North of Cancun at the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Holbox is a Great place to go watch whale sharks and flamingos.

From SEDETUR (Secretaria de Turismo Quintana Roo):

Holbox

The Mexican Southeastern: immense variety of flora and fauna. Mayan land. White sands Beaches and turquoise waters. The Mexican part of the Caribbean Sea. But, where do the Caribbean begins? The Caribbean begins in Holbox. There where the waters of the gulf begin to change their tonality to a blue and green transparency.

Located in the North part of the state of Quintana Roo, Holbox is an island of 43 km in length by 2 of wide that lodges a little town that does not arrive at 2 thousand habitants, and is the habitat of a great variety of marine birds, turtles and mangroves. Is part of the Ecological Reserve of Yum Balam, area of protection of flora and wild fauna. Its name in Mayan means “black hole”.

The life is simple in this island: those who lives there dedicate, in its majority, to the fishing, reason why the fish and the prepared seafood of diverse forms are the specialty in the restaurants of the place.

Palapas (houses of palm ceiling) are seen by all Holbox: villagers and hotelkeepers adopt this type of construction very characteristic of the zone.

It is rare to see motor cars. People transport their things and themselves by bicycles, tricytaxis (tricycles adapted to take two or three passengers) and the golf carts. The streets are made of sand, are not paved, that’s why the huaraches and sandals are the best option to walk.

Once you arrive to Holbox, the noisy cities, the insecurity, the traffic and stress are left behind. It’s a good choice to kept the clock and the cellular telephone in your night table’s drawer, and to loose yourself a little in the time: there’s no are automatic tellers, neither banks, and the cellular reception is nule in many parts of the island. So forget the electronic games and the computer, and go away to the beach to gather some shells and snails, Lay down in the sand to observe the albatrosses, pelicans and gulls that plunge themselves in the calm waters looking for food, see the turtles that rest in the security of the beach, and, if it’s your lucky day, watch the dolphins that time by time jumps out the water very closely of the border.

And already entered the night, lay down in a hammock, and enjoy the spectacle of the celestial vault with its fleeting stars and constellations.

How to arrive?

First you have to arrive to Cancun, via aerial or terrestrial route.

By bus: From bus station of Cancún, take a bus to the port of Chiquilá. It is recommendable that this transfer is made the earlier possible to arrive at good hour to Holbox. It’s a second class route and lasts approximately 3 hours. The schedules of the bus are the following ones:
- Cancún – Chiquilá: 4:30, 6:00, 8:00, 12:30, 13:30. 14:15 hrs.
- Chiquilá – Cancún: 5:30, 7:30, 13:30 hrs.
Please take note that these schedules can change depending on the season.

By car: You can leave from Cancún or Mérida, capital of Yucatan. Take the highway 180 (not the highway) Mérida-Cancún, turn towards the east in the kilometer 80, El Ideal, in the direction of the sea. It is necessary to pass the town of Kantunilkín, and to arrive at Chiquilá, where a boat is taken to cross to Holbox. From the Ideal to Chiquilá the distance are approximately 80 kilometers.

The trip in automobile from Cancún to Chiquilá lasts approximately 2,5 hours; from Mérida they are approximately 3,5 hours. There is a parking in Chiquilá that costs $30 or $40 pesos the day, depending on the car.

There are two types of boats and diverse schedules to cross the lagoon of Yalahau towards the Island of Holbox:

• Slow Ferry of Chiquilá to Holbox ($11 pesos by person, approximately)
- Chiquilá – Holbox: 9:30, 13:30, 15:30, 20:00 hrs.
- Holbox – Chiquilá: 8:00, 12:00, 14:30, 18:30 hrs.

• Fast Ferry of Chiquilá to Holbox: ($40 pesos by person, approximately)
- Chiquilá – Holbox: 6:00, 8:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 17:00, 19:00 hrs.
- Holbox – Chiquilá: 5:00, 7:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 16:00,18:00 hrs.

The Ferry for motos and bicycles crosses at 8:00 A.M. and at 1:30 P.M.to Holbox, and returns to Chiquilá at 11:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M.

By small plane:, Aerosaab offers private flights to Holbox Island from Mérida, Cancún, Isla mujeres, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
- Cesna Airplane for 1 4 passengers
- Limit of luggage: 12 pounds by person
- From Cancún: US$500.00 of 1-4 passengers, plus US$18,00 tax of airport by person
- From Playa del Carmen: US$450 of 1-4 passengers, plus US$2,00 tax of airport by person
www.aerosaab.com

How much it costs to stay itself?

The lodging rates vary depending on the hotel and their services. The hotels in Holbox are ecological palapas that do not count on conditioned air, although are some a little more luxurious than others.

