Isla Aguada

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.

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.

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.

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.