Welcome to Holbox
Located 8 miles north of the Yucatan mainland, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean, is the island of Holbox. Best known for its white sand beaches and laid back vibe, this car-free island is home to an amazing tarpon fishery. Whether a seasoned saltwater angler or someone seeking to dip their toes into the saltwater game, Holbox has something for everyone. Most fishing days are spent on the south side of the island, consisting of endless backcountry mangrove-lined creeks and bays full of juvenile tarpon that are more than willing to eat a well presented fly. If you find yourself in Holbox between April and August and conditions are favorable, heading north into the gulf can result in fantastic fishing for very large migratory adult tarpon. Isla Holbox is a rare gem in that it can accommodate the serious angler for a full week of hardcore fishing or a quick, casual morning getaway while vacationing with the family. [photos courtesy of Mr. Sand Flea]
Fishing Description
Holbox is first and foremost a tarpon fishery. While you may find a few snook in the backcountry and possibly encounter permit on select sandy flats, tarpon rule the day. Most of the backcountry tarpon are in the 5 to 25 lb range but it is certainly not uncommon to find fish up to 30 and 40 lbs. The fishing in the back will be on expansive grass flats as well as tight little connecting creeks that sew the mangrove-lined bays together. These backcountry fish will attack a floating fly, such as a gurgler, with reckless abandon and can be fished on a 7, 8 or 9 wt rod with a floating line. During the spring and summer the stakes undoubtedly increase. If the wind is favorable, you may run a few miles offshore, scanning the horizon for the telltale forms of rolling giants. These fish can range in size from 40-160 lbs and sometimes be seen from a ¼ mile away, just enough time for a quick sip of water and a line check before moving into an ambush position. An 11 or 12-weight fly rod and a sinking line will give an angler the best chance of hooking up and efficiently fighting the fish to the boatside for a quick release.
Accommodations
While the Tarpon Club Isla Holbox does not offer the classic lodge stay, there are a number of fantastic choices located steps away from your morning launch point. The lodging options listed below are chosen for not only their location but also the amenities they offer. The guides from Tarpon Club Isla Holbox will meet their guests on the beach of their chosen lodge at 6am every morning.
Paraiso Del Mar
Palapas Del Mar
Aldea Kuka
Flamingos
Blue Holbox
Casa Sandra
Xaloc Resort
Casa Iguana
Wifi: available at select hotels
Cellular service: generally available everywhere on Holbox
Quick Facts
Species: tarpon of all sizes, barracuda, the occasional snook, permit, bonefish
Seasonality: Juvenile tarpon year-around, adult tarpon April-August
Price: $800/boat/day (2 anglers), lodging and meals a-la-carte
Core Equipment
7-9 weight for juveline tarpon
11-12 weight for adult tarpon
Fully sealed reels with floating lines for juvenile tarpon, intermediate sinking lines for adult tarpon
Booking: (970) 728-3895
Travel
Most guests will choose to fly into Cancun International Airport and take the Holbox shuttle. Telluride Angler Travel will assist all guests in securing a reliable shuttle company to provide transportation to Chiquila. There is definitely the option of renting a car and enjoying a scenic two hour drive to the town of Chiquila, the location of the Holbox ferry. If guests choose to drive, the vehicle must be left at a paid parking lot for the duration of stay on Holbox, as the island is automobile free. The parking lots are very secure and inexpensive (10-20 pesos a day). The Holbox ferry departs daily, every half hour, from 6:30 am to 9:30 pm and costs 300 pesos. Once guests depart the ferry in Holbox, you will find an endless supply of golf cart/atv taxi services that will provide transportation to selected lodging.
Holbox Booking Details
Rate: Fishing is booked by the day @ $800/boat for 1-2 anglers
Lodging and meals: a-la-carte, booked by the guest
What is included?
Guided fly fishing
Lunch and beverages for each fishing day
What is not included?
Air travel to and from Cancun or Merida, MX
Ground transport to Holbox ferry (we will arrange!)
Lodging
Meals (except fishing lunches)
Gratuities
Fishing license
Terms and conditions
The following terms and conditions apply to all offers or trips booked and organized by Telluride Angler. Please read these terms and conditions carefully. Booking a trip, making a deposit, or making a final payment shall be considered acknowledgment that the customer has read and accepted all the terms and conditions contained herein.
Travel Insurance and Global Rescue
Travel insurance and global evacuation service are both highly recommended for destination trips in remote places. Learn more and shop for your policies.