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Cabo Catoche

Adapted from Wikipedia · Discoverer experience

Aerial view of Cabo Catoche and Holbox Island in Quintana Roo, Mexico

Cabo Catoche, also known as Cape Catoche, is the northernmost point on the Yucatán Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is located in the municipality of Isla Mujeres, about 53 km (33 mi) north of the city of Cancún. According to the International Hydrographic Organization, Cabo Catoche marks the division between the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west.

Aerial view of Cabo Catoche, with Holbox in the background (north is to the right)

The name Cabo Catoche comes from the Mayan word cotoch, meaning "our houses, our homeland". This area was the site of an important moment in history. In 1517, it was where Europeans first landed in what is now Mexico. The lighthouse at Cabo Catoche is the official boundary between the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

Just west of Cabo Catoche is Holbox Island and Yalahau lagoon. These waters mix and create beautiful turquoise and emerald colors. This area is home to many marine animals and birds, including the largest gathering of whale sharks in the world for several months each year. The Yalahau Lagoon is a deep, fresh water lagoon that looks almost black from above.

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This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Cabo Catoche, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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