Articles with the theme holbox

The Islands of Quintana Roo, Mexico

When you think of vacationing in Mexico, you probably think of Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and Playa del Carmen. You may not be aware of the fact that the state of Quintana Roo is home to four islands as well. The sun shines brightly on these island paradises and reflects off of their white sand beaches, so island life tends to move slowly, as do its habitants. These islands range in size and population but are all rich with natural beauty, Mayan history and/or Mexican culture. Next time you are in the area, take a day (at least) to explore one or more of these laid back, relaxing island retreats.

Cozumel

The largest and most populated of the four islands, Cozumel is located approximately 11 miles off the coastal town of Playa del Carmen. It is about 30 miles long and 10 miles wide. It is Mexico’s third largest island. Cozumel is home to the second largest coral barrier reef in the world, and is a snorkel and dive mecca. The largest concentration of restaurants, bars and shopping is located in the downtown area of the city of San Miguel. Mayan people have inhabited Cozumel since 300 AD. The island has a rich history that includes Mayan worship of the goddess of fertility, a smallpox epidemic and pirates.

Major airlines fly to Cozumel, cruises dock there, or you can take a ferry or air taxi.

Isla Mujeres

“The Island of the Women” is named for the many cult images of goddesses that the Spanish found when they discovered the island, a sanctuary dedicated to the Mayan goddess Ixchel, in the 16^th century. Isla, as it is lovingly called by locals, is located 8 miles off the coast of Cancun and is only about 4 miles long and half a mile wide at its widest point. There are many charming hotels and restaurants that welcome visitors from all over the globe. You won’t find a lot of cars on Isla, but you will find scooters, bicycles and golf cars galore. Rent one and be your own tour guide. Then park at North Beach and have a cold one while you take a dip in the crystal blue water.

You can take an air taxi or a ferry from the Cancun Hotel Zone or Puerto Juarez to get to Isla Mujeres.

Holbox

As we go down the list, these islands become less inhabited. Holbox is a true island refuge, where you won’t find ATMs or even cars! Most of the locals are fishermen, so imagine the fresh seafood that is available. There are many charming boutique hotels on the island. Tourism still hasn’t taken over Holbox, which means “Black Hole” in Maya, but it is quickly becoming a popular destination due to the hundreds of whale sharks that gather in the area each May-September. Visitors come from all over the globe to swim with these gentle giants. Visitors also love to kite boarding off the beaches of Holbox.

You can get to Holbox by traveling by bus to the port of Chiquila and then taking a private boat or ferry, or by taking an air taxi.

 

Isla Contoy

Nobody lives on Isla Contoy! Well, except for many birds and sea turtles. This island is located approximately 18 miles north of Isla Mujeres, where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet. It is only about 5 miles long and only about a tenth of a mile wide. It is considered the most important nesting place of sea birds in the entire Mexican Caribbean. Isla Contoy is a Mexican national park and is protected. There are only a few tour providers who are allowed to bring visitors to the island and only 200 people may visit per day. There are no hotels on the island. There is only a visitor center.

You can visit Isla Contoy by taking a tour or if you would like to visit in your own boat you must apply for permission at the park offices in Cancun or on Isla Mujeres.

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Kristin Busse is an American expat who has been living in Cancun, Mexico since 2001. A wife, mother, singer, salsa dancer and now writer, she has worked in many different industries but is currently enjoying exploring the Yucatan Peninsula and sharing her expertise and experience with readers around the world. Follow Kristin on Twitter.

The Whale Shark Adventure | Cancun – Isla Mujeres

If you visit Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Holbox or Isla Mujeres take one day off the beach and wake up early to enjoy one of the most exciting adventures. Join our expert tour guides for the unique experience of swimming with WHALE SHARKS; season is coming to an end next month!
Do you have an underwater camera? Don’t forget to bring it or get one for less than $20 USD! If you want to see all the photos, click in our Whale Shark Adventure Photo Album.

Have you ever image to swim with the biggest fish on earth? Will you do it? Share your thoughts in the comments below! We want to know!

Swimming with Whale Sharks | The Adventures of Yucatan Holidays

“The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.” Eden Phillpotts

The great American author Mark Twain—seeker of adventures and new discoveries—once said “twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do, than by the ones you did do.”

Without knowing it, Twain was referring to an unforgettable vacation attraction in the best beaches in Mexico right off Cancun, where the largest fish species—the whale shark—makes the warm waters of the Mexico Caribbean Sea its home from May to September.

Immerse in that blue, turquoise water waiting to see the whale sharks will seem as an eternity. The adrenalin pulsates through your bloodstream with a nervous excitement that makes your fingertips and toes tingle as you scan the open blue abyss for something, anything.

Then suddenly, out of the ubiquitous silence, the blues of the sea are broken by the sway of the approaching whale shark. Its enormity and beauty sends a wave of awe-striking excitement felt very rarely in a lifetime. The white-checkered dots on its back that identify it from every other whale shark in the world glide underneath you as you observe these inspiring creatures in their natural habitat. With its overpowering 20-35 ft and gentle, calm presence, the whale shark swim transports you into a transcendental world of wonder, beauty and magic.

