Last Updated
Tourists visiting the beach resort destination of Isla Holbox in the Mexican Caribbean love the quaintness and rustic charm of the island.
With roads made of sand, it is a throwback to something more like the late Jimmy Buffet would definitely call home.
Because most roads are simply cut into the sand, golf carts are the easiest mode of transportation on the island.
However, the mayor of the island recently issued a new order banning this popular way to get around from several parts of Isla Holbox.
Golf Carts Banned
Much to the relief of many travelers, the banning of golf carts and bicycles only applies to specific parts of the popular tourist destination.
The roadways that transport tourists around the city center and other popular tourist parts of the vacation hotspot are not included in the golf cart ban.
Instead, the mayor’s office said that golf carts and bicycles would be banned from the beaches, the sea, and the sea banks on Isla Holbox.
Reason for the Ban
In order to protect the special and fragile environment and ecosystem of Isla Holbox, effective immediately, bicycles and golf carts are banned from the beaches, sea, and sea banks in the tourist vacation destination.
Violators of the new rule, including visitors to the island, will be subject to fines, and the vehicles will be subject to removal.
Unfortunately, many locals and tourists have been avoiding following the signage in these areas, asking for golf carts and bicycles not to enter the ecologically sensitive areas. Because of this, the mayor’s office took action to protect all of the areas from these vehicles.
What they have determined is that many of the golf carts entering the beaches, seas and sea banks have been running over sensitive plants in the area and destroying much of the seaside natural beauty of the island.
Additionally, vehicles have been leaking gasoline, oil, grease, and other fluids on the sand, beaches, and plants, causing an environmental issue.
Responsible Tourism Requested
Because of this, the mayor’s office has requested that tourists instead enjoy the popular rustic natural beauty of Isla Holbox’s beaches, seascapes, and ocean on foot instead and leave the vehicles in designated parking areas.
The companies renting bicycles and golf carts to tourists on Isla Holbox have been made aware of the new order and are required to advise customers about the requirements of the new restrictions on the two popular types of transportation.
Law enforcement officials have been empowered and directly charged with ensuring that locals and travelers to the beach resort destination comply with the new order, especially during the very busy and popular peak winter holiday travel season.
Tips for Travelers
Visitors to Isla Holbox need to be aware of the new restrictions on golf carts and bicycles from traveling on the more environmentally sensitive parts of the tourist vacation destination.
The action of the mayor makes sense to protect much of the ecological beauty and rustic charm that makes Isla Holbox a popular traveler hotspot.
It’s unfortunate that some tourists disrespected Isla Holbox, and the mayor’s office felt it was required to issue the mandatory declaration.
The good news is there are plenty of parking areas for golf carts near the popular ocean, beach and seaside areas on Isla Holbox that driving golf carts and riding bicycles in the areas is not needed. It is actually better to enjoy the natural beauty of these areas on foot instead.
Plan Your Next Cancun Vacation:
Traveler Alert: Don’t Forget Travel Insurance For Your Next Trip!
Choose From Thousands of Cancun and Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
↓ Join the community ↓
The Cancun Sun Community FB group has all the latest travel news, conversations and tourism Q&A’s for the Mexican Caribbean
Subscribe to our Latest Posts
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Cancun Sun’s latest breaking news affecting travelers, straight to your inbox.