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Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, Isla Aguada is a hidden gem of the Yucatán Peninsula. Most travelers miss this small town on their itinerary due to its remote location, and yet, Isla Aguada is a hidden paradise that boasts a tranquil atmosphere, plenty of charm, and gorgeous vistas.
Isla Aguada is also home to one of the best beaches in Campeche where you can relax and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere.
Where is Isla Aguada located?
Isla Aguada sits near the bridge across the Laguna de Termino, and is about 42 km from Campeche. The name of this pueblo means “watered island,” however, it’s a bit misleading because it’s not an island but more of a peninsula.
The history of Isla Aguada, Campeche
Like the rest of Campeche’s Coast, Isla Aguada boasts a colorful history, as pirates who roamed the region frequently made appearances here. The town used to be a hiding spot for pirates who would stop there to get some fresh water. These days, the main attraction of Isla Aguada is a protected reserve where you can spot dolphins and different types of birds.
Best things to do in Isla Aguada: an overview
1. Walk along the Malecon
The pier near the Gulf of Mexico (or Malecon) is home to several original buildings that remain here from the old days. Here you can find a small port where local fishermen dock their boats and hire a tour of Laguna Terminos to see the dolphins in their natural habitat. There are also a couple of buildings along the way like the pink church and some concession stores where you can get snacks and drinks.
2. Take a dolphin tour
One of the best things to do in Isla Aguda is take a dolphin tour that takes you to the Laguna Terminos (Terminos Lagoon). The waters of Laguna de Termino are home to bottlenose dolphins and you can watch them from the distance while on a tour.
Since the dolphins are protected you can’t swim with them, and the boat can’t get closer than a certain distance to them, since they are protected species. The same tour also includes a stop at Isla Pajaros where you can watch different species of birds. The small island is home to herons, pelicans, and frigates.
✅ The tour typically costs about $25 USD (500 Mexican Pesos) per person and you might be able to negotiate the price, if you have good haggling skills. Make sure to learn some Spanish, one of my top tips for Mexico travel
Another highlight of the area is a photogenic sandbank where you can stop during the low tide. Don’t forget your camera and remember not to take any shells to any other objects with you as they can affect the local ecosystem.
PRO TIP: If you visit Isla Aguada during the low season (June through September) or shoulder season (October through November), you might be the only person on a tour!
3. Take a photo with the colorful letters
The Malecon of Isla Aguada is where you can find a bright colorful sign that’s perfect for taking photos.
DID YOU KNOW? Isla Aguada received a status of a pueblo magico in 2020. There over 200 Pueblos Magicos in Mexico (Magical Villages) – destinations that received a special status from the Mexican government because of their culture, history and architecture.
While some pueblos magicos in Mexico like Izamal or Tulum have become very touristy, Isla Aguada is still under the radar, which makes it a perfect destination if you want to visit the place that most tourists don’t get to see.
4. Relax on a beach
Isla Aguada boasts a perfect paradisiacal beach where you can catch some sun. While this is a beautiful place, it doesn’t have a lot of services, so bring your snacks, drinks, and a hat or umbrella because there’s not a lot of shade here.
✔️Another thing to consider are special shoes, because some Campeche beaches have coarse sand with a lot of seashells.
Can you swim in Campeche?
Yes, you can swim on many Campeche beaches that boast incredible emerald-green water. Campeche beaches offer a totally different experience from Cancun, Playa Del Carmen or Tulum, as you will find very few people here, and have plenty of space to yourself.
5. Visit a lighthouse
Visiting the local lighthouse is one of the best things to do in Isla Aguada.
One of the oldest lighthouses in Mexico, this structure is one of seven lighthouses in the states of Tamaulipas, Veracruz, Campeche, and Yucatán that played an important role in helping sailors from different countries. Aside from being a lighthouse, it has an underwater archaeological exhibit where you can find pieces of sunken ships, nautical instruments, and some historic artifacts.
Tips for visiting Isla Aguada
- Bring enough cash – If you visit Isla Aguada, bring enough cash because there are no banks or ATMs.
- Learn some Spanish – Isla Aguada is a small town that sits well off the beaten track. Don’t expect most people to speak English here. Brush up on some Spanish ahead of your trip.
- Enjoy the slow pace of life – Isla Aguada is all about enjoying a small town, so you should go with the flow. After taking a dolphin tour, head to one of the local beaches and spend some time enjoying the quiet lifestyle of this pueblo.
- Bring eco-sunscreen – Use reef-safe sunscreen to make sure you don’t damage the fragile environment of the Laguna de Terminos.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses – This is one of the best ways to avoid sunburn especially if you are out and about during midday.
Where to stay in Isla Aguada
- Cabanas Laguna – One of the best hotels in Isla Aguada, this hotel is located right in the heart of town, and yet, it feels like a quiet oasis. It has an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden, and a terrace. The owner is super friendly.
- Freedom Shores “La Gringa” Hotel – A simple hotel about 5 minutes away from Laguna de Terminos, this hotel has a garden and an on-site restaurant where you can try local food. It’s a perfect option if you are visiting Isla Aguada on a budget.
How to get to Isla Aguada?
To get to Isla Aguada, you can rent a car 🚘 or take a bus 🚌 to Cuidad Del Carmen, the closest city to Isla Aguada.