As you shakily step unto the boat, your companion’s face mirrors the fiery excitement that fills your core. The whale shark experience is over and it is only after seeing your diminutive dimension in comparison to these marvelous and mysterious creatures that you discover a world of wonder you thought only existed in the pristine corners of your mind.

The whale shark is the largest fish species, but despite its colossal size, the creature has been sighted in only 14 places in the world, one being the Mexico beaches right off Cancun. Adding this amazing experience to your dos will not be something you will regret. The information on this fascinating animal is still very limited and although the exact number of whale sharks is unknown, they are considered to be a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The world has provided us with the infinite opportunity to discover a world outside of ourselves. Nothing will be able to compare to this once in a lifetime experience. Would you like to try it? Join us and swim with whale sharks in Cancun!

About the Author:

Pamela Acosta is a travel photographer and writer for Yucatan Holidays. She is seeking to travel throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, Riviera Maya & Cancun in an attempt to capture beauty and wonder in words & pixels.

The Yucatan Peninsula: Beyond Cancun | Part Two

In part one of the Yucatan Peninsula: Beyond Cancun series, we introduced you to the magical appeal of colonial cities in Mexico and some of the wonders created by man. With this post, we would like to take you through a journey back in time to discover the beauty that can only be present in the untouched natural environments of the Yucatan Peninsula.

 

Holbox

A pristine paradise of white sand beaches untouched by industrial development, Isla Holbox is one of those rare secrets that no one wants to share. For years, Holbox was an off the beaten path favorite. Now, the 7-mile long island has entered the 21^st Century through tourism and its placement as THE top place in the world to swim with the ocean’s largest fish, the whale shark. The tiburon ballena gather just off the coast of Holbox each May through September, opening the doors to the tourism industry since the discovery of this gathering place 6 years ago. The main economic sustainability of the island is fishing, which can be seen and felt in the picturesque scenery of the island that time left behind. The only mode of transportation is rented golf-carts, bicycles and foot traffic through the sand-filled streets of Holbox. Without an ounce of asphalt in the whole island, this destination beyond Cancun is made for ultimate relaxation, amazing fresh fish, and nature gloating at its finest.

 

Mahahual (or Majahual)

Mexico’s newest upcoming tourist destination, Mahahual—like most beach towns in Mexico—used to be a small fishing village that is growing thanks to international and national tourism.  Mahahual, is the heart of the Costa Maya which runs from the Sian Ka’an to the town of Xcalak. About a 25-minute walk from the town there is a major cruise port in Costa Maya that draws thousands of visitors to this area of Mexico. Part of the appeal besides the beautiful beaches and luscious tropical Yucatan Peninsula jungles is the scuba and snorkel in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The second biggest barrier reef in the planet, 400 m away parallel, is the perfect spot to see a diverse collection of underwater life. But the real charm of Mahahual is found in the rugged vegetation and feel of its town and beach roads, a major magnet for travelers looking to get out of Cancun  to explore and discover.

 

Bacalar

The only town in the state of Quintana Roo to meet the qualifications of a Pueblo Magico (Magic Town) by the Secretariat of Tourism standards, Bacalar is the home of mystery, adventure, and bloody tales of pirate attacks all engulfed in the beautiful natural surroundings of the green, tropical jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula and the blue-turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Located in the southern part of the state, this small paradise nestled in the Yucatan Peninsula is home to the Bacalar Lagoon—also known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors for its distinctive beauty—and the Cenote Azul (Blue Cenote)—rumored to be the largest. Scuba fanatics have adopted the cenote as a favorite spot because of its intricate passages and mysterious caverns. Part of the appeal, of course, is the rich history that surrounds this town, especially the battle scars left by pirates in their quest for treasures. The most attractive factor in Bacalar, however, continues to be the vivid colors in the natural environment and the ever-so-present hospitality and kindness of people in Mexico.

 

Punta Allen

With only 500 inhabitants, Punta Allen is truly a secluded, little paradise where the only things sitting on its beaches are the palm trees of the Caribbean and the few lucky people who have discovered this Yucatan Peninsula secret. The road to paradise is a sandy coconut road about 30 miles long through the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve. The 2 ½ hour drive is aligned with the incredible beauty of Caribbean beaches, pristine mangroves, and serene quietness. Few people have the tolerance to endure the rutted road that leads to this haven, but the virgin beauty of these preserved beaches are a true testament of the gift nature can offer.

As a conscious, eco-friendly company, we would like to end this post with a special request for locals and visitors of the Yucatan Peninsula: to continue to care and respect the natural resources and ecosystems that make places such as Holbox, Mahahual, Bacalar, Punta Allen, and so many others the attractive and beautiful tourist destinations we all admire.