Mexico is famed for its careful attitude to nature and you can feel it in its entirety while in the Caribbean resorts . Don ’ t be surprised if you meet a funny South American coati with a long striped tail or an agouti hare called “ sereke ” in the local dialect . Animals live by themselves and do not interfere with tourists as they are frightened of humans . If you stay in a riverside villa , there is probably a hole nearby where you can spot a rare freshwater crab one day . Iguanas here also feel like kings . Impressive in size , they calmly pose for shooting . You can watch large sea turtles in the sea water of Akumal town on the Riviera Maya . You don ’ t even need to dive . Just swim with a mask to see these large marine animals very close by your side . If you are a bird lover , go to the uninhabited Isla Contoy 37 km away from Cancun . This is where the Caribbean sea merges into the Gulf of Mexico . You can get there through a guided tour on the ship rendered as an exact copy of the Christopher Columbus ’ s “ La Pinta ”. Contoy is a sanctuary for 152 species of seabirds ; over 10,000 birds live here in their natural environment . Since the island was declared a nature reserve in 1998 , you are not allowed to bring food as you enter the island , to use insecticides or sunscreens , thus avoiding any damage to the environment . The maximum number of tourists a day is 200 persons . The island has its own beach , a viewing tower , barbecue areas , and two walking paths where you can stroll with a biologist guide by your side .
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