Isla Holbox

Template: Infobox Island / Maintenance / height missing

Holbox Island (Spanish: Isla Holbox; spoken: Hol - bosh ) is an island off Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.

Geography

The only consisting of sand Holbox Island is located on the northern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. It is located on the Yucatánstraße that connects the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, and extends to a length of 42 km and a width of about 2 km. To the north is a 34 km long unspoiled sandy beach. From the southern mainland it is separated by the shallow lagoon Yalahao, which is populated among others, flamingos and pelicans. Holbox is part of the municipality of Lázaro Cárdenas and the Yum - Balam Biosphere Reserve. The only place on the island is the same fishing village of Holbox.

History

The island was inhabited by the Maya, who gave her the name. Holbox comes from the Mayan language and means "black hole". The name comes from the mangrove areas caused by dark water in the lagoon Yalahao. 1856 Spaniards settled and founded a place that was destroyed by a hurricane and 100 death toll. At the highest point of the island finally the village of Holbox was newly established. The lagoon Yalahao served in the 16th century the pirate Francisco de Molas for 40 years as a hiding place.

Economy and Tourism

The Holboxeños, as the inhabitants are called Holbox, still live mainly from fishing. However, tourism is becoming increasingly important. Also contributed to this observation of the whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, staying a year from May to September before Holbox. To learn kitesurfing Holbox for beginners because of the shallow water, favorable wind conditions during the winter months and two surf schools is ideal. Even advanced skiers through the sometimes violent north wind, with more than 25 knots best surfing conditions.

The island is connected to the mainland city located on the Chiquila by means of a ferry connection. Here, since the tourists have to park their car in a guarded parking lot, located on the island of Holbox virtually no cars. The tourists are transported by golf carts and mopeds to accommodations. The little crow Aerosaab connects with their five-seater Cessna Holbox, Playa del Carmen and Cancun, which has an international airport.