Isla Holbox, Mexico

Trip Start Apr 07, 2006
1
23
31
Trip End Aug 18, 2006


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow

Flag of Mexico  ,
Monday, July 17, 2006

After another big night with the people from the hostel in Playa del Carmen, I promised to go with 2 English girls to Akumal again and show them where the turtles were. However in the semi-sober light of morning I realised I was running out of time and after giving them directions I started on my way to Isla Holbox. Unfortunately by the time I got to Cancun I had missed the last bus to Chiquila (where the Isla Holbox ferry goes from) and so spent the afternoon in Cancun sleeping (I didn't get any the night before) and reading. I am finally getting stuck into my Ernesto Guevara book and am loving the history I am finding out abt Cuba as well as the whole region.

The next morning I started the trip to Isla Holbox. This island isn't in the book and was recommended to me abt a month ago by an English/Dutch couple in Semuc Chempey - but I didn't have an idea how long it would take. It ended up taking abt 5 hours to get there, not too bad. When I got there I hired a hammock and explored the little town and island. Isla Holbox is very similar to Caye Caulker in Belize - white sand beaches, clear blue water and a small laid back town - but not quite as laid back as Belize though. I spent the afternoon reading, lying on the beach and swimming - not that the water provided any relief from the heat as it is the warmest water I have ever swum in (I'm guessing abt 30 degrees).

The next day made my very short trip to Isla Holbox became worth while. The reason: Nado con el Tiburon Ballena!! - I swam with whale sharks!! (For the Spanish people out there I realise my Spanish was in the present tense, but I only do present tense in Spanish).

It was truly incredible, one of the best experiences of my trip. Whale sharks are the biggest fish in the world, but being plankton eaters are completely harmless. They grow up to 12 metres long! It was great getting in the water with this giant, its true size only really realised when I was under water with it. As for the whale shark, it carried on its feeding as if no-one was there. The photos don't do the experience justice (and I'm guessing not even an underwater one would have).

I would float in the water at the mouth (wide open - abt a metre) of this 8 metre shark who would just glide by, and when its tail (taller than me) slowly flicked past, I'd make pace to the front again and just gaze in awe as it sailed past again! Wow!

After a couple of hours we headed back to the island, where I caught the ferry and a bus back to Cancun, and then another boat to Isla Mujeres........
Slideshow Print this entry Puerto Aventuras hotels

Comments

joneslorrie
joneslorrie on Nov 24, 2007 at 08:47PM

Help!
Your site is great! Can you suggest a room or a 'safe' alternative to the hotels. They are all booked and I need a room for one 12/19-12/23 (checking out that a.m.) Keep up the great blog! Lorrie Jones

joneslorrie
joneslorrie on Nov 24, 2007 at 08:48PM

Help!
Your site is great! Can you suggest a room or a 'safe' alternative to the hotels. They are all booked and I need a room for one 12/19-12/23 (checking out that a.m.) Keep up the great blog! Lorrie Jones

Add Comment