you’ll need to park up and hop on the Holbox ferry.

rom Cancun, it’s just two hours by car to Chiquila. Once in the town, you’ll need to find somewhere to leave your car. While none of it feels very official, there are lots of small car parks – i.e. enterprising locals letting you park in their yards/garages for a small fee!

Catching the Isla Holbox ferry from Chiquila

There are two ferry companies operating between Chiquila and Holbox and funnily enough, they offer exactly the same service and cost the same price. The only difference really is that one runs on the hour, and the other on the half-hour, meaning you’ll never wait long for the next boat.

The ferry to Holbox takes 15 minutes. You can travel on the Holbox Express on the way there, and catch the 9 Hermanos ferry when you leave. Tickets for the Holbox ferry cost 150 MXN per person for adults and $100 MXN for kids.

The ferries start at 05:00 and finish around 20:30.

Traveling to your hotel on Isla Holbox

When you step off the ferry you’ll be greeted by a row of golf carts, ready to drive you to your Holbox accommodation. You’ll pay between 20-30 MXN (around £1) to be driven the few minutes across the island to the center.

If you don’t have much luggage, then the walk to the main square takes less than ten minutes.

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information to the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

SNational Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (Emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700

In pre-Columbian times the island was sacred to the Maya goddess of childbirth and medicine, Ixchel. When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century they named it “Women’s Island” because of the many images of goddesses.

The first information available about Isla Mujeres is from the period between 564 and 1516 when it was part of the Maya province called Ekab. There were 4 Maya provinces in what is today the State of Quintana Roo.

The Maya also exploited the salt that the island produced in the “salinas” (small interior lagoons). The salt was used not only for the conservation of food and medicine but also as a generally accepted currency for the commerce of goods along the whole Maya region.

Since the 1970s, along with close-by Cancún, there has been substantial tourist development in Isla Mujeres.

Turtle Farm (Tortugranja)

Government-sponsored hatchery for endangered sea turtles. See young turtles in tanks.

Hacienda Mundaca

Located on the road to Garrafon, 3.5 km before Playa Lancheros and Playa Paraíso. It is a 19th-century hacienda built by the pirate Fermin Mundaca. The hacienda includes walls, arches, exotic plants, gardens, bird breeding places, cattle, and an orchard.

A 19th-century slave trader and reputed pirate, Fermín Antonio Mundaca de Marechaja fell in love with a local woman known as La Trigueña (The Brunette). To win her, Mundaca built a two-story mansion complete with gardens and graceful archways.

But while Fermin Mundaca was building the house, La Trigueña married another islander. Brokenhearted, Fermin Mundaca died, and the hacienda fell into disrepair.

Some documents indicate that Mundaca died during a visit to Mérida and was buried there. Others say he died on the island, and indeed there’s a grave in the town cemetery that supposedly contains his remains.

Despite the skull and crossbones on his headstone, there’s no evidence that Mundaca was ever a pirate. Instead, it is said he accumulated his wealth by transporting slaves from Africa to Cuba, where they were forced to work in mines and sugar cane fields.

Today the complex has some walls and foundations, a large central pond, some rusting cannons, and a partially rebuilt house. At the southern end stands a gateway with an impressive stone arch.

The shady grounds make for pleasant strolling, but watch out for the droppings of spiny-tailed iguanas.

North Beach (Playa Norte)

Isla Mujeres has several fine stretches of beach that run along the northern end of the island. It has shallow waters and stunning white sand. The beach is full of fun restaurants and bars as well as several hotels.

This is where the majority of travelers will spend their beach time so it can get crowded during peak season.

The northern end of the island is Playa Norte which has a wide swatch of sand that is lined with palm trees and also a few beachfront restaurants and bars. The soft white sand and level beach area make for an ideal beach volleyball court.

As of November 2016, Playa Norte has been badly eroded with much of the beach missing.

The main volleyball-playing area on Playa Norte in front of Buho’s swing bar is now gone, a victim of changing tides and a diminishing beach which locals attribute to the moving of sand from the surrounding ocean floor to build back Wilma-damaged Cancun’s beaches.

Alas, the big, beautiful pre-Wilma Playa Norte is no longer, though there is hope that it will eventually come back.

Playa Sol

At the northwestern tip of the island and is the neighboring beach to Playa Norte.