Check tickets on ADO.com or busbud.com., a third party platform where you can get bus tickets to many destinations within Mexico.
What’s the quickest way to get to Isla Aguada?
But the quickest and most comfortable way to get to Isla Aguada is by renting a car. It will cost you more than taking a bus, but you will have a much better experience.
You can stop at many Campeche beaches like Playa Bonita or Sabancuy. Second, you can visit Mayan ruins like Edzna and Calakmul without taking a guided tour. You can travel at your own pace and don’t worry about booking guided tours.
Where to rent a car for your trip to Isla Aguada?
Although there are no car rentals in Isla Aguada, you can rent a car in Tulum, Cancun, Playa Del Carmen and Merida – some of the most popular destinations in the Yucatán Peninsula.
Aside from Isla Aguada, the state of Campeche is full of hidden gems, and you can’t visit most of them by public transportation. I’ve rented a car for my trip to Campeche and can tell you that it’s well worth the money!
Why rent a car with Discover Cars
My preferred platform for renting cars in Mexico is DiscoverCars. They have a good inventory, no hidden fees, and budget-friendly rates. You can also get Mexican rental car insurance through them.
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They also have some of the most competitive rates on the market, and you can easily reach their customer support when you have questions.
Distances to Isla Aguada
- Campeche to Isla Aguada – 2 hours, 10 minutes (166 km) via Costera del Golfo/Mexico 180
- Merida to Isla Aguada – 4 hours, 25 minutes (343 km) via Costera del Golfo/Mexico 180
- Ciudad del Carmen to Isla Aguada – 45 min (40.7 km) via Cd del Carmen – Champotón
Best time to visit Isla Aguada Campeche
The best time to visit Isla Aguada is from late October through November. It’s the low season when you will find the best prices on hotels and tours to Laguna Terminos.
Where to eat in Isla Aguada Campeche
The food scene of Isla Aguada is mostly comprised of seafood and meat, and as a vegan, I wasn’t able to explore it much, but I’m sure you will be able to find something to your liking. Most restaurants in Isla Aguada are small locally run joints, which makes for a great experience if you are looking for a more authentic experience.
Other cool things to do in Campeche
Isla Aguada is just one of the best places to visit in Campeche, and if you want to extend your trip, make sure to include some of the following destinations on your itinerary.
Edzna
A stunning Mayan ruin site, Edzna is hands down one of my favorite archaeological areas in Mexico. Located about 40 minutes away from Campeche, Edzna doesn’t see as many tourists as some of the most popular archeological areas in Mexico like Chichen Itza and Palenque. I highly recommend including Edzna in your itinerary, and if you don’t have a car, you can also visit it on a guided tour.
Calakmul
Calakmul is one of the most impressive archaeological areas in Mexico with magnificent Mayan pyramids peeking from the dense jungle. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sits deep in the Mayan jungle at the heart of the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve.
There are several big pyramids When you climb to the top of the tallest pyramid, you will enjoy the 360-degree of the jungle and see neighboring Guatemala in the distance!
Visiting Calakmul on your own requires a rental car. And the tour will take most of your day, so you will be very tired by the time you are done.
Xpujil
Xpujil is a small town along the busy highway between Calakmul and Bacalar. The main draw of Xpujil is a group of ruins including Becan, Hormiguero, Chicanna, and Xpujil. While the town has no major landmarks, you can spend a night here if you want to see some of the least-visited Mayan ruins in Mexico.
Campeche
When visiting Isla Aguada you can’t miss Campeche, the capital of the state and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Campeche boasts plenty of things to do from cool museums to wonderful beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. I suggest spending 3 days in Campeche if you are visiting for the first time, so you can enjoy everything that this hidden gem has to offer.
Miguel Colorado
San Miguel Colorado is a small recreational area that has a pier, kayaks, and a zipline. The entrance to the area is 200 Pesos per person, and if you come here early morning if you will most likely have the entire place to yourself.
If you choose to do kayaking or zip lining, you will need to pay extra in cash.
Isla Aguada Campeche: FAQs
Is Isla Aguada worth visiting?
Isla Aguada is worth visiting if you are looking to relax and unplug for a couple of days. This small town is a perfect place to enjoy beaches and observe wildlife. But don’t expect a bustling nightlife scene and a great assortment of restaurants. Isla Aguada is all about local restaurants and a small-town charm.
Is Isla Aguada safe?
Isla Aguada is perfectly safe and safer than other destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula like Cancun, Tulum, or Playa Del Carmen. I still recommend getting insurance for your trip, particularly if you are going to visit other destinations in the region or in Mexico, which could be less safe than Isla Aguada.
✅ Safety Wing is one of the best insurance plans for long-term travelers and digital nomads that covers you in the event of stolen and lost luggage, hospital visits and other unforeseen circumstances. WorldNomads is one of the most popular travel insurance options that offers option for long and short-term travel.
Is Isla Aguada expensive?
Isla Aguada is one of the best budget destinations in Mexico, and in the Yucatan Peninsula. It’s a great place to visit if you are traveling on a budget and want to spend on some of the best beaches in Mexico without spending a ton of money.
Isla Aguada: final word
Although Isla Aguada is a small pueblo in Campeche, you will not be bored here. You will have an incredible opportunity to watch wildlife, explore pristine beaches and take a much-needed break while on your road trip.