Beata Island


Beata Island is a small island on the Caribbean Sea, located southwest from Cape Beata. Some SW of it lies the smaller Alto Velo Island. It is part of the Dominican Republic and is roughly triangle-shaped and fairly flat, with an approximate area of.

History

Beata Island was discovered by Europeans during the second voyage of Christopher Columbus in 1494. Originally populated by Taíno natives, the island became a colonial asset of the greater Spanish Empire. The island was the site of various military engagements between the Spanish and roving pirates.

Geography

The landscape is somewhat varied, with mangrove swamps on parts of the North shore, sandy coves and beaches on the West coast. Most of the interior of the island is covered by various subtypes of xeric semi-deciduous limestone forests. Geologically, the island is basically made out of limestone, the erosion of which causes very jagged surfaces on exposed rocks, and several sinkholes and cenotes. It has a large population of Rhinoceros Iguanas. Beata Island is currently unhabitated, save for short stays by fishermen from the mainland and a permanent Dominican military base with rotating personnel