MEXICO // From a potential environmental meltdown springs hope. Lapped by the gentle waves of the Sea of Cortez in the state of Baja California Sur, uninhabited Espíritu Santo came close to being blemished by a casino resort in the 1990s. Fortunately, eco-warriors prevailed over real estate developers, meaning the 81-sq-km (31-sq- mile) island, now carefully protected by Unesco, has safeguarded its pristine collection of diamond-dust beaches, scimitar-shaped bays and diverse marine life guarded in what they call the world's largest aquarium'. Disembark on land and it's possible to follow ten different hiking trails in search of the threatened black jackrabbit, a mammal unique to the island. But, for the best activities, stay in the water, interspersing kayaking around rose-pink cliffs with snorkelling in cerulean seas awash with fish.

What is Isla Espíritu Santo known for?

Isla Espiritu Santo is one of Mexico's best places to see wildlife. The surrounding waters are teeming with tropical fish and visitors have the chance to see sea turtles, manta rays, sea lions, dolphins and humpback whales.

What is the island off La Paz Baja?

A large island 25 km off the coast of La Paz is Isla Espíritu Santo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered by many to be the most beautiful island in the Sea of ​​Cortez and has dozens of bays with white sand beaches and waters full of marine life.

What is the geology of Isla Espiritu Santo?

As such, ash and volcanic lava make up most of their geological composition. These islands look like a horizontal rainbow with earthy colors, with relatively straight ridges and low valleys. Spirito has an area of ​​80,763 square kilometers (31,183 sq mi) and its highest elevation is 562 meters (1,844 ft).

What is the religion of Espiritu Santo?

Especially in the 16th century, several towns were founded in Espírito Santo with a predominantly American population that had converted to Catholicism, such as Serra and Santa Cruz. American food has left its legacy in capixaba culture. Fish-based Moqueca capixaba is the national dish, among other typical local seafood.

What animals are in Espiritu Santo?

The island is home to some very unique wildlife, including the black-tailed jackrabbit, a cactus native only to Spirito Santo, the round-tailed ground squirrel, the hippopotamus, two species of snakes endemic to the island, and the locally known ring-tailed cat. Like the Babisuris and the huge colonies of sea lions.