Isla Salas y Gómez Island is an uninhabited volcanic island located in the Gulf of California, south of Baja California Sur.
The island is 1.6 km long by 0.8 km wide, reaches a height of 95 m above mean sea level and has an area of 4 km². It is part of the Salinas de Baja California Reserve System, and is part of the municipality of La Paz.
Contents
All About Of Isla Salas y Gómez Island
History
Isla Salas y Gómez Island is named after two brothers, Isidro Salas and Rafael Gómez, who discovered the island in 1898 while fishing. The island was declared a nature reserve by the Mexican Government in 1968.
Ecology
The island is of volcanic origin and contains mineral springs that are used for healing purposes by local residents.
There are also several fruit trees on the island, including persimmon, mango, apricot and peach trees. It is rich in lizards, iguanas, birds, and mammals such as javalinas and foxes.
Known for its beautiful beaches there are many incentive trips to the island from La Paz that provide visitors with a chance to enjoy these natural beauty spots.
Unfortunately the island has been significantly damaged by illegal tourism activities including hunting coral reefs for souvenirs which lead us into serious erosion problems on this unique ecosystem of Baja California Sur´s Guadalupe Island e Isla Salas y Gómez Island.
Apart from being an alien invasion threat this was also destroying the island´s seagrass meadows which are a key element to the island ecosystem, and coral reef habitats.
Conservation efforts have been started in order to save this piece of paradise before it is too late! Ecologists at Baja Verde Foundation (BCF) initiated an ecoregional project as part of Province Todos Los Santos Government’s program – “Manantiales de las Flores e Isla Salas y Gómez Island Local Natural Protected Area Reservations Program” (LMNPAREP).
Climate
The island has a warm, tropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 81-86 degrees Fahrenheit. There is also a great deal of rainfall, with around 60 inches per year. Additionally, the island has a temperature of an average low humidity of around 60% with no snow months.
More importantly, from November to April is dry season and is separated only by four inches per month in between two rainy seasons:
January (24/25 mm) – March (32 / 33 cm). Monsoon rains occur on May 3rd thru mid-June June 24th thru July 23ning 7 Months October 1st through December 21st e Average monthly air moisture prevailing at Salas y Gómez Island as well Todos Los Santos Archipelago across parts during peaks of wet and dry seasons, respectively.
The island has a tropical climate with the average temperatures staying at 85-88 degrees Fahrenheit.
Due to the extreme weather, it can snow there in excess of fifteen inches per year while temperature occasionally dips into single digits during winters which can even stay below freezing.
Culture
Salas y Gomez island has a mix of cultures. The majority of the islanders are indigenous who have been living there for centuries, however, there is also a significant presence from other Hispanic groups, as well as more recent immigrants from all over the world.
Many western goods and services can be found on the island but traditional foods such as seafood abound with flavors that could only come from being in close proximity to the open ocean.
Politics
Salas y Gomez island is an unincorporated territory of the United States but it does have a local government. The island is divided into three municipalities, each with its own mayor and council: Salinas, Golfito and Yabucoa.
All three municipalities were founded in 1971 as part of a nationwide municipal reorganization which aimed to increase decentralization.
Economy
The island’s economy relies heavily on agriculture (especially coffee production) tourism, fishing and trade with Puerto Rico. In 2016, the total GDP was estimated at $10 million USD per year. The island also sells some of its ground water to Puerto Rico.
While there are few paved roads, Salas y Gómez Island can be accessed by a ferry and private car or personal watercraft.
The distance between the island’s two airports is much shorter by road than that via sea, with a driving time up to around 45 minutes depending on how long it takes for boats rung in rotation (each new one arriving before the old one leaves) to load any passengers waiting at their docks on either side of this narrow strip called Panama-Passage Channel; so most people opt for the ferry.
Government Services
The island has no police or fire department, relying on Puerto Rico for these services. It is also served by a post office and a hospital with some mainland physicians providing care on site.
There are no banks or other businesses that cater to island residents; most goods and services must be procured from the mainland. Cellular phones work only if they have access to the Island’s cellular network, which is provided by AT&T U-verse.
Salas y Gomez island does not have its own currency but US dollars can be used as an unofficial means of exchange.
Tourism
The island’s tourism industry is growing, with more visitors arriving each year. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including hiking, snorkeling, kayaking and bicycling.
Trails and trails, open to the public on designated dates from mid-April through November. They have been refurbished by island residents, using funds that were obtained in a successful bond offering for improvements.
Salas y Gomez is home to about 23 species of birds of which are seasonal visitors including terns (black noddy), flamingoes, green sea turtles and more than two dozen endangered land iguanas (“Iguana copadura”).
Hurricane Maria severely damaged most of the island’s eelgrass beds covering the shallow coastal waters upwelling especially early morning during sunrise season.
Conclusion
Isla Salas y Gómez Island is a volcanic island located in the Pacific Ocean. It is part of the Chilean Archipelago and is administratively divided between the communes of Maipo and Talcahuano.
The island has an area of 1,393.2 km2, making it the third largest island in Chile and the seventh largest in South America. The island was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1990. The main economic activity of the island is tourism.
FAQs
1.What Is The Climate Of Isla Salas Y Gomez Island?
Ans: There is no official weather station on the island, but it generally has a warm climate with some variation from year to year. The average annual temperatures are around 19°C.
However, during summer months (from December to March) the temperature can reach as high as 38°C. In winter (from June to September), it lows at around 12°C.
2.What Are The Main Attractions On Isla Salas Y Gomez Island?
Ans: There are several attractions on the island, including a seabird colony, a coral garden, lagoons and caves. The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months, when there are more activities available.
3.How Can I Get To Isla Salas Y Gomez Island?
Ans: The island is only accessible by boat. There is no airport or other transport option on the island. Isla Salas y Gomez Island is a volcanic island located in the Pacific Ocean.
It is part of the Chilean Archipelago, and is administratively divided between the communes of Maipo and Talcahuano.
The island has an area of 1,393 km², making it the third largest island in Chile and the seventh largest in South America. The main economic activity of Isla Salas y Gomez Island is tourism.
4.What Is The Climate Of Isla Salas Y Gomez Island?
Ans: There is no official weather station on the island, but it generally has a warm climate with some variation from year to year. The average annual temperatures are around 19°C.
However, during summer months (from December to March) the temperature can reach as high as 38°C. In winter (from June to September), it lows at around 12°C.
5.What Are The Main Attractions On Isla Salas Y Gomez Island?
Ans: There are several attractions on the island, including a seabird colony, a coral garden, lagoons and caves. The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months, when there are more activities available.
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