Isla Benjamina is a small, uninhabited island located in the Gulf of Mexico and belonged to the state of Veracruz until 2005, when it was transferred to the federal government as part of the withdrawal of Veracruz from the federation.
Located about 120 kilometers off the coast of Tampico and 95 kilometers from the state capital Xalapa, Isla Benjamina is a popular tourist spot for divers, bird-watchers and golfers.
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Isla Benjamin Island History
Isla Benjamina is the only remnant of a larger island, and was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption in the late Pleistocene period. The remains of an ancient Maya ceremonial center can be found on Isla Benjamina. Archeological evidence indicates that the island was inhabited as earlyas 3,000 years ago.
In 1418, Benalcázar de Jubera and 5 ships sailed to Veracruz in search of Cortez’s treasure fleet. The island may have been safely visited by Spanish conquistador Bernadino de Sahagún in 1523 during one of his nine journeys to Mexico. Potential for new development
The island remained uninhabited until it became a serving stop on a Mexican Railroad line between Tampico and Poza Rica built around 1930 and remains partanlly inhab itated today (see below,) by a large number of mongoose, ring-tailed lemurs. The current population is estimated around 800.
Climate
The climate is humid and typical of the Gulf Coast regions, with a maximum temperature of 31 degrees Celsius and a minimum temperature of 18 degrees Celsius. The island experiences two rainy seasons, from late May to early October, and from December to March.
Flora
The island’s vegetation consists mainly of evergreen oak forests mixed with cedar, eucalyptus, laurel and palm trees. There are also some mangrove areas.
Fauna
The island has a wide variety of avian species that can be found nowhere else in Mexico including toucans, quetzals, eagles, lorys, woodpeckers and bullfinches.
Culture
The island is known for its large population of mongooses, which have a significant impact on the island’s ecology by eating insects, seeds and small mammals. The island’s culture has been influenced by three major elements: the pre-Hispanic Maya, its close proximity to Belize and a mixture of African, Indian, Spanish and Asian cultures encountered during colonial times.
The island is home to many plants that were brought with handkerchiefs from Mexico City in 1880 for use at cemeteries across Veracruz after it was named one of the UTM zones. The florists shipped an enormous number of “Button Poppy”, sword lily” as well as other common flower options such concern azaleas and d ahlias.
Climate Climate conditions on Cayos Cochinos Chinelas tropical island are similar to those in its surrounding communities, with a pronounced dry season from December – May and a rainy season during the remaining 5 months of the year, but in some years of particularly heavy rainfall (especially hurricanes) due to an active Intertropical convergence zone at 700-1500 m above sea level ocean temperature can exceed 34 degrees Celsius for several weeks!
Politics
The island is a part of the municipality of Tuxpan, Veracruz. The island has a mayor, and an ejido council which handles land issues. There are also two town councils on the island that handle public infrastructure matters, and one of these towns is located in English Harbour (also called Cayo Ensenada).
The indigenous Maya workers who came to Veracruz to tend gardens during colonial times brought their passion for artistic experiences with them: pots blowing stems covered with mosses or pages from books have been found there. Some of the pottery items date back one hundred years ago when it was first created by native craftspeople. A few women also make beautiful earthenware figurines, called bougainvilleas flowers.
There are a number of restaurants with wonderful local cuisine on Cayos Cochinos Chinelas island and it is the perfect place to enjoy a good meal in simple surroundings, including those in Spanish colonial architecture.
Government services
The island is served by the municipal police station on Isla Mujeres and there is a clinic operated by the Salvadorean Red Cross.
There is no airstrip, but ferries run regularly to Tuxpan from Cancún. Telephone service and electricity are available; water must be brought in from the mainland , however. There is a paved road across the island, but no buses or taxis are available on Cayos Chinelas.
There are mobile (cellular) service providers eNavegante and Movistar in Isla Mujeres that provide Internet access among other things through very expensive units such as Nokia E70 phones; non-movistar users may purchase a SIM card at local vendors for $1 per call of 15 minutes duration (Source 1).
Tourism
The island is a popular tourist destination and is home to a number of well-established resorts, but there are also many quieter options that offer good value for money. The most popular areas to visit are the natural highlights such as the rainforest and coral reefs, which can be accessed by boat or kayak from some of the more secluded coves on Cayos Chinelas; this provides visitors with an authentic island experience .
Transport
There is no public transportation on Cayos Chinelas, but there are ferries that run regularly from the island to Tuxpan, a small town on Isla Mujeres. Visitors can also hire cars and drivers who will take them around the island for a fee.
Conclusion
Isla Benjamin Island is an unincorporated island located at the mouth of the San Lorenzo River in San Francisco Bay, California, United States. It is part of the city and county of San Francisco and was previously administered as part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The island is a part of the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission’s islands in the bay program.
FAQs
1.What Is The Island’s Official Name?
Ans: The island is officially named Isla de la Paz, but it is more commonly known by its Spanish name, Isla Benjamina.
2.What Country Owns The Island?
Ans: Isla Benjamina originally belonged to Veracruz, but it was transferred to the federal government in 2005 as part of Veracruz’s withdrawal from Mexico’s federation. As of 2016, it remains a part of the Mexican Federal District.
3.How Big Is Isla Benjamina And Where Does It Lie, In Relation To The Other Islands Of San Francisco Bay?
Ans: Isla Benjamina is a small island. It measures 0.1 sq mi (32 m) at its longest point and just under 0 sq mi or 1 km2 in total size, making it one of the smallest islands enclosed by San Francisco Bay; rivals include Yerba Buena Island, Coyote Island and Alcatraz island.
4.What Kind Of Vegetation Does Isla Benjamina Have?
Ans: Isla Benjamina is covered in eucalyptus and oak trees, with a small number of palm trees.
5.What Recreational Activities Are Available On Isla Benjamina?
Ans: In addition to bird-watching, divers can explore the island’s marine life; golfers can play on the island’s two 18-hole courses.
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