Revillagigedo Archipelago
Location: Pacific Ocean Mexico
Year of Inscription: 2016
Criteria: (vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Revillagigedo Archipelago is a group of four volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 390 km (240 miles) southwest of the Baja California Peninsula. The islands are home to a unique and diverse array of marine and terrestrial flora and fauna, including many endemic species.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of the Revillagigedo Archipelago include:
History: The Revillagigedo Archipelago was named after the Spanish naval officer Juan Vicente de Güemes, who was the viceroy of New Spain from 1746 to 1755. The islands were first discovered by Europeans in the late 16th century, but were not settled until the mid-19th century. Today, the archipelago is primarily used for scientific research and eco-tourism.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Revillagigedo Archipelago offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
Fun Fact: The Revillagigedo Archipelago is sometimes called the "Galapagos of Mexico" due to its unique and diverse array of endemic flora and fauna.
Entry Fees: Visitors to the Revillagigedo Archipelago must obtain a permit from the Mexican government. The permit fee is approximately $20 USD per person per day, and visitors are required to stay on designated visitor sites. Visitors must also comply with strict regulations designed to protect the fragile ecosystems of the islands.
How to Reach it: The Revillagigedo Archipelago can only be reached by boat or plane. There are no regularly scheduled flights or ferries to the islands, and visitors must typically book a specialized tour or charter a boat to visit the islands. These typically depart from the city of Cabo San Lucas, located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. The Cabo San Lucas International Airport serves as a gateway to the region and is well-connected to major cities in Mexico and the United States.
Where to Stay: There are no accommodations on the islands themselves, but visitors can board liveaboard boats, which offer multi-day dive expeditions to the Revillagigedo Archipelago. These liveaboard boats typically depart from the Cabo San Lucas Marina
Next Stop: Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino
Year of Inscription: 2016
Criteria: (vii)to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(ix)to be outstanding examples representing significant on-going ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
(x)to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Revillagigedo Archipelago is a group of four volcanic islands located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 390 km (240 miles) southwest of the Baja California Peninsula. The islands are home to a unique and diverse array of marine and terrestrial flora and fauna, including many endemic species.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of the Revillagigedo Archipelago include:
- The four volcanic islands: Socorro, San Benedicto, Roca Partida, and Clarion
- The diverse array of marine life, including many species of sharks, rays, and whales
- The endemic land birds, such as the Socorro mockingbird and the Socorro dove
- The endemic plants, including the giant cactus and the tree-like euphorbia
- The rugged terrain and stunning landscapes, including towering volcanic peaks and rugged coastline
History: The Revillagigedo Archipelago was named after the Spanish naval officer Juan Vicente de Güemes, who was the viceroy of New Spain from 1746 to 1755. The islands were first discovered by Europeans in the late 16th century, but were not settled until the mid-19th century. Today, the archipelago is primarily used for scientific research and eco-tourism.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Revillagigedo Archipelago offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:
- Snorkeling and diving to see the diverse array of marine life, including many species of sharks, rays, and whales
- Hiking to see the stunning landscapes and endemic flora and fauna
- Guided tours of the islands, which offer insights into the history and ecology of the archipelago
- Whale watching tours to see the humpback whales that migrate through the area from December to April
Fun Fact: The Revillagigedo Archipelago is sometimes called the "Galapagos of Mexico" due to its unique and diverse array of endemic flora and fauna.
Entry Fees: Visitors to the Revillagigedo Archipelago must obtain a permit from the Mexican government. The permit fee is approximately $20 USD per person per day, and visitors are required to stay on designated visitor sites. Visitors must also comply with strict regulations designed to protect the fragile ecosystems of the islands.
How to Reach it: The Revillagigedo Archipelago can only be reached by boat or plane. There are no regularly scheduled flights or ferries to the islands, and visitors must typically book a specialized tour or charter a boat to visit the islands. These typically depart from the city of Cabo San Lucas, located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula. The Cabo San Lucas International Airport serves as a gateway to the region and is well-connected to major cities in Mexico and the United States.
Where to Stay: There are no accommodations on the islands themselves, but visitors can board liveaboard boats, which offer multi-day dive expeditions to the Revillagigedo Archipelago. These liveaboard boats typically depart from the Cabo San Lucas Marina
Next Stop: Whale Sanctuary of El Vizcaino