If you are looking to get away from the touristy bustle of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, but want to experience the white sand beaches and sparkling aquamarine waters of the Caribbean, then you should check out the charming island of Holbox.

What Makes Holbox Unique?

Holbox is what I always thought Mexico would be like.  This quaint, car-free island has a sleepy beach town feel.  As you stroll through the narrow sand streets of Holbox, your heart is warmed by the bright hand-painted murals that adorn its buildings.

Separated from the mainland by the Yalahau Lagoon, Holbox is primarily comprised of mangrove forests of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve.  This is Mexico’s largest nature reserve and is known for its 155 species of birds, including flamingos and pelicans, as well as its wide array of wildlife.  Between April and October, 40,000 pink flamingos inhabit the nearby Isla Pajaros to feed on its small red crabs.  Along the beach, in town, you can book tours to get a glimpse of these beautiful pink beauties.

With its currents coming from both the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, the waters of Holbox are nutrient-rich drawing a spectacular array of marine life. Holbox is known for its large migration of whale sharks that migrate off the coast from May to September drawing visitors from far and wide.  It is also known for its large array of fish and other marine life such as turtles, dolphins, manta rays and lobster.

Then there is the expansive Holbox sandbar.  As the blue waters recede at low tide, you will see the sandbar emerge approximately 50 feet offshore.  There you can wade your way from the edge of town down one side of the island towards Punta Mosquito.  The shallow waters of Holbox and its amazing sandbar make for a perfect stroll.  You will likely see a variety of fish along the way including pufferfish, horseshoe crabs, manta rays and the beautiful pink flamingos.

Where is Holbox?

Isla Holbox (pronounced hole-BOSH) is a small island located north of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It is accessed through the town of Chiquila located at the northern end of Quintana Roo, approximately 2.5-3 hour drive north of Cancun.

The Island is approximately 26 miles (42 kilometers) long by 1 mile (2 kilometers) wide. With over 22 miles of white sand beaches and as mentioned above, Mexico’s largest nature preserve, Holbox is a beach lovers paradise.

Weather

The temperatures in Holbox are perfect throughout the year with average temperatures ranging from the mid-70s/22C to low 80s/27C.  The highest temperatures in Holbox are during the months of May to September averaging around 81F/27C with December to February are the coolest months with temperatures averaging around 72F/22C.

With its tropical climate, Holbox does receive its share of rain.  In June, September, and October they tend to have the most rain.  Friends, don’t let Holbox’ rain showers deter you, as the temperatures remain warm and showers pass within a couple of hours.

What Languages are Spoken in Holbox?

The main languages spoken in Holbox are Spanish and English.

What Currency is Used in Holbox?

Pesos are the currency of Holbox although we did see USD being accepted.  There is a currency exchange shop on the island if you need additional pesos.  We found that most restaurants only accepted pesos although our hotel accepted a credit card.  It is best to arrive with pesos in hand.

How Do I Get to Holbox?

Holbox is accessible by passenger ferry from Chiquila.  There are a few different options to travel to Chiquila from Cancun or other areas.

Bus

The ADO bus leaves from downtown Cancun three times a day.  The bus costs around 120 pesos/$6 a person and is a little over a 2.5-3 hour bus ride with several stops along the way.  There is no bathroom located aboard the ADO buses.

Shuttle

There are also several shuttles that will provide transfers to Chiquila.  The shuttle prices I was quoted from Cancun were around $375.

Private Taxi Service

We used the Holbox Taxi Service.  A private car for two people cost $160.  By car, the trip took between 2-2.5 hours.

Parking

Visitors are not allowed to bring cars on the island.  Those with cars will find several secure parking lots in Chiquila that charge around $6 per day.

Ferry

The ferries from Chiquila to Holbox are run by two companies, the 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express.

There is a ferry available every 30 minutes, operating daily from 6:00 a.m. until 9:30  p.m.  The ferry costs 140 pesos/$7 USD.  You can purchase tickets at the dock, then it takes a couple of minutes to walk down to the ferry.  Passengers with luggage enter the ferry in the back, stow their luggage on racks and then find a seat either inside or outside above the cabin.  The ride takes approximately 20 minutes.

Upon arrival in Holbox, you will find there are plenty of taxis available to take you to your hotel if you prefer not to walk.  If you have any luggage other than a backpack, I think it is worth paying a few dollars for a taxi. Hauling luggage on uneven sidewalks or muddy sand streets is not worth the trouble.

Where Should I Stay in Holbox?

 

Holbox has lodgings for all budgets and preferences.  From hostels to luxury resorts there is something for everyone.

Hostels

For those looking for a hostel, Tribu Hostel comes highly recommended.

Mid-Range Hotels

There are also a variety of mid-range hotels in and around Holbox.  While dining at Parador 33 we could see the entrance to Hotel el Pueblito. Although located in town it looked like its own little piece of paradise nestled back behind shops and the restaurant.  More reasonably priced than the luxury resorts further down the beach, it looked like a good option with a steady stream of visitors going in and out.

Luxury Hotels and Resorts

If you are looking for an artsy boutique hotel then I would highly recommend Ser CasaSandra.  Located less than a five-minute walk from town, Ser CasaSandra provides you with every reason not leave.  Created by Cuban artist Sandra Perez Lozano, Ser CasaSandra’s relaxing, yet artistic approach makes you immediately feel at home.  It offers cozy rooms,  amazing food at their Cuban inspired restaurant, wonderful spa options, beach lounging, and a beachside bar with some of the best margaritas in Holbox.  With all these offerings you should look no further.

