Holbox
Island, Yucatan, Riviera Maya, Mexico ... a
nice place to relax
Isla Holbox:
What can we say about
Holbox............but that it is the place were we go to
relax.
Holbox island
 is
located on the north cost of the Yucatan peninsula its
approximately 40 kilometers long by 2 wide and 85% of
the island is still untouched by civilization. No paved
streets exist. Most people walk everywhere they need to
go or they move around with golf carts, which you can
rent. The sunsets are something that you must enjoy and
get ready for. i.e. prepare a nice bottle of wine and
make sure it chilled, find a nice spot on the beach and
enjoy the moment. Take photos so people back home
believe you. During the day their is lots of activities,
walk down the beach and find shells, go fishing or bird
watching, or rent a boat and go to beaches that are to
far to walk and enjoy the peaceful beach, go a find the
whale sharks (read more below) or or or i can keep on
going about things to do or do nothing and simply relax.
Whale Shark Snorkeling Tour:
 I
this tour you get to see the biggest fish in the world,
the Whale Shark. The shark is found in tropical and warm
oceans and lives in the open sea. In the Gulf of Mexico
they can be seen during the months of June to September
in a place called Cabo Catoche. Here you will be able to
watch and swim with these amazing creatures. It is a
unique experience to see the whale shark; if you are in
the Riviera Maya its a well worth trip to make.
Obviously we cant guarantee that you will see them,
however in 5 years that the tour has
operated he have not seen the in 3 occasions. Also along
the way you will see turtles, manta rays and dolphins.
Here is a brief description of the
Whale Shark:
whale shark is a filter feeder. Feeds on phytoplankton,
macro-algae, plankton, krill and small nektonic life,
such as small squid or
vertebrates.
Its mouth can be up to 1.5 m (5 ft) wide and can contain
up to 300 rows of tiny teeth.
It has an average speed of 5 kilometers per hour, making
it a very slow swimmer and easy to follow while
snorkeling.
The Whale Sharks skin is like sand paper, unfortunately
you will not get to touch them.
I personally have encountered a whale shark of 10 meters
long (30 feet)
They are completely harmless, how ever you have to keep
your distance from the fins, because the are like sand
paper and if hit by them can leave you a nice skin burn.
 Tour
Itinerary:
Cost from Holbox: (per person)
$80 USD per person
(includes boxed lunch and coffee break, swim with the
whale sharks, local guide and snorkeling gears).
Cost from Playa del Carmen & Cancun: (min. 6 people)
$220 USD per person
(includes ground transportation in air-conditioned van
from / to your hotel, private boat to Holbox, box lunch
and coffee break, swim with whale sharks, professional
snorkeling gears, local guide and three courses menu in
a local beach restaurant).
What to bring:
Sunscreen protection, baseball cap for extra protection,
(all our boats have a covered space to sit under), sun
glasses, extra t-shirt,
towel, camera (waterproof one if you have one), extra
cash, swimming suit and medicine against nausea.
If you want, feel free to bring your own snorkeling
gears and spirit of adventure.
Tour Schedule:
(subject to change, all times are approximate)
04:00am – 05:00am I know it starts
early but if you want we can arrange for you to stay a
night in Holbox and there for your tour would
start later and enjoy the day in Holbox and take the
tour the next day and then come back to your destination
in the Riviera Maya.
Departure from Cancun and Riviera Maya towards Holbox
07:30am – 08:00am
Briefing, coffee break and start of the whale shark
tour.
09:00am – 09:30am
Arrival in Cabo Catoche. There you will be able to swim
with whale sharks
and possibly see as well manta rays, turtles and
dolphins.
12:00pm – 1:30pm
Trip back towards Holbox. The tour ends here for people
staying in Holbox
but with an extra charge of 12 USD they can join the
three course lunch.
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Three courses lunch in a local restaurant on the beach
and possibility of having
a small tour by foot in the village of Holbox.
5:30pm – 6:30pm
Return to the hotel.
Other important details:
Reserving this tour with us means contributing to
sustainable tourism
You need to book your tour at least 3 days prior.
