Off the coast of Benito Juárez, Tóbari Bay covers about 16,700 hectares sheltered from the open sea by Huivulai Island, a barrier island 17 kilometers long and only 1.2 kilometers at its widest. Its name comes from the Mayo language and means “long neck”.
A site of international importance
The bay belongs to the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, which ranks it as a site of international importance because it hosts more than 10% of the Pacific population of the American oystercatcher. In December 2013 at least 44,000 shorebirds of 17 species were counted there, and close to 200 bird species have been recorded in the bay.
Mangroves, mudflats, sandbars and seagrass meadows provide food and shelter for migratory and resident birds.
The causeway that was removed
To promote tourism projects on the island, a causeway about 4.7 km long was built to connect it to the mainland. Over the years it held back the flow of water in the bay. In 2012 it was removed to restore the circulation that had been blocked for more than 40 years.
Visiting with care
Winter is the best season for birdwatching, when migratory species arrive.
Watch from a distance with binoculars, and never chase birds or enter nesting areas.
Take all your trash with you.
Before you go, ask OCV Navojoa or the Benito Juárez municipal government how to reach the island.