Playa Sol is the best location to watch the sunset and is usually a little less crowded than the neighboring beach. Although it is less crowded, the water is not as shallow and clear as Playa Norte.

One other advantage is that drinks are less expensive along Playa Sol.

Ruins of Ixchel Temple

A small Maya goddess Ixchel temple was once located on the southern tip of the island.

A small ruin that was once a lighthouse and temple to Ixchel, goddess of fertility. However, in 1988, Hurricane Gilbert caused extensive damage, leaving most of the foundation but only a very small portion of the temple.

Now there’s a modern art sculpture park in the area as well.

Free after 5 o’clock.

Whale Shark Tours

From mid-May through September hundreds of whale sharks gather in the waters near Isla Mujeres, with peak season in July and August.

Trips can be booked anywhere on the island, but official operators who have agreed to uphold certain standards and implement safety measures to protect the sharks operate mostly out of dive shops and charge a set price.

Tours will generally include breakfast, snorkeling gear, 8-10 people per boat, a 45-60 minute trip out to the whale shark area, and then 3-4 trips in the water with the sharks for 2-15 minutes each time, depending on the number of sharks (more sharks, more time in the water).

The return trip includes lunch, ceviche, and a snorkel at a local reef. All passengers must wear life jackets in the water unless they have their wet suit, a useful tip since it is much easier to swim with the sharks in a wet suit than it is in a bulky life jacket.

Garrafon Park

The southern side of the island lacks a sandy beach.

This side of the island offers snorkeling where fish abound and the crystal-clear water makes for an enjoyable swim. The reef that lies within the protective buoys has been severely damaged by storms and years of careless treatment by snorkelers.

A revamp of the park has created a healthier environment for the coral, and it thrives more with each passing year.

Tour boats from Cancun bring hordes of day-trippers who mostly stay within the park. A useful tip for those staying on the island is that you can snorkel in the waters adjacent to Garrafon Park, and the sea life is still very impressive.

Dolphin Discovery

Located on the northwest side of the island on the Peninsula of Sac Bajo is Dolphin Discovery. It is a small amusement park well known for allowing visitors to interact and swim with dolphins in an enclosed area.

The park has a list of activities ranging from dolphins to other marine mammals. If traveling from Cancun, visitors can take a bus or taxi to Playa Langosta which is located at Boulevard Kukulcan Km. 5.

It is between the Casa Maya Hotel and Vacation Club International. There, Dolphin Discovery representatives can check visitors in and direct them to a ferry which takes 40 minutes to get to the docking area of Dolphin Discovery.

Scuba diving and snorkeling

Scuba diving and snorkeling. around Isla Mujeres is unforgettable.

The Manchones Reef begins just off of Isla’s shore and the Cuevones and Banderas Reefs are close by. The waters are calm and clear – perfect for the beginner as well as the advanced diver.

With 50 accessible sites, Isla Mujeres is a great option and a little unknown with all the hype that Cozumel gets. Those staying in Playa Norte may enjoy snorkeling in the lagoon next to the Avalon Hotel which has a respectable number of fish in an easily-accessible location.

Fishing

One does not need to shell out large sums of money to go sport fishing on Isla. Just talk to the local hotel/guesthouse employee and they can set you up with a local fisherman who will take you out fishing.

Whatever fish you catch, you can take to a local restaurant and they will prepare the fish however you like.

Local transportation on the island of Isla Mujeres consists primarily of taxis golf carts and moped scooters. As of 2005, there were 121 taxis, 500 golf carts, and 1500 moped scooters.

There is also a bus service that runs from the downtown to the different neighborhoods.

For multiple excursions to the south end of the island, the best option is to rent a scooter or golf cart. The roads are all paved and the main road makes a loop the whole way around the island.

Be aware that when driving on the Caribbean side of the island, there are occasional strong gusts of wind that can really take you by surprise on a scooter, as can the many topes, or speed bumps.

The island is also served by Isla Mujeres National Airport.

Ferry boats run from the island and Puerto Juárez or Gran Puerto on the mainland.
Ferry boats run from Cancun to Isla Mujeres and vice-versa during the day.

Ferry from/to Puerto Juarez (30 min) each 30 min.
Ferry via Playa de Tortugas (40 min) every 2 hours.

