Jewls
Contributor
Last July, I took the whale shark tour from Akumal with the impression we would be traveling to Holbox. The driver told us as soon as we got in the van that the whale sharks were not in Holbox and that we would go to Puerto Sam and see the whale sharks past Isla Mujeres. I'm not sure if the driver was telling the truth or if this was a way to get your money and for them not to travel as far, thus saving them money.We were a bit disappointed by this because we were looking forward to spending some time on Holbox and a buffet lunch...but we didn't get either. We were also promised breakfast which included crappy coffee, some old pastries that had been picked through by others and warm yogurt, all in a really sketchy setting and the bathrooms were disgusting. I starved the whole day until we got back to our resort for dinner.
It took us about 2 hours to locate the sharks on the boat, which was worth it. By the time we saw the whale sharks we were ready to go and had about 1 1/2 hours taking turns snorkeling with them. Honestly, I could have stayed the whole day snorkeling with them, that's why we're going back.
This time, we want to stay on Isla Mujeres. It's closer and cheaper. We won't be rushed to get in the van and have to wait several hours for everyone else to be dropped off. IMO, I would stay on Isla or Holbox. Isla gives you more options for exploring the area of Cancun, PDC and Cozumel. Holbox would be nice if you just want to get away from the crowds and plan to go on more than one whale shark excursion. I've read you have better chances of seeing mantas and dolphins in Holbox as well.
It took us about 2 hours to locate the sharks on the boat, which was worth it. By the time we saw the whale sharks we were ready to go and had about 1 1/2 hours taking turns snorkeling with them. Honestly, I could have stayed the whole day snorkeling with them, that's why we're going back.
This time, we want to stay on Isla Mujeres. It's closer and cheaper. We won't be rushed to get in the van and have to wait several hours for everyone else to be dropped off. IMO, I would stay on Isla or Holbox. Isla gives you more options for exploring the area of Cancun, PDC and Cozumel. Holbox would be nice if you just want to get away from the crowds and plan to go on more than one whale shark excursion. I've read you have better chances of seeing mantas and dolphins in Holbox as well.
