Tiburn Island

Tiburón Island is Mexico's largest island, spanning 1,201 square kilometers (464 sq mi), located in the Gulf of California. Designated a nature reserve in 1963, it remains uninhabited except for military encampments. The name "Tiburón" means "shark" in Spanish, though its indigenous Seri origin is unclear.

Strategically situated along Sonora's eastern coast opposite Isla Ángel de la Guarda, the island features volcanic mountain systems. Historically significant to the Seri people for centuries, it was noted as hostile and unexplored by outsiders until the 19th century. Infamous events include the 1905 Tiburón Island Tragedy, where three gold expedition members vanished, with one confirmed death from dehydration.

In the mid-20th century, Jesus Olivas operated a hunting camp, leaving remnants like an airstrip. The Mexican government granted Seri communal rights in 1975. Today, it's an ecological preserve managed jointly by the Seri and federal authorities, supporting unique species like bighorn sheep, coyotes, and mule deer.

Access is via Punta Chueca or Bahía de Kino, crossing the treacherous Canal del Infiernillo. Recreational visits require permits from both local and federal offices. Culturally, it's featured in TV shows and films, though the latter was filmed elsewhere.

Tiburón Island stands as a remote ecological and historical site, marked by its challenging access and enduring cultural significance.