Holbox is an island in Mexico, in the 'vicinity' of Riviera Maya and its famous tourist destinations and resorts. Still, schedule at least a few hourse for bus and ferry rides, depending on where you plan on taking the bus from.
The island economy is based on fiahing and tourism. You'll find plenty to do from relaxed beaches to fishing, diving and wildlife watching. Beginning of the year is famous amongst kitesurfers, whereas summer months are great for whaleshark and turtle watching.
Absolutely worth a visit! The island is small and our significance on its economy big. Hence, we also have great power and responsobility in determining its future development. Lets make responsible and sustainable choices!
In our six days, we made some observations, both good and less than so:
+ All beaches are public. No major hotel chains on the island.
+ Beaches in general: plenty to walk and you might see flamingos on the way!
+ Retained its authenticity, even with growing tourism. Note! Very little to offer for those seeking luxury.
+ Possibility to camp on established camping grounds. Great for budget travellers!
+ Nearly carless, completely tarmacless.
+ Safe, sincere and relaxed.
+ Manageable, on bike or even foot, in a week.
+ You get to experience the island on your own terms - no agressive peddlers.
- Nearly carless, but by no means golfcartless. Their noise can get annoying, especially around the center square.
- Mosquitoes at camp at dawn and dusk. Quick to bite, but not ichy for a long time.
- Overprized crepe-guy at center square. Or, we got tricked. ;) Worth learning at least the numbers.
* (Credit) cards are accepted in some places, but you should not count on it. An ATM is located next to the center square. MasterCard is cheaper compared to Visa. Make a note of your own bank's possible extra costs for withdrawing money abroad.
* In Chiquila (harbour town for the Holbox ferry), ticket office for the busses is a person sitting on a fence. No official booth. Nearly missed her in all our hurry.
* Pay with your card as often as possible (despite the 2-5% extra charge). If necessary, withdraw money at an ATM. Only as a last resort, exchange your home currency for pesos, and try to avoid doing so at the airport. Exhange rates for euro (€) vary between 15 MXN$ (at the airport) and 19 MXN$.
Our budget for two:
(1€ = 20$; average rate of the Mexican Central Bank)
Bus Cancun-Chiquila: 11€/220$
Ferry Chiquila-Holbox-Chiquila: 24,5€/490$
Accommodation: camping 15,5€/310$ per night, Hostel & Cabanas Ida y Vuelta Camping. They also have dormitories and provate cabins. Quiet neighborhood, only 200 meters to the beach. A light breakfast is included. A strong recommendation!
Eating: We dined varyingly at restaurants/ cafes and cooked ourselves - never spent more than 20€/400MXN$ per day. On the street from the harbour to the center square, there is a stand selling the best warm baguettes and hamburgers.
Our goal was to get by on less than 50€/1000MXN$ per day, and achieved it easily. Although, we did not take part in any organized tours or acivities and left shopping to a minimum.
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