The Caribbean Island of Holbox
The journey from Merida to the Caribbean island of Holbox took the whole day. Five hours by bus to Chiquila, a brief stop for lunch was long enough, and then a half hour ferry ride to reach Holbox. Two different ferries make the crossing with one leaving every half hour from morning to evening.
Holbox town is at the far west of the island. The compact sand roads, low-rise buildings, and long sandy beach to the north of the town all add to its laid-back feel. Tourism is growing and food and accommodation prices are similar to those on the Mediterranean in Spain.
After a couple of weeks of exploring ancient sites, it was time for a bit of R&R. I found a very comfortable, hospitable and reasonably priced place to stay close to the beach – Villa Los Mangles Boutique Hotel.
In July, there is no visibility for snorkelling off the town’s main beach. You will need to go by boat to access the long stretch of island east of Holbox town. The sandy beaches are pristine, the water is shallow and inviting, and the back drop is low mangrove forest.
There was a little more to see snorkelling. At points along the coast, there are large gatherings of gulls, cormorants, and pelicans.
Whale sharks gather at a point between Cancun and Holbox from May to September. Boatloads of eager tourists come from Holbox, Cancun and Playa del Carmen to spot them and dive into get a close up look. Despite official limitations and controls, there were at least a dozen boats in the area. The frenzy of people scrambling to get into the water, and the apparent disorientation that it caused for the whale sharks made it a disappointing experience.
