Islas de Revillagigedo - Health

Description:

There are three Revillagigedo Islands: Socorro, Clarion and San Benedicto plus the smaller Roca Partida and several adjoining rocks.

The archipelago was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016 and the Parque Nacional Revillagigedo was created by the Mexican Government in 2017.  It is the largest marine protected area in North American, covering 150,000 square kilometres (57,000 square miles).

Several volcanoes remain active: volcán Bárcena's last eruption was in 1953 while Socorro erupted in 1993. The islands are commonly reached by sea, however a small military airstrip exists on Socorro.

Cruiser Highlights:

The islands are popular with divers as they get to encounter giant manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins, humpback whales, tuna, pelagic fish and various other shark species. It is also considered as the main breeding grounds for Humpback whales as they migrate here to give birth and nurse their calves. They gather between mid February and March.

Entrance Notes and Cautions:

Following the impact of recent hurricanes, cruising boats heading south this winter should be aware of debris in the water, missing navigation marks, hurricane damage to docks and limited berth availability. See the Sea of Cortez Cruisers Facebook page for more info. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/277885329386179/]

Position:

18° 20.53'N, 114° 43.75'W (South coast Isla Clarion)

Last updated: October 2023