The perfect, tranquil and serene beach holiday you have been dreaming of. Isla Holbox may be one of the last untouched spots in Mexico. Here you can experience Mexican culture at its finest whilst enjoying its paradisiac beaches, and amazing food all whilst sipping on a cocktail and watching the most beautiful of sunsets.
Assuming you are now sold on Isla Holbox – I will now give you a top-to-bottom travel guide with my experience of the Island. You will finish this blog with my tips, recommendations and everything else you need to know about the Island.
Is Isla Holbox worth visiting?
Is that even a question?! Isla Holbox is undeniably one of the most beautiful spots on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The small slip of land is a more sleepy version of Tulum, Cancun or Playa Del Carmen. It breathes the most beautiful colours, displays the most beautiful sunsets and will have you wondering if you are dreaming or not.
It may be slightly touristic, yet is still leaps and bounds behind the other Caribbean shores of Mexico. Accommodation is readily available for reasonable prices, and so are food, drinks and any other essentials you may require on your Paradise Island holiday.
The sleepy island wakes up mid-morning, with many cute cafes, breakfast bars and juice shops. You can walk around the dusty roads for hours on end with no judgement. Chuck on your breezy beach clothes and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle.
Where is Isla Holbox and how to get there?
Isla Holbox is located on the North of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. It is classed as an island but is intermittently connected to the mainland with sandbars and mangroves. However, is only accessible via ferry from the port town of Chiquilá. Holbox is a staggering 40km long yet only 2km at its widest point.
Holbox translates to ‘The Black Hole’ in the ancient Mayan language, which doesn’t seem so fitting. Two ferry providers are operating from Chiquilá, they both provide the same service for the same price, there is a ferry every 30 minutes so you are best off purchasing a ticket for the next ferry. You should be able to purchase a ticket for around 220 MXN. It is worth noting you could also pre-book your ferry through ADO Bus company if you are travelling to the port town with ADO.
The ADO bus service from Cancun to Chiquilá takes around 2 hours and costs on average 250 MXN. The ferry to Isla Holbox should take no longer than 1 hour. you can buy single or return tickets and the ferry will drop you off at the only port on the island.
Once you are here it should not take you any longer than 10 minutes to walk to your destination. You can hop in a golf cart taxi or hire your own! Alternatively, you could hire bicycles or meander around the Isla Holbox as I did myself.
How Long to stay on Isla Holbox?
You could stay for 30 nights or 300, Holbox really has it all. And it is all up to personal preference. However, if you want to experience the Island, Culture, Views, Food and Sunsets fully, I would suggest staying for between 4-7 nights. You definitely won’t run out of things to do and I feel this duration will give you a nice mix of chill days and days where you partake in many of the activities and experiences that this lovely Island has to offer.
What Things to do in Isla Holbox
Chill: Holbox is a great place to kick your feet up, chill and enjoy the vibes. Whether that be swinging in a hammock at the beach or lying by the pool of your accommodation. This sleepy car-free island gives you the perfect opportunity to get some much-needed peace.
Swim With Whale Sharks: If you’re on Isla Holbox between mid-May and mid-September, don’t skip this! Swimming with the big gentle giants is one of the nicest things to do in Holbox and one of the best places in the entire globe. Make sure to reach out to Whale Shark and Snorkelling Adventure From Holbox
Street art: There is an abundance of beautiful street art throughout Holbox. Simply walk around the beautiful streets and you will see massive murals appear out of nowhere.
Glowing Plankton: Plankton can be seen shining on nights when the moon isn’t too bright; it’s fascinating and an experience not to miss. I can highly recommend Bioluminescence Experience Holbox
Beach Bars: Along the beachfront, there are some quite adorable areas with hammocks, sun loungers, beds, and rockers, all of which serve meals and drinks. Our favourite restaurant was Coquitos the meal was delicious and the mojitos were wonderful and refreshing.
Enjoy the sunsets: On Isla Holbox, the sunsets are literally breathtaking! Go to the beach, crack a beer, and unwind as the sun beams liquid gold on the sea. Take a moment to realise just how lucky we are to experience this island!
Where to stay on Isla Holbox
You are spoiled for choice when deciding where to stay on Isla Holbox. From Luxury Hotels, Cabins on the beach, and Party Hostels to Glamping. You certainly are not lacking options.
I stayed at the CHE Hostel during my 7-day stay. I was backpacking and wanted a mix of luxury and party. CHE certainly fit that bill and I would highly recommend it.
Another great hostel would be Tribu. So many of my friends stayed here whilst I was visiting and gave it great reviews. Tribu is another good option.
Alternatively, you have many a choice of hotels or Villa stays which you can find on sites like Booking.com and Airbnb.
Where to eat on Isla Holbox
Chapulim El: There is no menu at this luxury restaurant. Chef Erik Winckelmann prepares four main courses, comes to your table to explain each one in detail, and then takes your order. If you’re on a tight budget, inquire about the pricing before ordering since mains are 350 MXN (around £14).
Cafeteria Viva Zapata: Prepare for a meal that includes authentic Mexican cuisine including tacos and quesadillas as well as dishes like Ceviche. Mid-range prices and an exciting atmosphere are offered. Here, the grilled fish and prawns are really tasty. You can reserve a table in advance and view the menu online.
Painapol Holbox: Painapol is your best bet if you’re seeking the best brunch in Holbox. The smoothie bowls, which are decorated with flowers and fruit cut into shapes, are some of the prettiest I’ve ever seen. Additionally, you’ll find all the standard brunch, such as eggs, pancakes, and avocado toast.
The Marquesitas is a must-see: In the evening, visit Isla Holbox’s central square to see a number of street vendors drawing shoppers in with sweet aromas. They are preparing marquesitas, a type of pancake that is folded up after being loaded with toppings like cheese, Nutella or dulce de leche. They are to die for and get crispy and chewy! It’s probably my fave nighttime activity on Isla Holbox!
Tips:
Withdraw Cash: There is only one or two ATMs in the whole of Isla Holbox. Because of this, they are usually out of cash. Most of the bars, cafes and restaurants on the Island prefer or only take cash. I’m sure you can imagine things can be quite difficult if you were to run out. I withdrew 10,000 MXN for a week and that lasted me just fine.
Suncream: Isla Holbox is sunny and the UV is especially strong in this part of the world. The last thing you want is to be sitting inside all day nursing your skin back to health.
WIFI: This was a concern for me before going due to my job. There is reliable wifi in most bars, hostels and accommodation.
Relax: I know it was touched on earlier but Isla Holbox is the best place to relax. It is probably the most chilled place I visited during my travels through Central and South America. It is a great place to wind down and appreciate life, take a minute to think about how beautiful life is and how lucky we all are to experience it.
Visit Isla Holbox if you ever get the chance! It’s truly one of my favourite locations that I’ve visited. Isla Holbox is unlike every other place I’ve been because it is vibrant, upbeat, and relaxed.
If you want to read some more blogs on Mexico click HERE.
Leave a Reply