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Holbox
Holbox (hol-bosh) is an island located near the northeastern tip
of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo. It is part
of the Yum Balam ecological reserve, separated from land
by the Yalahua Lagoon. Holbox is 26 miles long and beautiful seashells
are constantly washing up onto its fine white sand beaches. The
jade green Gulf of Mexico waters that bathe these beaches are beautiful
and swimmer friendly. The water is usually calm and shallow at the
beaches, making it a great place for swimming with children.
Observation tower at Isla Pajaros
On this island there is only one small village, also called Holbox,
where less than 1,500 pèople make their home. The streets
are sand lined with brightly painted wooden houses. The majority
of the people are fishermen. They catch large red snapper, bonitos
and grouper. These fishermen also go after lobster and octopus in
season. As you can imagine, the seafood sold in the local restaurants
is fresh and delicious. Treat yourself here to some of the world's
best ceviche, a cold dish with fish, shrimp or other shellfish marinated
with tomatoes, vinegar and oil, cilantro, and garlic.
The Yalahua Lagoon separates Holbox from the mainland. Find a local
driver to take you on his boat, and explore the wonders of this
mangrove lagoon.
One place to visit is Isla Pajaros, an island where the birds come
to sleep at night. Approximately 140 species of birds live in the
Yucatan and visit this island at different times of the year.
A beautiful sunset on Holbox island
Many
are permanent residents. Humans are not allowed on the island...only
on the observation towers...and it can only be reached by boat. Because these rules have been respected by man, the birds are not
afraid, so it is possible to actually get pretty close to them.
There are several hotels, from small hostels to three-star hotels
on the beach. We recommend Hotel Faro Viejo and Los Mapaches.You
will find restaurants with delicious typical cuisine along with
national and international dishes. Try some lobster pizza.
To get around Holbox there are golf carts that can be rented by
the hour. If you see a Bassett Hound, his name is "Maclovio"
and he really is a nice guy!!! He's even been known to get in the
golf cart with people for the ride!
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Summer attraction
For several years now, whale sharks have been coming to the northern
tip of the Yucatan peninsula to feed and mate during the months
of June through September. Tourism based on whale shark watching has
increased dramatically in the last few years and Government agencies
have taken steps to protect these magnificent animals so that the
species will not be harmed and so they will continue to return to
this area. For that reason, Holbox has recently been named by the
Mexican government as the only port that can offer trips to swim
with the whale sharks and there are strict rules against scuba equipment
being used to view them in the area. Local guides have been trained
to give tours that are as safe for the whale sharks as they are
for their human visitors. Read our article on whale sharks in Holbox to get a more profound insight about the experience as well as information for tours.
How to get to Holbox
From Merida, you can take a bus that leaves at
11 PM and gets to Chiquila at 5 am, where you catch a ferry to the
island. If you go by car, it is better to take the libre (free) Merida-Cancun road to kilometer 80 to the Customs building
at El Ideal, where you turn to the left until you reach Chiquila.
Ferry crossings
From Holbox to Chiquila: 5AM, 7AM, 9AM, 10AM, 11AM, 1PM, 3PM, 4PM, 6 PM.
From Chiquila to Holbox: 6AM, 8AM, 10AM, 11AM, 12PM, 2PM, 4 PM, 7 PM.
The cost is $45 pesos per person. If you don't want to wait,
you can hire a lancha from one of the men waiting around
the dock. That will cost you about $240 pesos, but you might be
able to share it with someone else who is waiting.
To read in Spanish click here 
Hotels
Casa Maya de Jose Lima
Tel. 01 (984) 875 2428
Cel. 045 (984) 138 2420
casaholbox@hotmail.com
www.casamayadejoselimaholbox.com
Hotel Faro Viejo
(984) 875 22 17
www.faroviejoholbox.com.mx
Recommended reading
 Majahual, a laid-back fishing village
Punta Laguna Natural Reserve
Tulum archaeological site
Whale Sharks every summer
Transportation in the Yucatan
Visit our map:
Map of Yucatan Peninsula
Events & Activities Calendar
Click Here for a complete description of the activites, events and attractions in the Yucatan.
Promotions & Discounts
Click here to get the best deals for your visit in the Yucatan
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