Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you fly to? Cancun, Mexico. Holbox is about 2 hours north and east..
How do you get to the lodge once we are in Cancun? All transportation from Cancun to the lodge is included. Either Rene or a van service will meet and greet you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the boat that will take you to the island and the lodge.
Do the guides speak English? Some of the guides speak fluent english while others speak excellent "fishing" English like "50 feet - 10 o'clock, no,... further", oops, spook!!" and it is not an issue while fishing. However if the conversation turns toward anything else in life you will struggle if you don't speak Spanish. All of the guides are of Mayan decent and have been guiding flyfishers for over 10 years. Their English is the best I have experienced in Mexico.
Are there lots of fisherman there? NO!! Your group will be the only ones, we have only four boats and guides and they are the only ones on the island. Only a total of 20-30 fishermen a year are taking advantage of this fishery. I am sure that will change in years to come so get here while the getting is good.
What about money? They can accept US dollars or Mexican Pesos for any bar tab or tip you have at the end of the trip. They give a good exchange rate. ; There is really no where to spend money once you are on Holbox. Faro Viejo can accept MC and Visa for bar tabs and extra food but I prefer to tip the guides in cash. The last cash machine is in Cancun.
Is it safe? In Holbox there is no crime. Zero. There is nothing there, the locals are very proud of their town. I have never locked my car door or my cabana door here. They do have locks don't worry, it is just that you don't need them. In Cancun and elswhere in the country you may indeed find criminal activity as you would in any developing city, even in the US
How many fish do you catch in a day? Tarpon fishing is unique in that you count the number of fish you "jump" rather than the number you land as the ratio is about 10 jumped fish to every landed fish. You land a higher percentage of the baby tarpon and a lower percentage of the giant tarpon. A god day in season is jumping 5-10 fish. A bad day is that it is st ormy and you can't see fish and you may be skunked. If you spend a week there you will land a big tarpon. That can't be said for Flo rida anymore.
Is there things to do for my non-fishing travel partner? In short, not much! There are incredible numbers of flamingos during the tarpon season and birders rave about the island and its birds. The snorkeling and diving is not that good. The beaches are very nice, the swimming is easy, and the island is relaxing. You will run into many other tourists who are there just to relax. Those folks seem quite happy with that.
Isla Holbox
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