Pronounced Hol-bosh by the locals it sits off the north east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico. Although only a few hours from the hectic spring break capital of Cancún, it feels like a million miles from anywhere.
Holbox attracts both travellers, and day trippers. Backpackers wanting a few days rest and relaxation after long bus journeys and hectic cities, end up staying longer. Holiday makers often combine the island trip with either a few days in the busy resorts of Cancún or Playa Del Carmen and the day trippers come from the cruise ships or all inclusive hotels to snorkel with the whale sharks.
Sandy streets lined with colourful Caribbean wooden houses make up the only town on the island and most of the two thousand residents live here. The only means of getting around are by foot, bicycle or golf car. Everything to see and do is within easy walking distance, the furthest being an hours stroll along the beach to the Yum Balam nature reserve.
There are a scattering of low rise hotels with cabanas for rent along the beach ranging from low budget to high end but the total number of beds can only amount to about 300. At its current capacity it is never going to be over run with tourists. This of course might change and there is evidence of building work to try and cater for the increasing numbers of visitors.
Snorkelling with the Whale Sharks
Isla Holbox is often referred to as Isla Tiburón Ballena, the name for whale sharks in Spanish. These elegant creatures come to feed off the rich plankton between June and September each year. The island people have developed responsible practices with the help of the World Wildlife Fund. They now limit the number of people that can be in the water at any one time with the sharks and Isla Holbox is highlighted on the wildlife tourist map.
Bird Watching on the Beach
Bird lovers do not have to pay reserve fees or day trip costs to see the large numbers of bright pink flamingos, herons, ibis, spoonbills, pelicans and the other hundred or more species of birds that at different points throughout the year make this their home. An hours walk with or without shoes, along the beach, eastwards from the town will guarantee bird sightings. The lagoon sits south of the beach so mosquito repellent is essential.
Getting to Isla Holbox
Getting to the island involves firstly arriving at Chiquilá , also in the state of Quintana Roo. This can be done by a bus or taxi from Cancún, taking approximately 2.5 hours. Although only a handful of buses a day, there are nine boat trips made in each direction, with the ride taking just over half an hour. Alternatively all inclusive trips from Cancún and Playa Del Carmen to see the Whale Sharks are easily found.
Whether it’s a day trip to see the giant whale sharks or a week to kick back and be lazy, there is no doubt people will find this island enchanting. Friendly people (many of whom are Mayan), lobster pizzas, snorkelling with whale sharks, intensely green waters, pink flamingos and white coral beaches make this a must see destination when deciding to visit Mexico.
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