Hell Becoming Paradise: Islas Marias, Mexico’s Prison Island

In 2019 the last prison island in the Americas closed down. Islas Marías was home to some of Mexico’s most feared criminals, and political prisoners, but was shuttered following reports of terrible conditions.

In 2022 Mexico’s navy began allowing tourists to visit the archipelago, showing visitors cells, parrots, graveyards, beaches, and explaining the islands’ dark past.

I took a long ferry ride for a weekend on Islas Marías.

Watch full video episodes on YouTube.

Writing, recording, narration: Jamie Fullerton

Sound editing: Samira Tazari

Music: Olguita Acuña

Podcast artwork: Nini Giunàshvili

You can buy Islas Marías weekend tours from the islands’ official website, Visitaislasmarias.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.