Here there are some examples of hotels and their approximate lodging rates:

Puerto Holbox
US$70.00

Villa Mapaches
US$45.00

La Palapa
US$40.00

Coral
US$35.00

Faro Viejo
US$60.00

Las Tortugas
US$56.00

Mawimbi
US$50.00

Casa Sandra
US$156.00

Paraiso del Mar
US$128.00

Villa Flamingos
US$66.00

Villa Delfines
US$70.00

Posada Careyes
US$35.00

Xaloc
US$86.00

Posada Holmar
US$65.00

What to do in Holbox

The island is very small, you can cross it complete. A golf cart can be rented, Their prices go from US$11 the hour to US$60 for 24 hours.

Fishing

For the fishing lovers, this it is a true paradise.

All the year species can be found, although the best season of fishing begins in the month of April and finishes in September.

The Lagoon of Yalahau is an ideal place for the “fly fishing”.

Diving and snorquel

Don’t forget the viewfinder and esnórquel, because in waters of any beach of the island it is possible to observe great variety of aquatic species.

Like part of the Mexican Caribbean, in the coastline of Holbox is the extraordinary coralline barrier that it gives origin to the Great Mayan Reef, a great spectacle that no diver will have to lose it.

Please remember to not touch the chorales, the fish, the stones nor nothing that is in the water, since in addition of which they can be damaged, also they can make damage, because some have no appreciable blade and poison ends. Also, please don’t submerge in the water with shining objects that can call the attention of barracudas and other predator fish.

Although the beaches are very calm, is important not to move away too much of their border, because the deep and stronger currents can surprise you.

Near Holbox

It is recommendable to include in the itinerary excursions to the islands near or the Yalahau Lagoon.

Isla Pajaros (Birds Island)

To visit the Birds Island is one of the forced activities. This small site, also call Isla del Tan, is located to 30 minutes in boat from Holbox, in the lower part of the lagoon of Yalahau, and is inhabited by a great variety of birds like flamenco, pelicans and ducks, among others. The birds can be admired from terraces and roads of observation, since it is prohibited to walk in the island.

This it is a short stroll that leaves the wharf of Holbox, and although the birds can be seen all the day, the true emotion is to be able to go during the sunset, when all the species that live there reunite with a lot of noise and aerial games.

Isla de la Pasion (Passion Island)

At only 15 minutes in boat from Holbox, this very small island invites you to the relaxation and the rest, since it continues being a completely moved away site of the civilization.

Laguna Yalahau (Yalahau Lagoon)

Also called Conil Lagoon, is the lagoon you have to cross to arrive from Chiquilá to Holbox. It’s a sweet and fresh water lagoon, fed by a water eye. According to the Mayan legend, it is a magical place, a youth source, that make up to ten years younger all that swims in his waters.

To only 40 km of Yalahau is Boca Iglesias, site in where an old monastery and a church are conserved, in where it says that were applied punishments and tortures during inquisicion times.

Tips of trip

- Take lotion against mosquitos.
- Take care of the sun with a cap or hat and use biodegradable solar protector.
- Bring cash. There aren’t banks nor tellers.
- Take care of this small paradise. Avoid to introduce sweepings, Reuse the plastic boats and to throw the garbage in its place.
- Not to use the golf trolleys on the beach, because the nests of wanderers and the shells can be destroyed.
- To communicate and to buy food are not a problem. There is Internet, telephones and convenience stores.

If you are looking to change your routine, visit the paradise of Holbox.

Note of the writing: The prices and schedules described in this article can vary according to the season.
Sources: Secretaría de Turismo de Quintana Roo, Fideicomiso de Promoción Turística de Holbox, Holbox Island, Viajeros, México Desconocido, Editorial Verás, Planeta Azul

Links:
www.caribemexicano.gob.mx/

http://sedetur.qroo.gob.mx/Fideicomiso%20Holbox/Archivos_INDEX/Index1.htm

www.holboxisland.com
www.caribemexico.com/espanol/destinos/islas/isla_holbox/

Cancun Ironman 70.3

From Sedetur (Secretaria de Turismo Quintana Roo):

No.3
Puerto Morelos.

Puerto Morelos is a very different place from its neighbors, Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Paradise of Bohemians, writers, painters, composers and craftsmen, who find in their tranquility, the necessary inspiration to make their art.

Located in 20°50’50.5 “North latitude and 86°52’30.6″ west longitude, 18 km to the south of Cancun and 36 km to the north of Playa del Carmen, Puerto Morelos is the main port of the state of Quintana Roo, since it counts with the import and export facilities for a port with international traffic, as well as a ferry dock which is the principal supply for the Island of Cozumel.

Nowadays, Puerto Morelos has three communities: Central Vallarta, Joaquin Zetina Gasca and Puerto Morelos, that altogether have a population of five thousand inhabitants.

