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Yalahao Lagoon, Holbox Island
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Yalahao Lagoon, Holbox Island This
natural lagoon is located 30 minutes by boat from Holbox
Island. It was used as a refuge for the famous pirate Molas
in the16th Century. For many years, Yalahao was a natural
fresh water source for the Holbox community. Nowadays, the
lagoon is visited by travelers who come to swim and enjoy
the clear fresh water of the spring.
Yalahao Lagoon Tour
Yalahao is the name given to both the lagoon between Holbox
Island and the mainland, and the spring fed pool on the
island's edge. The beautiful spring, which is fed by water
that crosses the island's jungle, and the lagoon are part of
a protected ecological reserve.
Yalahao Spring is considered a magic place in local folklore
and history. The spring was originally important to Mayan
fishermen and travelers who used the spring as a source of
fresh drinking water. It was also a port for seafaring Mayan
traders, until one Mayan King closed it for his own use.
Legends say that the king turned Yalahao into a private
place where only his wives could swim. The king built
beautiful gardens and fountains around the natural cove and
made a royal swimming pool decorated with green jade.
According to Diego de Alba's account, when the Spaniards
arrived they where very surprised to see so much beauty and
wealth on the island. Although Maya no longer lived on
Holbox (one legend says they moved to another planet), the
king's pool remained. The swimming pool was destroyed by the
Spaniards when they arrived to Holbox Island. They removed
all the jade and took the stones from the fountains and
gardens to build the first church in Latin America. This
church was built 26 miles (40 km) from Yalahao in Boca
Iglesias, and was later the site of a monastery which
administered punishments during the Spanish Inquisition.
The Pirate Francisco de Molas later used Yalahao as his
refuge. He lived in Yalahao for nearly 40 years and robbed
any galleon that ventured close seeking fresh water. One
legend tells that Pirate Molas had a slave help him hide his
pirate treasure, then cut the slave's head off and buried it
along with the booty. Soon after, the skeleton of the pirate
was found, apparently dead from a poisonous snake bite.
"Yellow Beard" died without telling where he hid the
treasure and many of the inhabitants of Holbox say that on
dark nights, when the wind blows from the west, you can see
the head of the slave moaning about the buried pirate
treasure.
The waters of Yalahao are clear, cold and fresh and
wonderfully refreshing on a hot day. According to local
legend, Yalahao is a fountain of youth, and the spring's
magical powers will make swimmers feel ten years younger.
Yalahao Lagoon, Holbox Island
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