Popular Cancun To Holbox Transfer Service Canceled Until Further Notice
Tourists visiting Cancun with the intention of taking a trip to Isla Holbox in the near future might end up being disappointed, as the popular Cancun to Holbox transfer service has been canceled until further notice. The commonly used bus route takes visitors from Cancun to Chiquila, where they then catch a ferry over to Holbox Island. Both ticket sales and land transfers that were already scheduled were canceled by the General Manager of Autobuses de Oriente, also referred to as ADO, Julio García Flores.
The reason for the cancelation has to do with disagreements between citizens of Kantunilkín that share an area of common land, also known as ejidatarios, and the Federal Electricity Commission working on a project on the land. This land is generally used for agricultural purposes and the ejidatarios claim that the project is affecting the use of the land. Due to the Federal Electricity Commission’s alleged non-compliance with an economic element of the agreement, the ejidatarios have formed a blockade, effectively blocking passage.
According to Flores, 10 runs between Cancun and Chiquila have had to be suspended already. Not only did this prevent individuals in Cancun from getting to Chiquila to go to Holbox, but it prevented visitors already there from getting back to Cancun. It was November 1st that the ejidatarios took over the section of land along the route, preventing tourists from getting back to Cancun International Airport.
Those that were on their way to Holbox ended up stranded at the ADO bus terminal. This is a result of the route cancelations and ticket sale suspension, which Mr. Flores commented on following the decision. He explained that “We have an impact due to the blockade that is foreign to us, and that led to having to cancel those who had a ticket purchased yesterday. So there have already been two days of affectation.”
He further stated that service would not be reinstated until the company can guarantee the safe transfer of its passengers through the area. In recent weeks buses have already had to leave passengers within a couple of miles from their destination due to the work being done. Typically there are around eight runs a day between Cancun and Chiquila.
It is not uncommon for Cancun tourists to make the trip to visit the beautiful island of Holbox. It is located between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico and is known for its crystal clear, beautiful waters and dazzling white sand beaches. The laid-back, more authentic Holbox Village, where there are shops selling Mexican goods and quaint, colorful restaurants serving delicious Mexican staples and other foodie favorites, is also a big draw for tourists visiting the Riviera Maya region.
Recently Holbox was named the “Best Island Destination in North America” in the Condé Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards. There were more than 800 islands in the running for the coveted award, and Holbox came out on top, proving just how much the island has to offer. Travelers cited the untouched nature, the low sargassum beaches, and the warm community as reasons for awarding the Island the sought-after prize.
As of right now, there is no date set for restarting the popular route to get to Chiquila and, ultimately, the island of Holbox. In an effort to keep tourists safe, the suspension will remain until the blockade and the issue causing it are resolved. Until then, those with plans to vacation in Holbox should be prepared to make other arrangements in Cancun or another nearby vacation destination.