There are numerous places to eat fresh seafood cooked with local and traditional recipes, and other restaurants offer Mexican, Yucatecan, Italian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Hebrew, French, Thai, Cuban, and Maya cuisine.

Hotel prices vary from cheap to very expensive at the resorts on the southwest end such as Hotel Villa Rolandi, and Playa Norte.[citation needed] In the north is El Centro (downtown), whose central axis, Hidalgo Street, is the main dining and entertainment area.

Also located on the north end is a famous beach called Playa Norte, which has recovered quickly since Hurricane Wilma hit the area in 2005. Besides these attractions, swimming with dolphins can also be experienced on the Island.

The island of Isla Mujeres is located close to one of many coral reefs such as the one located in Garrafon Park, which is an area popular for its snorkeling and scuba diving.

The Cancún Underwater Museum, created by English sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, is located off the western coast of Isla Mujeres.

Isla Mujeres is also home to a population of sea turtles. Because of the recent endangerment of sea turtles in the area, a facility was set up on the southern end of the island for their rehabilitation and breeding. This facility is open to the public.

The island’s relative proximity to Cuba has made it one of the favorite stepping stones of Cubans trying to reach the USA in recent years.

The Marietas Islands were originally formed many thousands of years ago by volcanic activity, and are completely uninhabited.

The islands are about an hour-long boat ride west-northwest from the coast of Puerto Vallarta and are visited daily by hundreds of tourists, yet no one can legally set foot on the islands.

In the early 1900s, the Mexican government began conducting military testing on the islands because no one lived there. Many bombings and large explosions took place on the islands causing caves and rock formations to be created.

After a massive international outcry, started by scientist Jacques Cousteau in the late 1960s, the government eventually decided to label the islands a national park and therefore protected against any fishing, hunting, or human activity.

Situated in a sort of open sun-drenched crater, this beach is affectionately nicknamed the “hidden beach” or “beach of love” (Playa del Amor), it is accessible only when the tide is low.

The Islands are home to 44 different species of plants and wildlife. This has led to the inclusion of National Park in RAMSAR sites its designation as a UNESCO MAB Biosphere Reserve.

Many species of seabirds use the location as feeding and breeding grounds, these include blue-footed boobies as well as the red-billed tropicbirds.

It also has many different varieties of coral, which, in turn, is home to a large variety of reef fish species. The island ecosystem is also home to dolphins, Manta Rays, and a number of tropical fish. Eels and many species of sea turtles are also found in the reefs and the many caves that dot the site.

During the winter months, humpback whales arrive at the islands and can be observed all through winter.

Protection by the government has created an environment conducive to the development of the marine ecosystem and is a popular location for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Not even during whale watching tours, people often report seeing sea turtles, manta rays, octopus, wild dolphins, humpback whales, and thousands of species of tropical fish around the islands. The islands are also home to a few thousand birds, with species such as the blue-footed booby.

Currently, the Mexican government allows only a few companies to go to the islands and allows the landing of passengers onto one secluded beach with the necessary permit from SEMARNAT.

From Punta de Mita, small boats do tours through the islands to see the wildlife of this region. From December to March gray and humpback whales can be observed that come from Alaska to give birth off the coast of Nayarit.

It has been estimated in studies carried out at the University of Guadalajara that the so-called “hidden beach” or the “love beach” can accommodate up to 116 visitors a day without degrading.

The carrying capacity of the entire park is 625 visitors a day. (These studies used the antiquated system of Tourism carrying capacity to estimate visitors). However, the actual number of visitors is typically three of four times this limit with more than 2500 visitors landing on it each day during 2016.

During the Easter holidays, more than 250 boats landed on the island per day, some of them carrying as many as 400 tourists. This has been due to recent interest in the Island.

The number of tourists in 2012 was only 27,500, but this skyrocketed to 127,372 in 2015.

In May 2016, the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas, the national environmental authority in Mexico announced that the Islands and their beaches shall be closed to the general public from May 9.

There have been several reasons presented for this closure, although all of them stem from the increased number of tourists visiting the site. One of the main reasons for the closure is that the coral in the area is being destroyed.

The cause of coral destruction is thought to be a combination of global warming, the presence of boat oil in the water due to excessive tour trips, and physical destruction due to the dropping of anchors up to 250 times a day.