In this unique destination, you could enjoy the splendid nature of the Mexican Caribbean: Its exuberance of a dense and varied vegetation, the mangroves’ zone, the white sandy beaches and, of course, the unique Mesoamerican reef, evident in that white line, appraised from the beach, formed by the waves breaking on its shallower part.

The Reef of Puerto Morelos declared National Park and Protected Natural Area, has a total surface of 9 thousand 066 hectares, and comprises of the reef barrier denominated “Great Reef Barrier of the Western Atlantic”, considered the second greatest of the world, where this section of the barrier extends itself to the north of Isla Mujeres National Park Western Coast, Punta Cancun and Punta Nizuc.

Physical characteristics.

The climate in the region is warm sub humid with a temperature annual average of 26.3°C, a maximum in the summer of 32.5° C and a minimum in the winter of 13°.

Rains are more abundant in the summer and the relative humidity annual average is 84%.

The coastal zone presents a very little relief and there are no superficial rivers.

In this region the trade winds dominates, although they are interrupted by north winds normally of October to May. The hurricanes season understands the months of June to November, of which August and September are those of more high incidence.

Some of History.

The region that today occupies the town of Puerto Morelos was an extensive site of Maya establishments and altars, as well as rest place of the Mayan navigators during its commercial interchange trips with Central America. Their coast, the mangroves and jungle zones have archaeological evidences of this.

The modern history of Puerto Morelos, known as “Punta Corcho”, began in 1898 with the arrival of the “Compañia Colonizadora de la Costa Oriental de Yucatán” (Colony Company of the Eastern Coast of Yucatan), who operated agricultural and forest products as wood of dye, gum, vanilla, tobacco and cedar.

Puerto Morelos Port already was a town with wood houses, a wharf, a single street parallel to the coast and a warehouse. They lived moments on bonanza when being increased the gum production, which collapsed in 1934 due to the world-wide recession of the postwar period. When the forest activity goes down, the inhabitants of Puerto Morelos dedicated themselves completely to the fishing, the hunting and the commerce.

With the sprouting of Cancun in the Seventies, and the tourist promotion of the zone, Puerto Morelos initiated phase of a population and economic growth characterized by immigration of people of diverse parts of the country and the world.

According to Don Quino Zetina narration about the “inclined lighthouse”: “… that lighthouse was tipped by the Behula hurricane in 1967, and years later a tractor tried to knock down it and it couldn’t, because they put it and slid their tires in the sand. There they left it of memory, and now it is the emblem of Puerto Morelos”.

Puerto Morelos has important institutions of education and investigation from the beginning of eighties. Thanks to this, the coralline reef located in front of to the town is, possibly, one of the most studied of the country.

Puerto Morelos continues being a small locality that conserves the air characteristic of a fishermen town. “… maybe exists something better than Puerto Morelos, but I have not discovered it yet”. (Fernando Cusi).

How to arrive?

First you have to arrive to Cancun, via aerial or terrestrial route.

By bus: From the Bus Station of Cancun, take a bus to Puerto Morelos. The prices goes from the $14,00 to the $17,00 mexican pesos by person, depending on the bus line.
The departures are every 15 minutes.

The trip from Cancun to Puerto Morelos in bus takes approximately 30 minutes.

By car: From Cancun, take the highway to Playa del Carmen (Highway 107 Puerto Juarez-Chetumal). Once you get the kilometer 31 turn to the left, course to the sea. That is the entrance to Puerto Morelos. The trip from Cancun to Puerto Morelos by car takes approximately 20 minutes.

Where and how much it costs to stay itself?

The hotel supply in Puerto Morelos is very varied: from small hotels of very accessible prices to exclusive hotels boutique and spas, passing through the great hotels and resorts.

The prices very are varied too, depending on the season.
Verify with your travel agent.

Between the hotels of Puerto Morelos are the following ones:

Category No. Hab. Teléfono
(code 998) Web site
E-mail
.. Hotel
Great Tourism / Deluxe
Ceiba del Mar Spa & Resort
88 872-8060,
872-8061 www.ceibadelmar.com
Paraíso de la Bonita Resort & Thalasso
90 872-8300,
872-8301 www.paraisodelabonitaresort.com
***** 5 Stars
Azul Hotel Beach Resort
104 872-8080,
872-8088 www.karismahotels.com
Desire Resort & Spa
110 872-8280,
872-8299 www.desirecancun.com
El Cid Marina Riviera Maya
350 872-8999 www.elcid.com
Paradisus Riviera Cancún
500 872-8383,
872-8385 www.solmelia.com
Secrets Excellence
442 872-8500,
872-8501 www.secretsresorts.com
**** 4 Stars
Caribbean Ref. Club
21 871-0191,
871-0190 www.caribbeanreevillas.com
*** 3 Estrellas
Casita del Mar
19 871-0301 www.hotelcasitadelmar.com
Hacienda Morelos
16 871-0448,
871-0015 ayegarza@hotmail.com
Ojo del Agua
36 871-0507,
871-0027 www.ojo-de-agua.com
Posada Amor
22 871-0033 www.geocities/posadaamor.com
Villas Latinas
23 871-0118 villalatina@prodigy.net.mx

What to do in Puerto Morelos?

