Boat trip to Isla del Coral

Isla del Coral is a 12-hectare reserve about two kilometres off Rincón de Guayabitos, and the pangas that run out to it leave straight from the sand on Playa Guayabitos. The ride is short. The boat cannot reach the island's beach because of the rocks and coral, so the last stretch is a wade through knee-deep water. Wear water shoes; the rocks and coral are sharp.

Under the water, elkhorn coral grows around the island, with starfish, rays, sea turtles and schools of reef fish. Pelicans, gulls and boobies use the rocks. Because it is protected, taking sand, shells or coral is forbidden.