The structure of the Islands and the famous beach is composed of two types of volcanic rocks. The interior is made up of “explosive rocks” which erode quickly and the exterior “shell” is made up of a more resilient form of rock which can withstand erosion to a greater degree.

This does not mean that the island is not susceptible to erosion. According to various studies carried out in 2014 it has been estimated that the Island only has a few thousand more years before it will erode away. However, the rate of erosion is being accelerated by human impact and according to officials, “Excessive tourism could lead to a more rapid destruction of this sanctuary.”

Another problem is the increase in solid waste pollution and hydrocarbon pollution. These pose a threat not only to the coral but to larger animals as well. even the humpback whales have felt the negative impact of hydrocarbon pollution.

The Mexican authorities have outlined several plans to undo the damage done to the beaches and the islands. These will focus not only on repairing the damage already caused by human hands but will also focus on mitigating any further human interference in the ecosystem.

The first part of the plan is to “replant” the coral in order to compensate for the coral that has been destroyed. This is done by attaching new coral to the already existing coral and letting it grow for 3 to 4 months. Another major effort focuses on limiting the damaging human impact on the sanctuary when the islands reopen for the general public and tourists.

According to the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) after the Islands have been reopened for tourism tourist overload may be mitigated by placing a special floating dock in the bay area which will limit the ships that arrive. another measure under consideration is to place buoys around the fragile ecosystem in order to control the number of visitors that are arriving.

A gaping hole in the surface of the lush green island opens onto a secret beach, with ample shade, sun, and crystal-clear water.

Playa del Amor, more commonly known as the Hidden Beach, is a feature of one of the Marieta Islands – a group of small uninhabited islands a few miles off the coast of Mexico. They are very popular tourist destinations because of the abundant marine life populations due to the islands being protected from fishing and hunting by the Mexican government. The depth around the islands is between 70 and 110 feet.

Situated in a sort of open sun-drenched crater, this beach is affectionately nicknamed the “hidden beach” or “beach of love” (Playa del Amor), it is accessible only when the tide is low.
The famous beach looks like something out of a fantasy novel: a wide, sandy cavern with the blue waters of the Pacific rushing in. The islands are an archipelago, a chain of land formations formed by underwater volcano eruptions. They themselves are natural wonders, but it was something other than volcanic activity that brought the burrowed beach to light.

The Marietas Islands were originally formed many thousands of years ago by volcanic activity, and are completely uninhabited. The islands are about an hour-long boat ride west-northwest from the coast of Puerto Vallarta and are visited daily by hundreds of tourists, yet no one can legally set foot on the islands.

It is rumored that the hole that created the Hidden Beach was a result of deliberate bombings. The Marieta Islands have always been completely uninhabited, making them ideal sites for military testing by the Mexican government. Beginning in the early 1900s, weapons and artillery were tested on the Marieta Islands, a safe distance from Mexican citizens but not so safe for Marieta’s topography. Test bombs are the known cause for many caves and rock formations on the island, possibly including the Hidden Beach. Many bombings and large explosions took place on the islands causing amazing caves and rock formations to be created.

In the 1960s, scientist Jacques Cousteau led a protest against harmful human activity on the islands. In 2005, the islands were finally named a national park, Parque Nacional Islas Marietas, making swimming, kayaking, sunbathing, and other forms of recreation the only activity. Extensive military testing damaged flora and fauna on the island for decades, but many years of peace have replenished the islands’ pristine waters and marine life.

The Hidden Beach is invisible from the outside and is only accessible through a long water tunnel that links the beach to the Pacific Ocean. There are approximately six feet of space above the water level, so visitors can arrive at the beach by swimming or kayaking. The islands remain uninhabited but are frequently visited by tourists who come to enjoy the diverse marine wildlife and the unique tropical Eden of Playa del Amor.

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information to the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

SNational Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (Emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700

The climate in Mexcaltitán de Uribe is influenced by its coastal location.

The island has a tropical wet and dry climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. Daytime temperatures typically range from 25°C to 32°C, while nights are cooler, with temperatures around 15°C to 20°C.

Rainy Season: Mexcaltitán de Uribe experiences a rainy season from June to October. During this time, rainfall is relatively abundant, and the landscape becomes lush and green. The rainy season is ideal for witnessing the island’s natural beauty in full bloom.

Dry Season: The dry season spans from November to May. This period is characterized by less rainfall and more sunshine. The weather is warm and pleasant, making it a popular time for tourists to visit.

