Isla Santa Inés is a small, uninhabited island off the coast of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. It is part of the Argentine Islands National Wildlife Refuge and is known for its rocky coastline, crystal clear water, and lush vegetation.
The island is accessible by boat and can be visited during daytime hours. Visitors can explore the island’s natural features, take in a scenic view, or enjoy a picnic lunch.
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History
Isla Santa Inés is one of the Argentine Islands National Wildlife Refuges, and has been declared a migratory bird reserve. The island was discovered by a Spanish expedition in 1516, but it remained uninhabited until 1824 when it was leased to Francisco de Arrabal y Saavedra as an agricultural farm.
In 1861, Casimiro Montenegro bought the island and began cattle ranching; however, he sold it in 1870 to Nicolás Pierola for use as a lighthouse. Argentinian naval officer Julio Rocha purchased the island in 1906 and did much of the island’s ecological restoration.
From 1942 to 1956, it was known as the Base San Martín and operated by Codornices Creek Corporation; however, with little use thereafter, the island became state-owned in 1969 under a decree that included dolphins to be rescued there.
In 1984 an Argentinian biologist spent few months on Santa Ines during a study of seahorses on which he discovered new species of eels belonging to genus “Plagioscion”. The island is mostly composed of sandstone layers laid down in pre-Cambrian times leading into Ordovician rocks that are fossilized coral reefs.
The island is mostly uninhabited, with the only permanent inhabitants being a caretaking staff of local Argentine Islands National Wildlife Refuge authorities who can lodge there as well in summertime. However, once every two to three years some fishing boats stay on Santa Inés for a few days at most to harvest products caught inside eels spawning season (end of October through end December).
When they come it’s not uncommon that foreign fishing boats catch them and stay too, so you could also find yourself staying here if invited by complete strangers chilling out their boat near your own.
Climate
Santa Inés has a humid subtropical climate (Köppen “Cfa”) with pronounced wet and dry seasons, as well as a relatively short annual cycle due to its proximity to the equator. Temperatures are moderated by the surrounding ocean’s surface Temperature inversions, which can bring mild temperatures during late morning or early afternoon when air turbulence dissipates heat.
Typhoons that affected Argentina since 1983 have not substantially changed Santa Ines climate although they produce heavy rains on other parts of country; with island receiving around 50 cm per year on average.
Culture
Santa Ines is the only island in Argentina where seahorses are found, and it is a significant cultural site for the island’s inhabitants. The island was named after Saint Inés de la Reguera, who is venerated there as a saint.
In summer you can visit an eel farm on Santa Inés where biologists study eels to learn more about their behavior and ecology. You can also watch them breed by observing the eels swimming around in their natural spawning area.
Politics
Santa Ines is a contributing municipality to the city of La Paz, in Bolivia. The island has voted for socialist and populist candidates since universal suffrage was granted in Argentina in 1983.
On November 24, 2009 municipal elections were held on Santa Ines with a turnout of approximately 90%. The governing party “Alianza para la Victoria” (Alliance for Victory) won 20 out of 31 seats contested. The island is a diocese and holds the title Saint Ines of la Reguera, which was granted by Pope Urbano VIII in 1594.
Government services
Santa Ines is administered as part of the subprovincial division of La Paz. The island has its own mayor, who is directly elected every four years. The island’s other political subdivisions are the rural communes, each of which administers a district covering several villages. There are also three urban municipalities on Santa Ines: Junín, San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Villa El Salvador (the latter two merged into one in 2005).
The local economy is based primarily on fishing and tourism; some residents maintain small subsistence farms. Production facilities include a tuna cannery, a biofuel plant, a sugar mill and two seafood processing plants.
In addition, several artisanal handcrafts are produced on Santa Ines; these include eel products from the island’s eel farm, a popular tourist attraction that mainly caters to Japanese visitors. Despite its small size and relative isolation island travel is still possible with frequent ferry service to/from Villa El Salvador in La Paz province operated by Pasaje Coopenero de Transportes SRL SA (operated as TACV on outside of Bolivia).
Tourism
Santa Ines is a popular tourist destination, with approximately 4,000 visitors arriving each day. The island’s main attractions are the eel farm and the Villa El Salvador Benedictine monastery. Other activities available on Santa Ines include fishing, birdwatching, swimming and trekking; several tour companies offer organized excursions to these destinations.
Transport
Santa Ines is served by ferry service that operates between the island and Villa El Salvador, in La Paz province. The island is also connected to the rest of Bolivia via road, with La Paz being just a 3 hour drive away.
Conclusion
Isla Santa Inés is a small island located in the Archipiélago de Magallanes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was inscribed in 1995. The island is known for its natural beauty and its many endemic plants. The island is home to a population of seabirds, including Magellanic penguins, southern rockhoppers, and cormorants.
FAQs
1 . What Is The Climate Like On Isla Santa Inés?
The island has a subtropical climate, which means that it has warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The average temperature in January is 17°C and in July it is 24°C.
- How Big Is Isla Santa Inés?
Isla Santa Inés measures 10 km long and 4 km wide. It can be reached by boat from Buenos Aires Province or by helicopter from Puerto Madryn Airport (MBX).
3) Can I Stay On The Island Overnight?
No, the island is only open to visitors during daytime hours.
- What Type Of Wildlife Can I Expect To See On Isla Santa Inés?
The island is home to a variety of birds and rodents, as well as Magellanic penguins and southern rockhoppers.
- What Is The History Of Isla Santa Inés?
The island has a long and romantic history. It was first discovered by Spanish explorer Fernando de Magallanes in 1520, and it was later claimed by the English navigator Francis Drake in 1579. The island eventually became part of Argentina after its war for independence from Spain in 1816.
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