Cayos Siete Hermanos

The Cayos Siete Hermanos (Seven Brothers Cays) are a chain of seven small islands of coral sand off the north-west tip of the country, about 10 km north-west of the Bay of Montecristi. Their names are Terrero, Monte Grande, Ratas, Muertos, Arenas, Tororú and Monte Chico. They sit inside a protected wildlife refuge (Refugio de Vida Silvestre Cayos Siete Hermanos), and there is nothing on them: no restaurants, no huts, no permanent residents. That emptiness is the point.

On land you will find white coral sand, low scrub and cacti, iguanas and crabs. The cays are the country's main nesting site for boobies, from late May to early September, and they draw both native and migratory seabirds the rest of the year. If you visit during nesting season, keep your distance from birds on the ground and follow your boat captain's lead on where you can land.

In the water, the draw is snorkeling and diving. The Ministry of Tourism describes sandy bottoms, submerged forests of sea grass and rock walls, with sites around 3 meters deep that suit beginners. A useful detail: the cays can be dived on windy days when other Montecristi sites cannot, which matters on a coast where the wind blows hard for much of the year. The water is generally clearer than near town, away from the mangrove runoff of the bay.

There is no road access. You reach the cays by boat from Montecristi, from the fishing boats and small pier around Playa Juan de Bolaños, and it is a longer open-water run than the hop to Isla Cabra. We could not find a published fixed price for the trip; expect to negotiate a private boat charter with local captains or arrange it through your hotel, and confirm the boat has life jackets, shade and enough fuel for the round trip. Go early. The sea is usually calmest in the morning, and an afternoon return into the wind can be wet and bumpy.

Bring everything you need: water, food, sun protection, snorkel gear if the boat does not supply it, and a bag to carry out your trash. There is no shade on the cays beyond what you bring. Sargassum can wash up on the cays in heavy years.

Best for: experienced beachgoers, snorkelers, divers and birders who are happy with zero facilities. Not for: travelers who want a beach bar, or anyone prone to seasickness. For an easier sandbar experience with food and drinks on site, go to Cayo Arena instead. Details on booking are in the Siete Hermanos boat trip page.