Best time to visit Mexcaltitán

The best time to visit Mexcaltitán de Uribe largely depends on your preferences.

Dry Season (November to May): This is the peak tourist season, characterized by pleasant weather and sunshine. It’s an excellent time for exploring the island’s streets, canals, and cultural attractions without worrying about rain.

The calm waters also make it a great time for boat rides.

Rainy Season (June to October): If you want to experience Mexcaltitán de Uribe at its most lush and green, visit during the rainy season. The landscape is vibrant, and you can witness the island’s natural beauty in full bloom.

However, be prepared for occasional rain showers.

The name “Mexcaltitán” has an interesting origin rooted in Aztec mythology and the Nahuatl language.

It is believed to be derived from the Nahuatl words “mexcalli” and “titlān”, when combined, roughly translates to “in the house of the maguey.” The maguey plant (agave) was of great cultural and economic importance to the Aztecs.

Pre-Hispanic Era

The island’s history dates back to ancient times when it was inhabited by indigenous peoples, primarily the Cora and Huichol tribes.

These indigenous communities established their settlements on the island due to its strategic location within the coastal lagoon system, which provided abundant resources for fishing and agriculture.

Aztec Influence

This quaint island village is dated to the start of the 12th century.

Mexcaltitán de Uribe is often associated with the legendary birthplace of the Aztec civilization. Mexicaltitán is believed to be the location of the mythical city of Aztlán, the long-lost birthplace of the Aztec civilization.

Legend says this tiny ancient island is the lost Aztlan, from where the Aztecs set out on their pilgrimage in 1091 which led them to the founding of Tenochtitlan (actual Mexico City) in the Valley of Mexico in 1325.

This historical connection adds to the island’s cultural significance.

There is little evidence to support the claim, although the streets of Mexicaltitán are laid out in a circular, cruciform pattern similar to Tenochtitlan, and Aztec mythology does suggest the civilization originated on an island.

This hypothesis is still up for debate.

Spanish Colonization

Like much of Mexico, Mexcaltitán de Uribe was eventually colonized by the Spanish in the 16th century. The island’s strategic location made it an important trade and transportation hub during colonial times.

The principal tourist attraction of the island consists of its colorful houses with traditional water-resistant roofs and during the rainy season, it is necessary to travel by boat due to the major flooding of the streets.

Among many outstanding buildings, the city consists of a museum, a catholic church, the commission of ejido, an elementary school, and a government-operated hospital.

The island has retained its traditional Mexican charm, with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and a rich cultural heritage.

Mexcaltitán de Uribe celebrates its indigenous and colonial roots through various festivals, including the annual Feast of San Pedro, which features traditional music, dance, and culinary delights.

Despite its small size, Mexcaltitán de Uribe offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy:

Explore the Canals: Take a boat ride through the intricate canal system that winds its way through the village. It’s a unique way to see the island and experience its “Venetian” atmosphere.

Visit the Main Square: The town’s central square, Plaza Principal, is a great place to start your exploration. Here, you can find the Church of San Pedro, a historic colonial church with a striking facade.

Enjoy Local Cuisine: Savor traditional Mexican dishes at local restaurants, with a focus on seafood caught fresh from the lagoons. Try dishes like ceviche and pescado zarandeado.

Learn About Aztec History: Visit the Aztec Museum to learn more about the island’s historical connection to Aztec mythology and the early days of the Aztec civilization.

Participate in Festivals: If you visit during a local festival, such as the Feast of San Pedro, immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant culture through music, dance, and traditional foods.

The island is accessible by boat from La Batanga, which is the dock area located some 40 km from Santiago Ixcuintla. The island is small and easily walked, and still relatively removed from the tourist trail, accessible only by boat.

The island counts of 2 ferries:

• La Batanga is the most transited, 6 km away from Mexcaltitán.
• El Matadero is smaller than the others, 2 km away from the island.

Montículo Cinerítico (front) and Bárcena (behind), volcanic cones on San Benedicto, one of the Revillagigedo Islands. Bárcena has existed only since 1952. The total area is almost 158 sq km, spread over an east-to-west extent of about 420 km.

A naval station in the south of Socorro Island has a population of 45 (staff). On Clarión is a small naval garrison with 9 men.

