Isla Coyote in the Sea of Cortez, Mexico

The tiny Isla Coyote (also sometimes called Isla Pardito) was settled by a shark fisherman in the early 20th century, and his extended family still lives on the island today. The 20-50 people who live on the island at any one time make their living from the sea and from selling handicrafts to tourists. Isla Coyote has no source of fresh water, so small cruise ships like the Safari Quest will allow the residents to fill up plastic jugs with fresh water from the ship. Two of the fishermen from Isla Coyote (also known as Isla Pardito) met the Safari Quest, and we watched as they used a hose to fill up dozens of jugs. They brought us a large crab in exchange for the water.

The passengers from the Safari Quest used the skiff to go ashore on Isla Pardito, and we enjoyed watching the fishermen clean their morning catch. We also toured the tiny island and hiked to the top of the rocky hill for a view of the Sea of Cortez and surrounding islands.