Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival Holbox
From Playa del Carmen it's a four-hour drive to Chiquila. You can go by rental car, or we can arrange a private transfer for you. Instead of the toll road take the “libre”, a smaller country road which leads through several villages. Watch out for the menacing “topes” or speed bumps; you'll encounter them in almost every village but they're not always clearly marked.In Chiquila you can wait for the ferry by one of the little stalls in the harbour where the friendly locals are always in for a chat. It's a 30 minute ferry ride to Holbox where you will find golf-buggy taxis waiting to take you to your hotel, as there are no cars allowed on the island. Not a bad idea considering the only roads are sandy paths, and it makes the island feel even more relaxed and remote.You'll be staying in one of the charming little posadas directly on the broad pearly white beach. Your room/cottage is decorated in Mexican style and has a private bathroom, fan, mosquito net and a balcony or veranda with the indispensable hammock. The posadas all have a pool, and breakfast is included.

Day 2

Holbox boat tripA must for every visitor to Holbox, which is why we've included it in the price of this tour, is the Islas boat trip across the Gulf of Mexico. The trip will take you to several uninhabited islands around Holbox.On the way you're likely to spot dolphins or rays. First stop is Isla Pajaros, where you'll walk across island amidst large colonies of pelicans and frigates. The boat then takes you to Yalahao Lagoon where you can swim in a crystal clear freshwater spring surrounded by tropical vegetation. Finally it's on to the pristine beaches of Isla Passion with its calm waters, palm trees and flamingos.Stay on the lookout for turtles and tropical fishes on the way. In whale shark season you can upgrade the tour to a Whale Watch trip, where you'll have the chance to snorkel with the giant whale sharks (surcharge roughly US$50 to be paid locally).

Day 3

HolboxHolbox village has a main street with a couple of restaurants, bars and one or two internet cafes. Most of the 1500 inhabitants are fishermen. Holbox is the place to spend the day lying in your hammock with a good book, sunbathing on the beach or swimming in the warm turquoise waters. If you want to see more of the island then rent a golf buggy, the only mode of transport in the island and a fun way to get around, or book one of the organised eco-tours across the island.Holbox is one of the best kite-surfing spots in the world. Unfortunately the Mexican government has closed some of the good beaches for eco-preservation purposes but luckily there are still plenty of places to get your kite-surfing kicks. Bring your own gear.

Day 4

Holbox, departureThe fourth day on this trip you'll take the ferry back to the mainland and continue your adventures in North Yucatan.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Three nights’ accommodation. Island tour (snorkelling possible).

Exclusions -

Return ferry (approx. £5 per person)or private boat (approx £12 per person) For bus travellers: Return transfer to Chiquila.

Extras -

There are no banks or cash machines.Restaurants generally don't accept credit card although hotels do (Visa or Mastercard) be it with a hefty commission so bring plenty of cash.There's no mobile phone reception on the island.You'll find a petrol station in Chiquila so if you're travelling by car you fill up here before you drive back Cancun.June, July and August are the best months to spot whale sharks, though sometimes they're around from May - September.Dolphins, turtles and manta rays can be found here all year round...which goes for sand flies and mosquitoes too, especially in August and September so bring good insect repellent. Most hotels have mosquito nets but if you want a guaranteed 100% hole-free net bring your own.