The islands are otherwise uninhabited.

The islands are named after Don Juan Vicente de Güemes, 2nd Count of Revillagigedo, the 53rd viceroy of New Spain.

The three eastern islands are called the inner islands.

They fall in the time zone UTC-7 (Mountain Time), while the major part of Colima is UTC-6 (Central Time Zone). Clarión is comparatively far to the west, by more than 200 km in comparison with the inner islands, and in UTC-8 (Pacific Time Zone).

The Revillagigedo Islands are one of three Mexican island groups in the Pacific Ocean that are not on the continental shelf; the others are Guadalupe Island and Rocas Alijos.

16 to 19 century

No evidence of human habitation on Socorro exists before its discovery by Spanish explorers.

Hernando de Grijalva and his crew discovered an uninhabited island on 19 December 1533 and named it Santo Tomás (Socorro Island) and on 28 December they discovered Isla de Los Inocentes (San Benedicto) which owed its name to having been found on the day of the Holy Innocents.

In November 1542, Ruy López de Villalobos, while exploring new routes across the Pacific, rediscovered Inocentes and Santo Tomás and charted the latter as Anublada (“Cloudy”). Villalobos was the first to report sightings of Roca Partida Island giving it its present-day name.

In 1608, Martín Yánez de Armida, in charge of another expedition, visited Anublada and changed its name to Socorro.

In 1779 José Camacho was the first to report a sighting of the island remaining, which he charted as Santa Rosa (“Saint Rose”). Santa Rosa was later renamed Clarion after the vessel commanded by Henry Gyzelaar at that time.

The Revillagigedo Islands have been visited by a number of other explorers:

Domingo del Castillo (1541), Miguel Pinto (1772), Alexander von Humboldt (1811), Benjamin Morrell (1825), Sir Edward Belcher (1839) who made the first botanical collections, and Reeve, who witnessed the eruption of Mount Evermann in 1848.

On 25 July 1861, President Benito Juárez signed a decree awarding territorial control over the four islands to the state of Colima. His plan was to build an offshore penitentiary on Isla Socorro; although this never happened, the decree whereby they were attached to Colima has never been repealed.

In 1865, the island was explored by ornithologist Andrew Jackson Grayson, who discovered the Socorro dove, Socorro mockingbird, and the Socorro elf owl which were later given scientific names in his honor.

20 century

At the beginning of the twentieth century, Dr. Barton Warren Evermann, director of the California Academy of Sciences in San Francisco, California, promoted the scientific exploration of the islands. The most comprehensive biological collections were obtained at this time.

The volcano on Isla Socorro was renamed in his honor.

In 1957 the Mexican Navy established a naval base on Socorro and has had a permanent presence on the island since then. A tiny outpost also exists on Clarión, as noted above.

On 21 March 1972, Pablo Silva García became the first Governor of Colima to visit his state’s island territories. A plaque was unveiled to mark the event and cement Colima’s claim.

The seas surrounding the larger islands are popular with scuba divers.

A variety of marine life such as cetaceans, sharks, and manta rays can be observed. Visitors usually stay aboard expedition vessels during their visit to the islands, which is desirable from an ecological standpoint to prevent the introduction of further invasive species.

The islands are occasionally visited by amateur radio operators, who usually use the ITU prefix XF4. Because of their distance from the mainland, for award credit, they are considered to be an “entity” separate from Mexico.

Expeditions from organizations engaged in biological conservation of the islands visit the islands for fieldwork on a regular basis.

No tourism facilities exist; the islands have no reliable sources of freshwater of their own.

21 century

On 24 November 2017, President of Mexico Enrique Peña Nieto created North America’s largest marine protected area around the Revillagigedo Islands.

This protected area covers 57 thousand square miles or 150,000 square kilometers around the islands and bans fishing, mining, and tourism development in the protected area and on the islands.

The Revillagigedo Islands are home to many endemic plant and animal species, and are sometimes called Mexico’s “little Galápagos”. They are recognized as a distinct terrestrial ecoregion, part of the Neotropic ecozone.
Socorro is the most diverse in flora, fauna, and topography.

The Mexican Government established the islands as a Biosphere Reserve on June 4, 1994.

According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), 14 of the islands’ 16 generally accepted resident taxa of land birds as well as one seabird are endemic, as are all of the islands’ native terrestrial vertebrates.

