News Release
July 1, 2004
XALOC RESORT CELEBRATES SUMMER AND THE ARRIVAL OF THE WHALE-SHARK,
MARINE TURTLES AND 40,000 FLAMINGOS TO ISLA HOLBOX
Isla Holbox, Mexico-Summer brings a once a year convergence of three natural phenomena
occurring on land, in the sea and in the skies at the 12 square-mile
Isla Holbox,
located at the extreme northern tip of the
Yucatan Peninsula (gateway airport
is Cancun, just under three hours away). This is when one can swim with the largest
known fish, the Whale-shark, witness the migration of 40,000 pink flamingos and
marvel at the arrival of several species of marine turtles.
Designated as part of a 59,000 acre protected reserve, this is a spectacular natural
paradise all year-round in the midst of which sits the rustic palapa-thatched
casitas of
Mexico Boutique Hotels' Xaloc Resort.
Owners, Goncha Juan Sabater and Juan Felix Sanchez consider this, above all, to
be the most exciting time to visit, pointing out that the best time to see
these three migrations in most concentrated numbers is between
mid-June and
late September when, they venture to say, the encounter with whale-sharks
is practically guaranteed...perfect for one of the most unique summer vacations!
Obsessed with sharing these experiences with their visitors, Xaloc's owners have
made exclusive arrangements with a qualified biologist dedicated to the preservation
and understanding of the Whale-shark to accompany privately operated
marine
excursions which depart right from the beachfront at Xaloc Resort. Participants
will also benefit from the biologist's knowledge of the turtles, the numerous
native dolphins, and over 150 species of birds and the four classifications of
mangrove, rivers and beaches that make up this fascinating eco-system.
Filling the skies and waters with flames of pink colour, the flamingos are attracted
to the nutrient-rich waters to feed on crill and other organisms that render their
plumage vibrant pink. It's quite a picture to see huge flocks alternately
wading, taking to the skies and landing. Even more exhilarating is to sight the
whale-shark, the largest known of fishes. This is one of the few spots in the
world where it can be easily seen and, their docile nature and the fact they are
plankton feeders make snorkelling with it a possibility. The marine turtle migration
commences with adult turtles lumbering onto the sandy shores to lay their eggs
and, later in the season, up until September, one may witness the first hatchlings
emerge.
Xaloc Resort is suited to couples who want to get lost in a tropical paradise
far from the bustle and is also a real kid-pleaser as its casual style, direct
beach access and even the simplest of nature activities, like shell collecting,
will entrance the young and young-at-heart.
Summer rates run from
US$70 to US$120 per room based on double occupancy
including daily breakfast and taxes.
The four-night Whale-Shark Package is an excellent value ranging from
US$400 to $600 based on double occupancy
(depending on room type) including a welcome cocktail, breakfast and dinner daily,
a 15% discount on the Whale-Shark excursion and all taxes included. Four additional
packages are also available offering a great deal of flexibility with meal plans,
excursion discounts, transfers and other options to suit individual preferences.
All details and photos can be researched at
www.mexicoboutiquehotels.com/xaloc. An expanded profile on the island including information about the whale-shark
is linked to the hotel's Web page. For personal assistance from bilingual reservations
agents, Mexico Boutique Hotels can also be contacted by toll-free telephone at:
US 1-877-278-8018, Canada 1-866-818-8342 or Mexico 01-800-508-7923. Callers from
other international points may dial +52 (322) 221-2277.
Based in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Boutique Hotels is the only company of its kind
exclusively dedicated to offering boutique-category lodging throughout the Mexican
Republic. It is a diverse collection of over 30 intimate hotels of character.
Affiliation is by invitation only, based on careful assessment of specific criteria. The company provides efficient and economical access to this niche of hotels
through its integrated reservations systems, guaranteeing an assured booking method
and a high standard of accommodation.
About the whale-shark:
From the dictionary and the Atlas of the Oceans, the whale shark is described
as a very large spotted shark of the Rhincodon typus (family Rhincodontidae) that
reaches up to 59 feet and is considered to be the largest fish in the world. The
local biologists on Holbox have known the upper limits to be generally in the
35 foot range so that would be the more realistic, say common, limit in their
area. This particular shark is a filter feeder as opposed to feeding on large
prey like others of the shark family and is easily identified by its huge size,
many spots and flattish front end. Like all sharks it is cartaliginous rather
than bony.
The whale-shark starts appearing out at sea near Cabo Catoche in May and the experience
is practically guaranteed at Isla Holbox from early June through September. They
come to Isla Holbox following the cold currents of the water and the plankton
and also filter small fish (anchovies and sardines) which are very abundant in
this area in this season. They are normally at the surface so you can easily see
them from the boat and snorkel with them. The tours leave the beach, in front
of the Xaloc Resort, very early in the morning (6:00). Typically you need a few
hours to find them and you are back to the hotel at mid-day.
They are considered at risk and are sought after in some areas, but have not been
hunted by the Holbox islanders whose interests lie in its protection and, as they
turn to developing tourism, realize it is a particularly unique attraction. (The
islanders' history of generations on the water as fishermen is a great asset as
they turn to using their skills and knowledge to share the ecological aspects
of their island with visitors.)
This is a unique experience because Isla Holbox is one of the very few places
in the world that you can observe and actually snorkel) with this extraordinary
fish. ##
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