Isla de los Pájaros

Isla de los Pájaros, Bird Island, is a low islet of mangrove and scrub in Laguna de Bacalar, a couple of kilometres south of the town centre and not far off the western shore. It is small enough to take in at a glance from a boat, a dark green clump rising out of pale turquoise water.

The island is a refuge for water birds. Herons, storks and other water birds roost in the trees and nest there through the year, and migratory species stop over in the winter months, which tour operators describe as the best season for watching them. Landing is not allowed: after visitors in the past disturbed the birds, the island was closed to foot traffic, and guides keep boats at a respectful distance.

Almost every pontoon tour of the lagoon includes it, usually as a short stop of around 15 minutes on a circuit that also takes in Cenote Negro, Cenote Esmeralda, Cocalitos and the Canal de los Piratas, with time to swim in the nearby water where guides allow it. Mornings and late afternoons, when birds are coming and going, are the liveliest times; binoculars or a telephoto lens help.