I've been to Cozumel, Paamul, and Tulum several times for trips of at least three weeks or so. Locals tell me Isla Holbox is a great place for shell collecting. But I've heard some mixed reports: like the water is murky and green (like in Florida's Gulf of Mexico) rather than clear and turquoise blue like the rest of the Yucatan coast, and therefore not-so-good for snorkeling or diving.

Does anyone know: Is the water clearer during certain months? (Most of the hotel pictures make it look beautiful..)

Is this an o.kay place to bring a rookie traveler on their first trip to Mexico?

Any hotel recommendations? any part of the beach better than others, especially for shelling?

Best monthes? Especially, off season?

Thanks...

Holbox is famed not just for Shell collecting and abundant Tarpon fishing but also for the ferocity of it's biting insects-not the sort of feature a first timer could appreciate generally.

I'm speaking 2nd hand re Holbox, but as an active reader about Mexico & a frequent traveler to PV ... for taking a 1st time visitor (which I've done for both my cousin and my sister different trips) I'd go something more tried & true like Playa del Carmen or Puerto Vallarta.

We stayed 3 nights a couple of years ago as a side trip and really enjoyed the island. Very laid back, not much to do. The shells are great. If you go take a trip to bird island to see the flamingos as well as whale sharks and dolphins. On the same tour they also took us to a fresh water cenote. We enjoyed our stay, but we've been traveling to the area for several years and always take side trips.

Thanks for all your responses.. Any thoughts on weather, time of year? Like to go pre-season, Sept, Oct, Nov. Other than the fact that this is potential hurricane season, any observation on weather, water quality, bugs, any suggestions as to best season?

Also, do you recommend eating out, or renting a place w/ a kitchen? anyone taken the ferry from Mujeres, or do you recommend driving/ cabbing? thanks in advance...

I don't think there is a ferry to Isla Holbox from Isla Mujeres. I think you either have to drive or take a bus from Cancun to city on the northern coast of the Yucatan, then arrange for a boat transfer to Isla Holbox. There may be scheduled service from that city (sorry, don't know what it is) via water taxi.

Jean

We went to Isla Holbox our last time in Mexico and really enjoyed it.

Like you, we had been to Mexico already and have learned Spanish and thus I think for part of a trip it would be fun for you to take a "first timer" (we stayed two days out of 10)

Try the Villa Flamingo (book through the Different Worlds website)

One thing to remember. Isla Holbox is very laid back. Ferry do not always run (depending on weather) and staff is not really there to watch out for you. (so check to make sure you sea kayak is not leaking before you set out (issue with some other guests)).

The water depends on the wind direction- perfect our first day, choppy and green our second.

The place is wonderful, you should go