Maximum group size 30 people, maximum size per boat 8
people.
This tour is not suitable for people having severe
physical or motor handicaps, nor for people with heart
problems.
This tour is also possible for people not able to swim
as well as for children but only if under the
responsibility of family members.
Check with your hotel or with our team leaders the exact
time of the pick up.
No one under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be
permitted onboard an no refunds will be given.
Tell us in you want a vegetarian menu (no extra costs)
or want a private boat, (with additional costs).
All reservations of excursions and programs made through
us will contribute to sustainable development.
Cancellations are subject to a charge.
The refunds are at discretion of SeaMonkey Business but
normally follow the cancellation policies decided by the
service provider. Prices are not guaranteed until
confirmed. Reservations are upon availability.
All bookings have to be made directly with us but are
upon the conditions imposed by the service provider.
The payment of the complete amount has to be done at the
end of the reservation process. Credit cards are not
accepted.
Payments can be done using Pay Pal or Bank Deposit.
Fishing Trips and other tours:
All the tours can be done by
contracting directly on the island if you want we can
pre-arrange the tours for you.
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Mini Fishing |
1/2 day 150 USD per boat
/ max. 4 pax |
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Deep sea fishing |
1/2 day 250 USD per boat
/ max. 4 pax |
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Cabo Catoche fishing |
1/2 day 350 USD per boat
/ max. 4 pax |
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Fly Fishing |
3/4 day 375 USD per boat
/ max. 2 pax |
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Shell tour |
1/2 day 20 USD per person /
min. 4 pax |
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Classic tour of the island |
1/2 day 25 USD per person /
min. 4 pax |
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Tour Horse back riding |
2 hours 40 USD per person /
min. 2 pax |
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Tour of the island by golf
car |
2 hours 25 USD per person /
min. 6 pax |
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Slalom in the river with the
kayak |
1/2 day 45 USD per person /
min. 2 pax |
Hotels in
Holbox
Press this link for a complete list of hotels in Holbox and
make Online Resrevations
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Villas Paraiso del Mar on Holbox island features
modern comfort and perfect harmony with nature,
mixing the main principles of Feng Shui into the
traditional Caribbean architecture. Admire the
beauty of the ocean, watch birds fly overhead
and enjoy relaxing afternoons with spectacular
sunset in this picturesque fishing village.
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This stunning hotel is located on the
picturesque island of Holbox. It focuses on
quality over quantity, ensuring that the guests
it has capacity for go home with a massive smile
on their face. Xaloc Resort has been designed
with great care to detail, ensuring it blends in
with the island's natural setting. The cabanas
here feature cone shaped thatched palapa roofs,
with walls built with local materials, as the
local Mayans used to do.
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Have an unforgettable experience on the island
of Holbox when you stay at Las Nubes de Holbox,
as you enjoy everything from the stunning beach
and sunsets to convenient services. Come and
experience paradise at this wonderful place, as
you relax by the beautiful swimming pools or in
the cozy guestrooms. Fall in love with the
natural beauty of this impressive tourist
destination on Mexico's Caribbean coast.
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Casa Takywara is located amongst the lush
vegetation of Holbox and offers comfortable,
rustic facilities that you can enjoy during your
stay in this tranquil destination. This property
was designed with the surrounding natural
landscapes in mind. Casa Takywara has a quiet,
intimate atmosphere and is far away from the
busy crowds of tourists that visit the island
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Villas Tiburon Frente al Mar is the perfect
place to escape from the world and take refuge
in a relaxing atmosphere. Located next to the
calming turquoise waters of Mexico's Caribbean
coast, this hotel is a tropical oasis, and
offers you somewhere to forget the hustle and
bustle of everyday life, allowing you to enjoy
your next vacation on the island of Holbox to
the fullest.
