Page 67 - Mexico Diving From the Caribbean to Pacific Isles

Isla Holbox

Holbox (“black hole” in Yucatec Maya) is an no cars, with transport by most residents and Another alternative is “Isla Pájaros” (Bird
island in the Mexican state of Quintana tourists by golf cart or moped. A small airline, Island), a small island covered in mangrove
Roo, located on the north coast of the Yucatán Aerosaab, flies tours to Holbox from Cancún and swamps and cacti, located on the Yalahau
Peninsula. It is approximately 41.84 kilometers Playa del Carmen; there is even a small airstrip lagoon, where there is a large diversity of birds,
long and 1.5 kilometers wide, and it is separated to accommodate Aerosaab’s five-seater Cessna some of them are in danger of extinction, that’s
from the mainland by a shallow lagoon that is aircraft. The entrance of vehicles is not allowed at why there are two observation points and
home to flamingos, pelicans and other rich bird- Holbox in order to protect the environment and walkways – to minimize the direct contact with
life. Holbox Island is part of the Municipality of to prevent the streets from getting sand. the birds. Flamingos, cormorants, herons, frigate
Lázaro Cárdenas and also part of the Yum-Balam birds, pelicans, wild ducks and seagulls are just
Biosphere Reserve. Not yet heavily touristed, the Holbox has several alternatives to enjoy na- some of the species you can observe in a still
island’s main industry is fishing. However, the ture, but the one that attracts most visitors natural environment.
island is developing a growing tourist industry in is the experience of swimming with the impres-
the form of whale shark viewing. sive whale shark from June to September, an
opportunity you can experience in very few parts
The island is accessed by ferry from the of the world.
mainland town of Chiquila, and has virtually