Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve
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"It is in Nature where I found myself and my passion"
Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra, explorer and documentary filmmaker.
American crocodile in Caribbean waters - Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra
"Banco Chinchorro Biosphere Reserve, July 2018.
Today, December 26, 2022, I look back with a fresh perspective. I've found great pleasure in all my activities, but it's photography that truly ignites my spirit and gives my days renewed purpose. What began as a simple hobby has evolved into a true vocation, though I haven't yet managed to discipline myself enough to fully capture all my experiences. Through these lines, I seek to rekindle the passion that photography awakened in me in its early days. More and more, I realize the importance that an image or video can have, as long as it's backed by a captivating story.
This is me - Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra
The story begins with my first camera: a Canon 1DX Mark II, a faithful companion that has accompanied me on all my adventures to this day, including underwater explorations of the Mexican seas. I never could have imagined the magnitude of what I would see through its lens, nor the profound impact those images would have on my life.
In July 2018, I embarked on my first trip as a professional photographer. I flew from Mexico City to Chetumal, Quintana Roo, and from there, we took a two-and-a-half-hour road trip to one of the most enchanting corners of our planet: Xcalak. This charming coastal village, with fewer than 500 inhabitants, lies so far south that it marks the natural border with Belize. Although Xcalak wasn't our final destination, it was the starting point for our true odyssey. We spent a peaceful night there, completely unaware that our next encounter would forever change my perception of nature and the species that inhabit it.
The beautiful town of Xcalak - Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra
A three-hour boat ride from Xcalak lies Banco Chinchorro: Mexico's largest atoll, second only to Kwajalein in the Pacific Ocean. What was once a volcanic crater has now transformed into a paradisiacal aquatic refuge, protected by a coral reef 20 to 30 meters thick. Since being declared a biosphere reserve in 1996, tourists are not welcome unless they have the necessary permits to visit this island teeming with life. There you'll find corals, algae, snails, rays, turtles, sea sponges, dolphins, and a plethora of fish species. It's also a place where you can come face-to-face with living relics from the Jurassic period: crocodiles.
Upon arriving, I was immersed not only in the marvelous colors that surrounded me: the crystalline blues of the coast blending with the greens of the mangroves, adorned with the browns, yellows, and oranges of the underwater leaves. I was surprised to see the fishermen's huts, raised above the water on platforms. But the best was yet to come: we began preparing the lionfish bait we had caught earlier to attract the crocodiles. With each slash of the knife against the wood, we knew the reptiles would come, drawn by the easy feast we offered them, and so it was: they approached, curious.
The American crocodile is a species that inhabits areas from southern Florida to Central America. It is sad to acknowledge that this majestic creature is in grave danger of extinction. In a short time, we may no longer be able to say it exists. It is a lizard that can reach up to five meters in length in its adult stage and weigh up to 500 kg. It is a source of national pride to share territory with such a resilient species; but it is also a great tragedy that we, humans, are the main cause of its decline.
Back of an American crocodile in Caribbean waters - Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra
Scientifically known as Crocodylus acutus, this majestic reptile is distinguished by its sharp and powerful morphology. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 32 km per hour, and endowed with impressive strength in its jaw and torso, the American crocodile is a true marvel of nature. Despite these qualities, its diet consists mainly of small prey, and it rarely ventures to hunt large mammals. However, its role in the ecosystem is crucial, and its presence indicates a healthy environment. Nevertheless, we must not fall into the false illusion that its abundance in certain areas is due to an increase in its population. Rather, it is an indication that urbanization is encroaching on the areas inhabited by this magnificent animal. Consequently, it is imperative that we seek new ways to interact and coexist with nature, thereby preserving the precious balance of our environment.
Entering the water with this enormous lizard was no easy feat for me. Although I outwardly tried to remain calm and composed, I couldn't deceive myself. The respect I feel for this creature is immense; its presence radiates an energy akin to the very essence of the divine. Mustering my courage, I prepared my camera and submerged myself.
The first few seconds were filled with pure adrenaline, but suddenly, as if by magic, the moment my eyes met those of the first crocodile that approached, everything changed. In the blink of an eye, I experienced a profound and total connection with the moment I was living. I moved the camera out of my field of vision for an instant and felt every fiber of my being enveloped by the magnificence of the moment, by the very essence of nature, and by the longing to be part of it again. In the midst of the city's whirlwind, I had felt completely disconnected; however, in that instant, I understood what I truly wanted to do with my life: to connect deeply with nature and become a vehicle to inspire others to do the same.
American crocodile in Caribbean waters - Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra
I let myself be carried away by the flow of time and captured countless photos from every possible angle. The crocodiles, creatures that seem to lack any facial expression, at least from my perspective at that moment, remained motionless and unpredictable. They approached me with unsettling slowness, and just when they appeared to be about to collide with me, they would stop dead in their tracks, making no further movement, simply standing there, paralyzed before me. It was as if they were gauging my reaction or playing a silent game of staring with me. It was clear that if I lost my composure or showed even the slightest hint of fear, I would be the one who would lose out in that situation.
Before I knew it, the sun was setting over the horizon, and I was still immersed in the water alongside these imposing creatures. I never imagined I would spend so much time in the water, surrounded by crocodiles. Yes, that's right, surrounded. There was a long period when more than five of these majestic reptiles were around me, along with other photographers. Staying alert and protecting my back depended entirely on trusting those behind me, making sure the situation was under control, just as I was doing for myself.
American crocodile in Caribbean waters - Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra
The lessons I learned from this experience accompany me in my daily life. There were many things in life that instilled fear in me, and after this, I was able to break free from those paradigms and feel free and strong. Now I am able to avoid judging by appearances, but I understand the importance of respecting those around us. Without a doubt, the animal I fear most on this planet is the human being. We tend to destroy what we don't understand or what frightens us.
To you, who have experienced this, I invite you to change your way of perceiving the world, to be more empathetic, and to realize that without the natural world, we are nothing. Life itself is the greatest teacher, and the beings that inhabit this world are here to teach us. They are not at our service; rather, we must be at the service of the planet.
American crocodile in Caribbean waters - Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra
Manatee Sanctuary - Alonso I. Rodríguez de la Parra
The Road to Chinchorro - Erick Higuera
Banco Chinchorro Atoll - Erick Higuera