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Villas Delfines is a hotel with romantic
bungalows built on the soft white sands of the
beach of Holbox island, perfect for travelers in
search of something unique. Discover a laid-back
atmosphere filled with casual comforts. Please
keep in mind that on Holbox island, ATM access
is limited. Most services like massages, golf
cart rental, restaurants and shops must be paid
in cash
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The Amaite Hotel and Spa is an oasis situated on
an incredible beach on the island of Holbox, one
of Mexico's most stunning destinations. This
two-story hotel has a palapa-style structure,
blending seamlessly with the natural
surroundings for a breezy and cozy atmosphere.
An incredible and beautiful location makes this
hotel perfect for enjoying an unforgettable
vacation where you can experience nature and
savor delicious cuisine
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Take a break from your daily routine when you
stay at the Holbox Dream Beachfront Hotel By
Xperience Hotels. The property faces the
tranquil waters around the island of Holbox and
features two swimming pools as well as 16
Caribbean style guestrooms equipped with air
conditioning, ceiling fans and free wireless
Internet access
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The stunning island of Holbox is set right at
the point where the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf
of Mexico converge. Here you can enjoy a restful
stay in the paradise-like oasis known as the
CasaSandra Hotel Boutique, a property with
simple amenities that will help you to get close
to nature. The island is home to a diverse array
of animals, from colorful birds to whale sharks
and dolphins
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Enjoy an unforgettable stay on the island of
Holbox when you pick Villas Flamingos, with its
excellent facilities, services, and location by
the Caribbean Sea. This property is home to 10
beautifully decorated bungalows and offers
wonderful views of the surrounding landscapes.
Situated right by a stunning white beach on
Mexico's Caribbean coast, it is an ideal place
to enjoy the fresh sea breeze, and to get away
from the chaos of everyday life for a while
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Cielito
Lindo is a small and peaceful hotel with
Caribbean décor that is located on the island of
Holbox, about two and a half hours from Cancun.
This property has 16 air-conditioned guestrooms,
some cabanas with thatched roofs and all with a
balcony or terrace and wireless Internet access.
At this hotel you’ll find a large outdoor pool
and bar service. |
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Transportation:
Driving Directions to Isla
Holbox-Chiquila from Cancun, Q. Roo Mexico
Coming from Cancun by car you would take Hwy# 180 (free
road not the toll road) east to the town of El Ideal,
passing through many
small Mayan villages on the way. At El Ideal you will
see signs to Holbox and Kantunilkin, take this road
north. turn right if coming
from Cancun. At one point there will be a fork in the
road with left turn to Tizimin and right to Chiquila.
You want to take the road
to Chiquila driving through the town of Kantunilkin and
the village of Solferino. Trip is approx. 3 hours .
There are parking lots in
Chiquil. Here in Chiquila the ferry departs for Holbox
island.
If you have a car leave it in a parking spot to the
right of the gas station the cost is about 3 dollars per
day. They are private
homes with some covered garage spaces.
You can also take a bus from the main bus station in
Cancun or private vans can be arranged prior to your
arrival to Cancun airport.
One other option is taking a small airplane to Holbox.
Getting to Holbox from Chiquinla.
Ferry Schedule There are 2 companies doing the cross
over to Holbox
Chiquinla to Isla Holbox 9 Hermanos Ferry service price
4 dollars per person.
Times: 6am,8am,10am,12n,2pm,4pm,5pm, and last crossing
7pm.
Isla Holbox to Chiquinla 9 Hermanos Ferry service price
4 dollars per person.
Times: 5am,7am,9am,11am,1pm,3pm,4pm,and last crossing
6pm.
Crossing time is approximately 25-30 minutes.
However if you don't want to wait take a private boat
for about 20 dollars. Ask the fisherman to take you
across. They don't really
have times. I personally have taken them across at 11pm.
If you have a car leave it in a parking spot to the
right of the gas station the cost is about 3 dollars per
day. They are private
homes with some covered garage spaces.
Transportation on Holbox
 Well what can we say, wear comfortable flip-flops, you
walk everywhere. They do have golf carts that function
like taxis and you can rent them also on an hourly basis
or all day. We rented a golf cart for 4 hours and that
was plenty to see all the island.
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