The latter, however, consists only of a whip snake, a night snake, and two Urosaurus iguanids.

Numerous seabird taxa breed no further north(east)wards than San Benedicto; storm petrels are notably absent as breeders though they breed in the region and visit the islands to forage.

Albatrosses are also not normally found here. Among land birds, the absence of the house finch, widespread on northeastern Pacific offshore islands, is the most conspicuous one.

Apart from the native birds, migrant shorebirds and others are often found on the islands.

Bahia Azufre (Sulfur Bay) on Clarión seems to be a favorite stopover location, as it is one of the few long stretches of beach on the islands; mostly, the shoreline is steep cliffs. The archipelago is also a part of wintering grounds for humpback whales in the north pacific.

Socorro has numerous endemic plant taxa, whereas Clarión which is farthest from land has but a few.

The San Benedicto ecosystem was nearly wiped out in the devastating eruption of Bárcena volcano on August 1, 1952, but has since recovered; apparently, just the San Benedicto rock wren became entirely extinct.

Most if not all native plants found on San Benedicto today are shared with Clarión, not with the closer Socorro to the south, due to the prevailing winds and ocean currents. The native flora of Clarión is about equally shared with other large islands.

As opposed to the interchange between the islands, the animals and plants that colonized them initially are apparently all from mainland populations generally to the northeastward of the Revillagigedos.

Plants are most often derived from Baja California founder populations, whereas the endemic nonavian reptiles seem to be rather derived directly from mainland populations of the Sonora-Sinaloa area.

The ancestors of the islands’ terrestrial birds probably came from the general area of southern North and northern Central America.

As illustrated by the fact that no endemic land bird taxon occurs on more than one island and the cases of the Socorro and Clarión wrens as well as the Socorro dove and Clarión mourning dove, each bird population seems to have arisen independently.

“The future of the avifauna of the islands appears to be secure at present. There are no human inhabitants, and no mammals of any kind except the moderate and apparently stable population of sheep on Socorro.”

The unique ecology of the islands has since then come under threat from these and other exotic species. Sheep were introduced to Socorro in 1869, and cats have become established after 1953, probably in the early 1970s.

Pigs were introduced to Clarión in 1979, and rabbits became feral at some earlier date.

Several endemic species of Socorro are now threatened with extinction. The Socorro mockingbird numbers less than 400 individuals altogether. The endemic Socorro parakeet and Townsend’s shearwater, are also endangered.

The Socorro dove is now extinct in the wild but is being bred in captivity. The elf owl’s Socorro subspecies Micrathene whitneyi graysoni appears to be extinct. Other plant and animal taxa in the archipelago are also considered threatened or nearly so.

A number of conservation initiatives are dedicated to halting the destruction of the native ecosystems of the islands.

Dr. Harmunt Walter of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Dr. Luis F. Baptista of the California Academy of Sciences have coordinated breeding and reintroduction efforts for the Socorro dove since 1988, through the Island Endemics Institute.

The Comité Científico para la Conservación y Restauración del Archipiélago Revillagigedo (“Scientific Committee for the Conservation and Restoration of the Revillagigedo Islands”) was founded in 1996 and is a committee representing several organizations, including the Island Conservation & Ecology Group, Island Endemics Institute, the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), and others.

It is chaired by Dr. Walter and Dr. Luis Medrano of UNAM is its secretary.

The committee has been advocating the removal of the exotic species from the islands, especially the estimated 2000 sheep on Socorro, to allow the islands’ ecology to recover, and the adoption of a management plan to promote the recovery of the island’s native species, including the reintroduction of the Socorro dove.

Brattstrom and Howell who gave the optimistic outlook in 1956 went on to caution that “it may be hoped that the Mexican government will guard against the introduction of mammals such as rabbits, cats, goats and others that have invariably brought disaster to the flora and fauna of insular regions.”

On 25 November 2017, President of Mexico Enrique Peña Nieto acted to protect the biodiversity of the region by creating North America’s largest marine protected area around the islands and prohibiting mining, fishing, and tourism development on or near the islands.

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information to the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

SNational Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (Emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700

It was made a nature reserve in 1963 by President Adolfo López Mateos. Tiburón is Spanish for a shark. Although the Seri name was first recorded by Alphonse Pinart in 1879, its etymology is unknown.

