San Benedicto Island
An uninhabited volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean, San Benedicto ranks as the third largest of Mexico’s remote Revillagigedo archipelago, crowned by the crater peak of Bárcena.
At a glance
San Benedicto spans 10 square kilometres of volcanic terrain. The island rises sharply from the sea, with two prominent peaks marking its rugged profile. No permanent freshwater exists on the island, making it unsuitable for settlement.
History
The island has borne multiple names across centuries. Known formerly as Isla de los Inocentes and Isla Anublada, it acquired its current name—San Benedicto—at an undocumented point in its recorded past. Today it remains uninhabited and rarely visited.
What you see
Bárcena, the island’s tallest peak, rises 332 metres (1,089 feet) near the southern portion and forms a typical volcanic crater. The landscape bears evidence of multiple volcanic episodes: Herrera crater occupies the island’s centre, while Montículo Cinerítico—literally “Ash Heap”—sits in the southwest. Dimensions measure 4.8 kilometres by 2.4 kilometres.
Cultural significance
San Benedicto represents a pristine example of Pacific volcanic geology. The island’s isolation and minimal human impact preserve its ecological and scientific value within the broader Revillagigedo system, one of Mexico’s most remote marine territories.
Key facts
- Country: Mexico
- Archipelago: Revillagigedo Islands
- Area: 10 km²
- Highest point: Bárcena, 332 m (1,089 ft)
- Coordinates: 19.315556°N, 110.803611°W
- Status: Uninhabited
Practical information & getting there
Access to San Benedicto is severely restricted. The island lies approximately 620 kilometres southwest of Baja California Sur and can only be reached by boat. Permissions and organized expeditions are required; independent visitation is not permitted. There are no facilities or services on the island.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
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