Plants, Animals, & Fish

The Xcalak area has a magnificent reef system that extends along the shore for over 50 kilometers. The characteristics of coral growth and the richness of species found in the Xcalak reefs required the protection and conservation of this special area. Ecotourism activities in the reef zone are undertaken with strict rules regarding how to preserve the natural characteristics of the zone to assure sustained use.

Directly in front of the village of Xcalak is a part of the reef known locally by the name "La Poza" (the well) which has such unique characteristics that it is the only one of its type in Mexico. "La Poza" consists principally of hard corrals with water channels that are quite deep compared to other reefs in Quintana Roo.  The reef's ecological and economical importance stems from the natural resources found in the reef system and the harvesting of lobster and caracol.

The incredible variety of natural environments that surround the Xcalak peninsula make it literally a place without equal. Medium and low jungles, swamps, savannahs, coastal dunes, mangroves, beaches, lakes, and the Caribbean bay combine to make this a zone of highly varied wildlife, not only vertebrates but crabs, snails, hermit crabs, spiders and scorpions. The reserve also supports a wide variety of  the most colorful and watchable invertebrates in the preserve: birds -- with 155 species registered to date.