The island is off the coast of Quintana Roo in a town called Puerto Aventuras 1 hr south of Cancun, Mexico. Built by hand by Richie Sowa Out of more than 200,000 plastic bottles! To make the island, Richie nailed layers of plywood to thick bamboo poles. He then filled nets with plastic bottles donated by passers-by and well-wishers, and hung them from the poles to make the whole contraption float. Gaps where left in the wood so that top soil could be added and all manner of trees and plants where planted. These have flourished. The plants include mangroves, Palms, Lemon trees, almonds and banana trees. They take their nutrients from the soil and from the fres rain water that has collected bertween the bottles. Rain water floats on Salt water and so the plants have a constant supply. Above the island richie has constructed a Palappa house which has three bedrooms and three storeys, with a terrace area on the 1st floor. The island has a beach and a dock for Richies canoes.... Not surprisingly, Spiral Island, Richie Sowa's amazing home, has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction, receiving up to 100 curious visitors a day. Richie is talking of pulling up the anchor and moving the entire island further down the coast, where there are fewer tourists and he can get more peace and quiet.