Spiral Island, Floating artificial island near Puerto Aventuras, Mexico
Spiral Island is a floating artificial island and sculpture near Puerto Aventuras in Quintana Roo, Mexico, made from a network of roughly 250,000 plastic bottles held together with plywood and bamboo poles. The platform measures about 20 meters by 16 meters (66 feet by 52 feet) and supports a bungalow, solar panels, and several green spaces on its surface.
British artist Richart Sowa built the first version in 1998 off the Mexican coast and lived there for several years before Hurricane Emily destroyed it in 2005. He then began constructing a second, larger version that expanded on the original floating architecture concept.
The name refers to the spiral pattern of planting beds and pathways laid out across the floating platform. Visitors today see mangroves and tropical plants growing directly above the recycled plastic, showing how organic material can work together with artificial structures.
Boats leave from Puerto Aventuras to reach the island, and guided tours show the solar-powered installations and composting systems. Weather can affect accessibility, so it helps to check conditions beforehand since the platform rocks with strong winds or wave action.
A wave-powered washing system uses the natural motion of the water to clean clothes without consuming electricity. The platform also hosts small sand beaches made from imported sand, laid along the edges and inviting relaxation on the open water.
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