Isla Aguada
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◈ Mornings here begin on the pier, where the fishermen get ready to go in search of what the lake has to offer. The seagulls arrive, and the frigate birds fly just above the boats. In the distance, the dolphins jump, spraying water as they go. In this island town, the windows begin to open and the first wafts of breakfast smells make themselves known.
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- Sail over the Laguna de Términos and observe the plant life all around you.
- Go birdwatching on Isla Pájaros.
- Try the local gastronomy.
- Watch the sunset from the pier.
Climb aboard a boat heading towards the sanctuary to witness the spectacle of bottlenose dolphins.
❖ El Faro
The elegant white silhouette of the lighthouse looks like the setting of so many stories from the high seas. Its mission was to bring the sailors coming from Spain, France and England home safely. From 1907 onwards, it has been visible on the edge of Isla Aguada. Built in a French neoclassical style, it consists of two floors and one 60-foot high tower. Looking at it up close, you can appreciate its original columns and balustrades, also of French style.
Specialized research into lighthouses indicate that Isla Aguada formed part of a series of seven lighthouses distributed along the coasts of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Campeche and Yucatán.
Now, as a Community Cultural Center, with a museum and library, it continues to guide those who wish to know more about what has happened over the course of Isla Aguada’s existence.
❖ Área de Protección
de Flora y Fauna
Laguna de Términos
Palm trees, mangrove forests, rainforests and long-grass savannahs surround this 2,725 square mile body of water, making this one of Mexico’s largest and most important lake ecosystems. The diverse ecosystems of this protected area are home to more than 1,400 species of animals; of these, 30 species of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals are endemic to the neotropical region. This place is also a temporary home to migratory birds, where they come to rest their wings after many days of flight. It isn’t unusual to spot the jabiru stork, the peregrine falcon (the fastest creature on the planet) and the white pelican from Canada. Its flooded land is covered with nutritious silt and marine grass that oxygenates its waters and feeds its aquatic species. The turtles, crabs, shrimp, crocodiles and fish also depend on this. Laguna de Términos is an essential link in the delicate chain of life that spans the entire continent.
❖ Wetlands and Mangrove Forests
Isla Aguada belongs to a network of wetlands that form Mesoamerica’s most important ecological entity, due to its natural productivity and biodiversity. It is home to fish species and protects nesting areas for sea turtles and migratory birds. A kayak trip can take you through this labyrinth of mangrove forests where you can see the four kinds that exist here: the red, white, black and botoncillo (yellow) mangroves.
❖ Spot Bottlenose Dolphins
in the Laguna de Términos
Isla Aguada’s pretty pier gradually shrinks as the boat travels further into the Laguna de Términos. In front of the prow, a few meters away, a group of dolphins poke their heads over the surface of the water and reveal their dorsal fins. As fantastical as this may seem, this is a common scene in the waters that surround the island. Nobody who visits the island should miss out on this spectacle in the Santuario Natural de Delfines (Natural Dolphin Sanctuary) in the Laguna de Términos.
❖ Walk Along the Seafront and
Contemplate the Sunset
from the Pier
To really get to know Isla Aguada you have to walk along its seafront where you will find its true essence. Galeón Capitán Marro has been bringing people together for two years; first as a café and then as a bar, and now as a tourist stop where you can take photographs that will remind you of the days of pirates. Another place to capture your postcard image with the sea as your backdrop is the Parador fotográfico (the town’s name in giant 3D letters for photographs); you will spot distinctive elements of the island as part of their design.
On Calle Marina you will see the Capilla de la Virgen de Guadalupe, the first catholic church built on the island. To one side you can see a freshwater spring, where they say the Spanish sailors and pirates would come to fill their barrels with freshwater before continuing on their journeys.
The best place to spent the afternoon on Isla Aguada is on its pier, from where you can watch the sunset and life pass you by as the birds fly overhead.
❖ Enjoy the Traditional Flavors
of its Cuisine
On Isla Aguada, any time of the day is perfect for trying the gifts that the sea provides. This Magical Town’s cuisine revolves around the catch of the day. This is why it is possible to try a rich variety of dishes. For lunch, corn tortillas with shrimps, octopus, crab, cilantro and green chili is a great option. Blue crab abounds in the island’s waters and so it is the protagonist of many dishes, but it is the jaiba al mojo de ajo (crab cooked in garlic) that is truly emblematic. Giant shrimp and fish are other favorites, enjoyed in various stews. It’s always the perfect time for ceviche and shrimp cocktails. Pan de cazón (dogfish bread) also deserves a special mention, a specialty that has been enjoyed for many years, accompanied by habanero chili.
❖ Fiesta de la Santa Cruz
From the 3rd to the 11th of May, the Holy Cross Festival is celebrated in honor of the Señor del Pescador (Lord of the Fishermen). It includes processions, church services and rosaries. A boat trip for the image of the Señor del Pescador along the Laguna de Términos is what brings festivities to a close. A huge number of boats decorated with balloons and multicolored paper, chants and fireworks accompany the image of Jesus.
Traditional dances, local snacks, fairground rides and competitions are all part of the events enjoyed during this catholic festival.
Magical Towns in
Campeche
