Holbox, Mexico

[fforbes 7]

Would appreciate any info or experience in diving / snorkling the whale sharks in Holbox... also connecting it with a cenote trip around Playa del Carmen.

 

Thanks,

Fletcher

[TheRealDrew 0]

Would appreciate any info or experience in diving / snorkling the whale sharks in Holbox... also connecting it with a cenote trip around Playa del Carmen.

 

Thanks,

Fletcher

 

Never did a whale shark trip there (but ran into one on a dive, though Holbox is snorkel only AFAIK) as to Cenotes, Diablo Divers http://www.diablodivers.com/ (Dennis Weeks) is a great outfit, I did some Cenote dives with him and booked more, but had to cancel when I got sick. (Note sure if you are cave certified or just want to dive the cenotes. I have been in the Cenote's fairly often, usually once a trip when I am in Mexico, but I am not cave certified. He does both.) There are a couple of other outfits, but hee picks you up and is just a great guy to dive with, knows his stuff and good person with alot of knowledge he loves to share about the Cenotes.

 

You could also go to one of the parks, such as Hidden World's (also good), but a guide and a pick of Cenotes is really worth while.

[NCmermaid 0]

Hey Fletcher

 

Not sure when you are planning on being in the area but the whale sharks are seasonal, June thru the first week in September. There are a number of options. Most dive operators, us included, run day trips up to Holbox for the experience. It's a full day excursion but definately worth it. I have some video posted here:

 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JjrRDLk-zY

 

The other option is to stay in Holbox for a couple of nights. It's a very laid back little island, rustic but enjoyable. Beware the Jurassic Park-size mosquitos in the evenings. There is some diving around Holbox but it's not worth doing.

 

On the other hand, the cenotes are a must! If you stay in Playa del Carmen, you can dive the cenotes (which are about 15mins south of Playa) and a whale shark excursion also. Most reputable shops will pick you up in Playa at your hotel. PM me if you need more details.

 

Karen

[Lennart 0]

Hi Fletcher,

 

The Whaleshark tours are from June till September, because that's the time of the year these animals visit this area.

I really liked the trip, but you should know that these trips are regulated and strict rules have been set as to not disturb the animals. I was there in August '07 and at that time, the use of scuba equipment was not allowed (only snorkeling), the amount of people in the water at the same time was limited (which means you'll often have to get out of the water, wait for a couple of minutes, before you're allowed in back again), no flash photography was allowed and officially you're not allowed to get closer then 2 meters distance of the whale sharks.

I think this is a very good thing in order to preserve the well being of the whale sharks, the only downside is that it makes it harder to do some serious photography.

None the less, I can certainly recommend taking one of the trips and spending some time on the island (it has a very laid back and relaxed atmosphere).

 

Lennart