Puerto Morelos is rich in activities related to the culture and the “ecotourism”. Enjoying the nature is the priority for the visitors of this place. Very early in the morning, your can go to the beach to take a long walk in the smooth sand and then swim in the blue and warm waters of the Caribbean sea, that in this zone seem to form a natural pond, thanks to the wall of the reef that does not allow the passage of the great waves.

1. Diving and snorkel

Several private companies offer private and group tours to the reef, where a great variety of tropical multicolor fish, turtles and, of course, the gorgeous coralline formations can be admired.
Occasionally, the dolphins do their appearance surprising the visitors of the reef.

It is important to remember to no touch the chorales and the fish, because it can cause damage to them, even the death, and they are due to result very dangerous for the human skin. Either not to swim with shiny clothes or jewels that can calls the attention of some predator fishes, like the barracudas.

2. Windsurf and kitesurf

Worldwide these activities are very fashionable in beaches, and Puerto Morelos is not the exception. There are lenders of services that rent the equipment to practice both sports.

3. The Botanical Garden and the Zoo.

The Botanical Garden of Puerto Morelos, Dr Alfredo Barrera Marín, is unique in the state of Quintana Roo. It shows the regional vegetal species, in addition to the collection of medicinal plants, cactus and orchids, and at the same time you can admire the birds and the colony of spider monkeys.
We recommended to take a long walk thru the mangrove to discover the wild life of the area. Throughout the way there is a scenic tower from which it will be able to have a beautiful image of the jungle and the Caribbean Sea.

Also you can visit the Altar, Mayan construction dated from the year 1400 aC, as well as a protected forest zone of endemic species. An interesting point is the famous gum field that represents the typical Mayan facilities to produce gum. Local people boiled the sap of the tree to obtain the chewable gum.

The Zoo is really a crocodile farm, with a variety of reptiles, deer, monkeys and birds of the region. It is a great experience for the children, since they can stay close by and inclusively touch the animals, always accompanied by the caretakers by the zoo, who will explain them the importance of conserving the nature and taking care of all the animals.

Visit the Botanical Garden and the Zoo constitutes a recreational stroll, of learning and ecological conscience for all the family.

4, Eco-tourism and adventure tourism.

To cross in a 4Weels motorcycle (ATM) thru the forest until the beach, to fly through the jungle in one long Zip Line, to look for a hidden treasure riding a mountain bicycle, or to jump and submerge in the fresh waters of a natural well, are some of the activities that can be made in Puerto Morelos.

Services.

Practically Puerto Morelos has everything: medical and tourist services, supermarkets, banks, Internet, etc.

The specialty in restaurants is the seafood, although restaurants of Mexican, Spanish, Italian, Argentine and international food can be found.

Links

http://www.crococunzoo.com

http://www.selvatica.com.mx

http://www.discoveryrivieramaya.com.mx/Ecologia/Jardin_Botanico/

http://www.puertomorelos.com.mx/indexesp.htm

http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Morelos

http://www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/interior/index.php?p=nota&idNota=1938

http://www.puertomorelosmexico.com/puertomorelosmexico.htm

http://www.conanp.gob.mx/anp/pagina.php?id_anp=58

http://www.rivieramaya.com/esp/es-Puertomorelos.htm

http://puertomorelos.conanp.gob.mx/histpto.htm

Yikes! All of the models are still projecting that hurricane Felix will make landfall quite a ways south of Cancun, but we are still keeping our eyes on this storm. It gained lots of power today…and that’s not good, since it is heading in the direction of my home. For all the latest information on the storm, check www.wunderground.com.

It seems as though Hurricane Felix is planning a visit to the Yucatan Peninsula in the coming week. At the moment, most of the projections show the storm making landfall somewhere in Belize, or in the southern part of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo (Cancun is in the state of Quintana Roo, but it is MANY miles away from the Mexico-Belize border). The hurricane is currently expected to make landfall as a Category 3 storm. One of the models I saw on the Weather Underground website shows the storm passing to the north of Cancun and not making landfall at all. Either way, as it looks right now, Cancun will be spared once more. These things can change rapidly, however. Tim and I will do our best to post current information on the storm, as it becomes available.

I’m glad I never took the boards off of my office windows!!!