National park · Mexico
Isla Tiburón
Buy a hunting‑permit‑style entry permit (≈ US$75 k) and take a boat from Punta Chueca or Bahía de Kino; hike the Sierra Menor trail (3–5 h) in winter‑spring, camp on a beach, and avoid the strong currents of Canal del Infiernillo.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1,000 km² (386 sq mi)386 sq mi (1,000 km²)
approximate
Established
1970
Best months
Dec–Mar
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Mexico ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Mexico's National Migration Institute (INM) or your nearest Mexican consulate; keep proof of your entry (stamp or digital record) until you leave.
- Mexico ↗Security advice differs by state: some governments advise against travel to parts of several states. Check your own government's advice for each region on your route.
- Mexico ↗Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and ice from reliable places.
- Mexico ↗Foreign visitors to Quintana Roo (Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Bacalar, Holbox) pay the state VISITAX online at visitax.gob.mx only; lookalike sites add fees.
At a glance
- Country
- Mexico
- Area
- 1,000 km² (386 sq mi)386 sq mi (1,000 km²)
- Approximate area around 1,000 km²; figures vary by source (check).
- Established
- 1970
- Best months
- Dec–Mar
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Bahía de Kino
Isla Tiburón is a remote desert island in the Gulf of California, managed by the Seri people who auction entry permits that fund conservation and community projects.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1970.
Size and age
1,000 km² (386 sq mi)386 sq mi (1,000 km²) · national park since 1970
Approximate area around 1,000 km²; figures vary by source (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Bahía de Kino.
Why go
- Remote desert island with rugged volcanic peaks and secluded coves.
- Bird‑nesting sites in spring and a chance to trek 160 km (99 mi) of dirt roads.Bird‑nesting sites in spring and a chance to trek 99 mi (160 km) of dirt roads.
- Cultural insight into Seri‑managed permit system.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprGo
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecBest
- JanCool desert, low heat, good for hiking.
- FebMild temps, wind moderate.
- MarBird nesting season, pleasant.
- AprWarmer, still manageable.
- MayHeat rises, water needed.
- JunVery hot, limited shade.
- JulExtreme heat, strong winds.
- AugPeak summer heat.
- SepHeat easing, but still dry.
- OctCooling, less wind.
- NovMild, start of ideal window.
- DecCool, occasional winter winds.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nesting seabirds (e.g., brown‑pelicans, gulls)Mar–May · Avoid disturbing nests. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Desert reptiles and small mammalsOct–May | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Punta Chueca (Seri village)
Hire a seaworthy fishing boat; cross Canal del Infiernillo (≈ 5 h in rough sea).
5–6 h
From Bahía de Kino
Charter a boat; similar crossing time, slightly longer distance.
5–7 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Punta Tormenta landing | Designated boat landing area, first point on the island. | Permit‑holder only. |
| Sierra Menor trail network | Dirt roads and footpaths covering ~160 km (99 mi) of interior.Dirt roads and footpaths covering ~99 mi (160 km) of interior. | Open to permit‑holders on foot, kayak or panga. |
| Coastal coves | Beach sites used for camping. | Open, no facilities. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate; island is large and remote.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry permit (auctioned, includes conservation fee) | MXN 1,350,000 (≈ US$75,000) | person | ≈ US$75 000 (2026 estimate). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Entry permit permit or guide
Park rules
- Vehicles
- No motor vehicles allowed on island roads.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use portable stoves only.
- Litter
- Pack out all waste; leave no trace.
- Permits
- All visitors must carry a valid entry permit at all times.
- Boating
- Only authorized boats may land at Punta Tormenta.
Where to stay
In the park
Island camping
Tent on beach coves; no facilities.
Near the park
Bahía de Kino
Hotels, hostels, and campgrounds for pre‑/post‑island stay.
Safety
Extreme heat & dehydration high
Strong currents in Canal del Infiernillo high
Limited medical help medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- No wheelchair‑accessible paths; terrain is rugged and unpaved.
Visiting lightly
- Support Seri community by paying permit fees.
- Follow strict leave‑no‑trace principles.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Isla Tiburón?
The entry permit is auctioned at roughly US$75 000 (≈ MXN 1 350 000) per person; this covers conservation fees and the Seri share.
What are the best hikes in Isla Tiburón?
The Sierra Menor trail network offers moderate hikes of 3–5 hours with volcanic views; shorter coastal walks to secluded coves are also popular.
When is the best time to visit Isla Tiburón?
Late winter to early spring (December–April) offers cool temperatures and bird‑nesting activity, while summer heat makes trekking difficult.
Can I stay overnight on the island?
Yes, by camping on a beach or coves; there are no formal campsites or lodges, so bring all gear and pack out waste.
Do I need a boat to reach the island?
A boat is required; arrange a charter from Punta Chueca or Bahía de Kino after securing your permit.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Isla Tiburón
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