Monkey Island Boat Tour
Laguna Catemaco, Veracruz
Good to be home and see the  Catemaco church towers.
You'll be passing Isla Agaltepec, also known as crocodile island
because of its shape.
This island is home of a protected Mexican monkey research
project, and oodles of pre-hispanic artifacts.
No bananas welcome here
Monkeys, not known to be swimmers, apparently cross
between these islands at ease.
I am the boss.
actual boat tour.
Strange birds frequent the shores of the islands.
Have your camera ready!
OK - here are the monkeys.
Depending on the time of day, they are not very
accommodating.
boat and consider your belongings as souvenirs.
Laguna Catemaco is supposed to have 12 islands. This is
one of them.
A visit to Nanciyaga and its nature preserve and replicas  is an
available adjunct of the boat tour.
During the blooming season, this is a
paradise of aquatic plants and shore birds
Leaving Catemaco
Undeveloped area next to Catemaco City within walking
distance.
El Tegal - a locally famous site because of the alleged visitation
by the catholic Virgen mother.
Beach front home of one of the richest former San Andres
Tuxtla tobacco barons.
Visiting the  Monkey Islands of Laguna Catemaco in Veracruz, Mexico is a well described excursion on
numerous international websites.

The University of Veracruz, Mexico stocked one of the islands in Laguna  Catemaco with imported Macaque
fishermen discovered the profitability of motoring tourists to the island to view monkeys in a natural habitat.

Over the years this monkey visiting trip has turned into a hard cash earner for much of the Catemaco
population, obviously noticeable by the many shrieking shills along the Laguna shore inviting tourists to take a
boat ride.

As for the monkeys, they are supposedly maintained by a research station of the University near Pipiapan but in actuality
their island environment.

The University in the meantime established a large colony of Mexican endangered monkeys (Howlers) on Agaltepec Island in
1988, which is prominently visible on the boat trip. That island, though, is off limits to tourist boaters.

The going rate for voyages to the islands, which may also includes Spanish commentary and visits to many other of the Laguna
shores features, is now 80 pesos per person, or 450 pesos per boat with a minimum of 6 passengers.

Boats range from 12 -24 passengers, and during the off season the boats will make the trip for 300 pesos, distributable among
as many people as want to pay for the trip. Wearing a life jacket is recommended for non-swimmers..

A type Loch Ness monster has been reported in the Laguna waters, so, beware!