Retire Early
Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler
In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age
of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this
financially independent lifestyle, they invite you
to take advantage of their wisdom and experience. |
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The Nine
Brothers Ferry
Chiquila to Holbox
Yucatan, Mexico
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli
Currency Exchange
Our journey to
Isla Holbox
has begun!
We needed to
catch this ferry from an ancient Maya fishing port to cross the Laguna Conil
to reach the island. Holbox (pronounced HOLE-bosh) is nearly a mile wide
and much of it is protected by the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve.
One can fly to the island
by
chartering a personal plane from Cancun or by
taking a ferry leaving from
Chiquila.
We took the Nine Brothers
Ferry.
9 Brothers Ferry Office
Earlier the previous day, we checked out the
wharf and found out where and when the boats left, and where the ticket offices
were.
Previously, it was recommended to take the
newer, more expansive Holbox Express ferry, but it turned out that 9 Hermanos
have also upgraded their transport vehicles.
Tickets to Holbox
Normally, shuttle tickets
to Holbox run 225Pesos per person, but with our INAPAM discount cards we only
paid 140Pesos each. This saved us nearly $9USD total between the two of us.
Ferry schedule
As you can see here, boats leave
continuously.
We found out that some people stay the night
in Chiquila and do a day trip to the island. The prices on the island are not
cheap, and for some, even with the cost of a hotel on the mainland, doing a day
trip saves them money.
Many Holbox workers live in Chiquila and we
imagine that there is a local price or a worker's discount - otherwise it would
not be affordable to those who must commute daily to the island for employment.
The 9 Hermanos Ferry
As you can see here, the ferry is beautiful,
modern and plenty big to handle the constant transport of tourists and local
workers.
Akaisha topside
Oh, the open air!!
Subject to motion sickness, I like the fresh
air in my face and I try to sit in the middle where any rocking might be
minimal.
As you can see here, this morning ferry was
about empty and I had my choice of seats.
Holbox Express ferry
The Holbox Express was just coming back from
the island as we were leaving.
They play tag like this all day long.
Billy topside of ferry
There were only a few other passengers on
board topside, and you can see one of them behind Billy here.
The town of Chiquila is in the background.
Looking back towards Chiquila
On board and off and running we are now
looking back at the tiny town of Chiquila.
The ferry kept up a good speed and - as you
can see here from the surface of the sea - the ride was smooth.
My favorite kind!
Topside of ferry looking towards Isla
Holbox
At this point in the trip,
Isla Holbox is out
of view.
The land area to the left in the photo is the
remaining bit of mainland before we go out in more open waters.
Boat in the water
We're in more exposed waters now before sight
of the island shows up.
Here's a personal boat zooming along.
Ferrying in to Isla Holbox
The ride to Hobox takes about 25 minutes, so
it goes quickly.
We are coming to the dock of the island.
Coming in we saw several small beaches with boats docked just outside them.
I imagine boaters pick a beach, dock their
boat and enjoy their privacy on their "own" beach for a few days.
Town isn't far away if one needs supplies.
Nearing the dock in Isla Holbox
Our boat has slowed down considerably now,
and we are cruising into where passengers are let off to enter the island.
A boater's, beach-goers, swimmer's paradise
here.
The dock at Isla Holbox
We've arrived!
To the right in the photo
you will see the map showing Laguna Conil with Chiquila on one side and
the island
of Holbox on the other.
We just crossed the Laguna
and landed on the island.
To the left in the photo is
a large replica of a whale shark - Holbox advertises swimming with them and
tours are offered. Whale sharks are huge but not dangerous sea creatures.
Taxi rates
Rates for taxis are posted right at the wharf
so one knows right away what kind of pricing will be asked.
Cars are not allowed on the island, so these
taxis are the main form of transport. Many people rent bicycles as well, and
hotels offer the rental of golf carts too.
For more stories and photos
about Holbox
CLICK HERE
For more stories and photos
about the Yucatan,
CLICK HERE
For more stories and photos
about Mexico CLICK
HERE
About the Authors
Retire
Early Lifestyle appeals to a different
kind of person – the person who prizes their
independence, values their time, and who doesn’t
want to mindlessly follow the crowd.
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