Isla Holbox
 

My wife and I are flying into Cancun on Oct. 8 and will be leaving from same on the 15th. We haven't decided on lodging yet, but are pretty sure that we are going to spend most/all of our time on Isla Holbox. I would also like to see Chichen Itza or some other ruins nearby. Basically I am wondering if anyone has been to Isla Holbox and, if so, what can you tell me about it. It's difficult to find a ton of information. I think we're ok as far as accomodations, but suggestions are appreciated. I'd really like to rent a sailboat (sunfish or similar), but other than that and seeing the ruins, we are open to any excursions etc. that people think we should do. Again, any information on Isla Holbox and surroundings is appreciated.

We were on Isla Holbox two weeks ago. We were only there for a night at Cas Las Tortugas and full a day to snorkel with whale sharks..the season will be over next week. As for the island, it is so small that they only use golf carts to drive around. The beach is very pretty with sugary white sand. There is snorkeling, kayaking, beaches with shells etc.. It was very low key, it was nice not to have people trying to sell you stuff on the beach. Reminded me of Koh Samui, Thailand 15 years ago. Seemed like most tourist were Italian. To get there, you take a 25 minute ferry from Chaquila. If you have a rental car, there are multiple lots to leave it for $4 per day. We were told that there are no ATM's on the island, so make sure you get enough money before you leave Cancun.
Rather than take day trips to the ruins, I would recommend spending one night in Valladolid at Hotel El Meson Del Marquez to see Chichen Itza and Ek Balam in the morning, only 30 minutes away. It’s hot and you don’t have any breeze, so the earlier the better. Do not miss Ek Balam…IMO it was much better than Chichen Itza. You can also climb at Ek Balam and it’s the most recently discovered. Also, visit a Cenote or two for a refreshing swim after the ruins. They are everywhere. Perhaps do the ruins portion before you get to the island or on your way back to Cancun.

Thanks Nicci! I have thought about doing the ruins on our first day there. It seems a shame to be in that part of the world and be so close and NOT go see them. I've heard good things about Ek Balam. Where is that located?
Did you see anyone on Holbox sailing? One of the hotels I contacted said it wouldn't be a problem to rent one, but the other hotel said they didn't think that could be done but that someone there might let me use theirs. I really want to sail everyday.
Is it easy to swim off the beach? I've heard it's very very shallow for a long ways out..

I saw someone kite surfing, but not sailing. I was only there two days and off shore part of one. The beach was really beautiful in front of our hotel and shallow. If the hotel said there was a way to rent for sailing, then it should not be a problem.
The turn for Ek Balam is about 30 minutes before Chichen Itza and 20 minutes north of 180 and Valladolid.

so can you tell us what it was like to swim with the Whale Sharks - Is it very strenuous - did you get some great pictures?

This is cut and paste from my response on the Merida to Cozumel topic earlier in the week:

"Whale sharks were really neat, but I felt a little bad for the whale sharks after 3rd time in. Our boat had 5 people and we went in 2 at a time for 3x each. The boat drives around until it is facing one of the animal's head and you jump in and swim with it as long as possible. They are much faster that you would think, so it only lasts about a minute. Towards the end, I felt like we were harassing the poor things. You look around and there's about 20 other boats doing the same thing."

Overall, I think it's very stressful for the whale sharks and would not do it again, although glad I did it once. Swimming as fast as you can for 20-50 seconds in murky water does not provide a good opportunity for photos. Best photos are taken from the boat.
I have been a scuba diver for over 20 years and snorkeling is like second nature for me. Of the five people n our boat, one macho man with large muscles had major problems. He basically jumped in, panicked and was dragged back into the boat. I am not able to answer your question regarding how strenuous it is since that is relative to the individual. Depends on your health and experience snorkeling. Keep in mind that you are snorkeling 1.5 hours from land in the middle of the sea with only about 5 feet of visibility.

I did a report on my stay in Holbox and swimming with whale sharks. It includes photos.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35091608