THE BEST WAY TO ISLA HOLBOX
From Cancun, travelers take a two- to three-hour drive to the town of Chiquila. By public bus (www.ado.com.mx), one-way fares are about $15. By shuttle bus, fares are $40-$80 per person (for a couple) from V.I.P. Holbox (www.vipholbox.com) and Holbox Shuttle (holboxshuttle.com). By taxis, fares are usually $100-$130 each way. The only way to reach Holbox from Chiquila is the Chiquila-Holbox ferry, about $5 each way for a 20-to 30-minute ride.
TELEPHONES
To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 52 (country code for Mexico), the area code and the local number.
WHAT TO DO
Several companies offer daylong whale-shark tours ($125-$135 per person) and half-day trips to Isla Pajaros, Isla Pasion and Yalahau Lagoon (about $30 per person). Among them: V.I.P. Holbox, www.vipholbox.com, and Holbox Adventure, holboxadventure.com.
WHERE TO STAY
The island is small enough that these hotels don’t have street addresses. Hotelito Casa de las Tortugas, 984-875-2129, www.holboxcasalastortugas.com. Twenty-six rooms. Doubles $186-$421, breakfast and taxes included. Three-night minimum with full payment in advance. Posada Mawimbi 984-875-2003, www.mawimbi.net. Nine rooms, two bungalows. Doubles $158-$248, depending on season. Continental breakfast and taxes included. La Chaya Eco Hotel 984-875-2142, www.lachayaholbox.com. Nine rooms, many with sea views. Doubles about $95, breakfast and taxes included.
WHERE TO EAT
El Chapulim, Avenida Tiburon Ballenas; 984-137-6069, www.lat.ms/chapulim. Mexican bistro and artisan beer house. Dinner entrees about $15. Restaurante Milpa, Calle Palomino; 984-875 2026, www.lat.ms /milpa. Modern Mexican. Dinner entrees about $10-$13. Mandarina Restaurant and Beach Club, Hotelito Casa las Tortugas, 984875-2129, www.holboxcasalastortugas.com/dine-drink. Dinner entrees about $15-$25.
TO LEARN MORE
Isla Holbox, www.holboxisland.com