Isla Isabel National Park

A Small Volcanic Island National Park (1980) Known As The Galapagos Of Mexico For Its Fearless Nesting Seabirds, Among Them Blue Footed Boobies, Frigatebirds, Tropic Birds And Gulls, Which Can Be Approached Closely. Reached By A Rough 3 4 Hour Crossing From San Blas, With Camping On The Island And A Small Research Camp. Visits Depend On The Weather And The Operator · San Blas, Nayarit

Isla Isabel is a small volcanic island about 70 km off the coast of Nayarit, often called the Galapagos of Mexico because its seabirds have almost no fear of people. Blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, tropic birds and gulls nest on open ground and in low trees, close enough to watch from a metre or two, and nesting is busiest from roughly January to June. The island is reached only by small boats from San Blas or Boca de Camichin, a crossing of three to four hours on open sea that can be rough and is sometimes cancelled. There are no shops, hotels or fresh water, only a small research camp and basic camping, so visitors must bring everything. The trip suits keen bird watchers, photographers, divers and campers who can cope with rough water. It is worth the effort in the nesting season with a good operator; it is not for anyone prone to seasickness or on a short, tight schedule.

Isla Isabel, a volcanic island about 70 km off the coast of Nayarit, reached by long fishing-boat trips from San Blas or Boca de Camichin; coordinates approximate, San Blas, Nayarit, Mexico

There are no fixed opening hours, because access depends on boats, tides and weather. Day visitors and campers go out with an operator, commonly leaving in the early morning from San Blas or Boca de Camichin and returning the same day or after a night or two, and trips run mostly in the drier months. The island is CLOSED to independent landing without a permit and operator, and trips are cancelled in rough seas or storms, especially during hurricane season. Watching birds from the shore is FREE once you are on the island, but the boat, any camp fee and the national park charge are not. Confirm everything with the operator.

Isla Isabel National Park on Spottos · Explore more places on Spottos