Isla Holbox: Everything You Need to Know

If you are looking for a laid-back and relaxing vacation destination, look no further than Holbox (pronounced "hol-BOSH").

The atmosphere is friendly and low-key, the roads are sandy, and the hotels and restaurants are simple but fun.

One of the island's greatest attractions is swimming with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world, which visit the waters around Holbox from May to October.

Although it takes a bit of effort to get there, once in Holbox Island, you will find that it was well worth it.

This 42-kilometer-long island is located northwest of Cancun, where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet.

The island is separated from the Mexican mainland by a shallow lagoon within the Yum Balam nature reserve and is home to a wide variety of bird species.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about Tips for Visiting Isla Holbox, Mexico

Source: Vegan Voyagers

Where to stay in Holbox

Holbox lacks reputable luxury hotels, but while you won't find a Park Hyatt, you will find friendly, clean establishments filled with a castaway-in-paradise vibe.

Find a room with an ocean view and prepare to put up a hammock.

• La Palapa: Located on the oceanfront at the north end of the island, this 16-room hotel offers accommodations ranging from simple bungalows to second-floor suites.
• Casa Sandra: This oceanfront boutique hotel is one of Holbox's most elegant, with just 12 European-style rooms, all whitewashed and packed with luxurious details like deep soaking tubs, original art, and high-quality bedding.

The suites offer excellent ocean views.

• Casa Las Tortugas: This Italian-run hotel offers twelve charming thatched-roof beach bungalows, each decorated with eclectic artifacts collected from the travels of owners and mothers around the world.

There's also a beautiful pool, a beach bar, and poolside yoga classes.

Where to eat in Holbox

While you can find everything from pizza to sushi in Holbox, the most popular food is freshly caught seafood, which all restaurants offer in a variety of forms.

Most of the restaurants and bars are simple, with thatched roofs and affordable prices.

Viva Zapata, half a block west of the main plaza, is a fun spot that's packed with locals and tourists alike, flocking for charcoal grill seafood dishes and inexpensive cocktails.

Head out to the second-floor deck for a nice breeze and views.

• Casa Lupita: Casual beachfront home serving Tex-Mex food like fajitas (chicken, beef, fish, or shrimp), burritos, and quesadillas, along with tourist staples like burgers.

They also make great ceviche.

• Zarabanda: This thatched-roof hut serves grilled whole fish, lobster in garlic sauce, and Yucatan specialties like lime soup.
• Los Pelicanos: If you're ready for a break from Mexican food, try this cozy Italian restaurant on the main square, known for dishes like its mix of fried, fried fish and seafood, risottos, and homemade pasta.

What to do in Holbox

While the most popular pastime in Holbox is sunbathing, the sand, and the sea breeze, those looking for more active diversions will also find things to do.

• Take a bird-watching boat ride in the reserve and spot flamingos, pelicans, and spoonbills that live in these warm, shallow waters and mangrove forests.
• Swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants that feed in the deep waters near Holbox (May to October)
• Rent a golf cart and explore the island's beaches, bars, and quiet street life.
• Snorkel or kayak in the calm waters of the island.
• Relax in a hammock at one of the many beach bars on the island.
• Learn to stand up paddle
• Take a yoga class looking at the beach

Coming to Holbox

Part of the island's appeal is its sense of remoteness. Although it is only 40 miles from Cancun, it is a bit difficult to get there.

Mayab buses run twice a day from Cancun's main bus station to the small port city of Chiquilá, or you can take a taxi for the bumpy two-hour ride.

From there, take one of the ferries that leave nine times a day to Holbox.

Once on the island, hire a porter with a bicycle cart to take you to the hotel.

Did you find this post useful or inspiring? Save THIS PIN to your Travel Board on Pinterest! 😊

Once again, thank you for visiting our website!

We hope you've enjoyed exploring the content we've created for you.

Give yourself the chance to learn, get inspired, and have even more fun, keep browsing...