This designation is aimed at preserving the island’s unique and fragile ecosystem. The reserve is managed by Mexican authorities to ensure the conservation of its biodiversity and to protect the habitat of various plant and animal species.

Tiburon Island has been inhabited by various indigenous groups for centuries. The Seri people, an indigenous ethnic group, have a historical connection to the island. They have relied on the island’s resources and the surrounding sea for their livelihoods.

Tiburón Island is part of the traditional homeland of some bands (or clans) of the Seri people, probably for many centuries. The island has played a role in the Seri people’s traditional practices, including fishing, gathering, and crafting.

Over time, Tiburon Island has gained attention not only for its ecological importance but also for its cultural value. The island serves as a reminder of the rich history and relationship between humans and the environment.

Efforts to balance conservation and sustainable development on the island continue to be important in order to preserve its natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations.

During the 1960s and early 1970s, a small hunting and fishing camp on the northern end of the island was operated by Jesus Olivas, a resident of Hermosillo. He constructed several buildings, a dock, and an airstrip near the historic Seri encampment at Tecomate.

The camp was popular with American visitors to the area.

The remains of the structures and airstrip are still in place. The airstrip was rendered unusable by the Mexican military around 1995 in an attempt to keep it from being used by smugglers who were active in the area at the time.

In 1975, the Mexican government, under a decree issued by President Echeverría, granted the Seri people formal recognition and bestowed communal property rights upon them in relation to Tiburón Island.

The island is uninhabited (except for Mexican military encampments on the eastern and southern shores of the island) and is administered as an ecological preserve by the Seri tribal government in conjunction with the federal government.

Bighorn sheep were introduced to the island in the 1980s; hunting is managed by the tribal government in coordination with Mexican federal authorities. It is also home to a subspecies of Coyote that is found nowhere but on the island.

In 2012, a television episode of Survivorman Ten Days (Les Stroud) was filmed on Tiburón Island.

The Tiburón Island tragedy occurred in 1905 involving a group of men, including Jack Hoffman, who embarked on an ill-fated expedition to Tiburón Island. The expedition was marked by a series of unfortunate events, dehydration, and lack of supplies.

The group set out on their journey from places like Bisbee and Nogales.

They headed to Tiburón Island in search of adventure, opportunities, and perhaps treasure. As they traveled through the desert terrain of Sonora, they faced extreme challenges due to the scarcity of water, high temperatures, and harsh conditions.

Several members of the group became severely dehydrated, and despite their efforts to find water and survive, they struggled to sustain themselves. The group eventually became separated, and some members were lost during the journey.

The tragedy reached its peak when Jack Hoffman’s companion, Grindell, left to find help but never returned. Dave Ingraham, another member of the group, became too weak to continue and was left behind by Hoffman.

Hoffman managed to make his way to safety in Guaymas, several months after the expedition began.

The Tiburón Island tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges and dangers posed by harsh desert environments, especially when individuals are ill-prepared and lack essential resources for survival.

The island can be reached from Punta Chueca, which is the nearest community inhabited by members of the Seri tribe, and from Bahía de Kino, a non-Seri community 34 kilometers to the south.

The distance from Punta Chueca to Punta Tormenta, the nearest point on the island, is 3 kilometers.

The channel between the mainland and the island is called Canal del Infiernillo (“Hell’s Channel”), because of the strong tidal currents and shoal water that occur there which can make navigation challenging.

Two permits are required for day hiking and overnight stays on the island: one from the Seri Governor’s office in Punta Chueca and another from the ISLAS office in Bahía de Kino.

You can dial 078 from any phone, where you can find free information about tourist attractions, airports, travel agencies, car rental companies, embassies and consulates, fairs and exhibitions, hotels, hospitals, financial services, migratory and other issues.

Or dial the toll-free (in Mexico) number 01-800-006-8839.

You can also request information the email correspondencia@sectur.gob.mx

MORE EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

General Information: 040 (not free)

National Emergency Service: 911

Radio Patrols: 066
Police (Emergency): 060
Civil Protection: +52(55)5683-2222
Anonymous Complaint: 089

Setravi (Transport Mobility): +52(55)5209-9913
Road Emergency: 074

Cruz Roja: 065 o +52(55)5557-5757
Firefighters: 068 o +52(55)5768-3700