If you are looking for a resort the Casa Las Tortugas, Las Nubes de Holbox and Villas Flamingos all come highly recommended.

For tips on how to save money on even the most luxurious hotels check out 12 Secrets to Save Money on Hotels and Lodging.

What to Pack

Clothing

Due to Holbox’s tropical climate warm weather clothing is appropriate.  I would recommend a hat and a light rain jacket that you can throw in your bag in case you get caught in a rainstorm.  Although we did have rain during our stay, it lasted for only a couple of hours.

Shoes

I would also recommend shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy.  Holbox’s streets become filled with white murky puddles after the rain and depending on the amount of rain some streets may have several inches of water.  Even though my feet would get wet from the puddles, I found flip flops to be the best option as they were easily cleaned.

You may also want to bring along a pair of water shoes if you plan on walking along the sandbar.  While walking just offshore, a small manta ray darted between us.  Luckily, we didn’t step on it.

Bug Spray

Bug spray is also important while in Holbox.  We found our hotel and a couple of shops in town had mosquito lotion made from citronella that worked just as well as the commercial bug spray and smelled much better.

Food

There are plenty of restaurants in Holbox.  You’ll find a variety of seafood, tacos, and ceviche while in Holbox.  Restaurants range from the small hole in the wall restaurant to finer dining such as the restaurant at Ser CasaSandra.

Gluten-Free

I will note that eating gluten-free in Holbox was harder than I’d anticipated.  A majority of the smaller restaurants used soy sauce, which is not gluten-free, or they fried their seafood.  We even found that rice can contain soy sauce in Holbox so make sure to ask lots of questions.

One of our favorite stops was Punto San Telmo for ceviche.  The service and food were great.  After stopping by several other restaurants, I was so happy to find that they were able to accommodate my gluten-free needs.

Big Fish should not be passed up.  Their ceviche, tacos, and tostadas were fresh and flavorful at a great price.  The drinks and service at this vibrantly colored restaurant are tough to beat.

We also stopped in at Parador 33 for a late breakfast and was pleased by their breakfast special which included eggs, fruit, biscuits, coffee, and juice.  The food and service were excellent.

Nothing beats the restaurant at Ser CasaSandra for food quality and service.  This is island fine dining at its best.  We ate there multiple nights.  Everything from the appetizers, main dishes of steak and fish to the desserts were amazing. They have a creme brulee with Edam cheese that I still dream about.  Yum!

Getting Around Holbox

The only cars you’ll see on Holbox are service trucks.  Taxis come in the form of ATVs and golf carts and can be found shuttling people around the island primarily from the ferry to their hotels.

Visitors can rent golf carts and bikes to explore the island although it seems most people choose to walk or ride bikes.

Best Things to Do in Holbox

Visitors can find plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, fishing, kite-surfing, birdwatching and relaxing on the beach.

For those looking to relax and unwind, you’ll find opportunities for beachside massages and yoga as you stroll along the beach.

You won’t find a lot of nightlife in Holbox although the town does come alive with colored lights and vendors on the streets selling treats for those who stroll by.

While in town, along the beach, you will find vendors offering a handful of different tours.

Whale Sharks

Whale shark trips draw many visitors during the months of June to September.  These tours offer visitors the opportunity to snorkel or swim amidst the magnificent whale sharks.  Visitors may also view sea turtles, dolphins and manta rays during their trip.  Snacks and snorkeling equipment are usually included.

Bioluminescence

From June to August many visitors book boat or kayak tours to see waters sparkling with bioluminescence.  Visitors can also take a taxi to Punta Coco to see the beautiful bioluminescent filled water.  They are best seen when the moon is not bright specifically not the days around a full moon.

Nature Trips

The popular 3 Island Tour includes visits to the Yalahau Lagoon for a peek at the beautiful pink flamingos (April to October) and if lucky dolphins swimming around the island.  A stop to Isla Pajaros provides visitors the opportunity to spot a variety of birds including flamingos, pelicans, egrets, and other birds.  The last stop at Isla Pasion will provide an opportunity to see beautiful pink shells and a view of Holbox and the lagoon.  These tours can be purchased online or in town along the beach.

Exploring Holbox

One of the best parts of any trip to Holbox is strolling through the sand-filled streets admiring the vibrantly painted murals and searching for food vendors serving up deliciously flavored tacos.  While exploring the streets of this quaint town we found a small row of food vendors just a few blocks from the main square.  There we found chicharron tacos like no other.

A Piece of Paradise

Holbox is a charming village with a relaxed beachy feel.  Whether you are there to relax or experience the wide array of birds and marine life, you will not be disappointed.

Do not go to Holbox looking for nightlife or a party scene because you won’t find it.  What you will find is people hanging out on the beach, enjoying delicious tacos and ceviche or sitting on the village dock viewing an amazingly colorful sunset.

Timing is Everything

When you visit is critical to your experience.  Those hoping to swim with the whale sharks, see the bright pink flamingos wading offshore or view the bioluminescence sparkling in the nighttime waters will want to visit between June and August.  Although this is the best time for activities it is also the rainy season.  Don’t let this deter you because although it may rain for a couple of hours, the temperatures are still warm.  These showers provided a nice opportunity to relax with a good book or enjoy a relaxing massage.  Holbox is a destination that should not be missed!

Honestly, the worst part of Holbox is the time it takes to get there, although its distance from Cancun is what helps keep it less visited and not commercialized.  Don’t let the drive deter you.  We loved Holbox and would not hesitate to go back.

 

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