On the lookout for a tropical getaway in Mexico this yr, however do not actually need to head to Cancun or Tulum? I’ve bought one other suggestion for you: Isla Holbox.
Positioned on the Gulf of Mexico facet of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Holbox is a small island that packs an enormous punch. It isn’t tremendous handy to get to and is usually a protected nature reserve, however this implies it is a way more relaxed Mexican getaway than what you may discover in another spots within the Yucatan.
Isla Holbox is thought for its shallow sandbars, kite browsing, and being within the migration path for whale sharks. And it makes for a wonderful laid-back seashore getaway.
Why go to Isla Holbox?
Isla Holbox shouldn’t be flashy like another close by spots on the Yucatan Peninsula. You will not discover swanky seashore golf equipment or high-rise all-inclusive resort resorts. Heck, you will not even discover paved roads right here! And whereas tourism growth is occurring at a quick tempo on Holbox, it nonetheless stays a really totally different form of getaway.
Isla Holbox is perhaps best for you if:
- You need a barely off-the-beaten-path vacation spot that also has a longtime tourism business.
- You need a secure getaway that is excellent for {couples}, backpackers, households with children, and everybody in between.
- You do not thoughts seashores that are not completely manicured, or strolling by way of city on dusty or muddy streets.
- You’ll be able to take pleasure in a vacation and not using a ton of actions (high issues to do on Holbox embrace issues like chook watching and seashore lounging).
- You want good meals, good drinks, and fairly sunsets.
Issues to find out about visiting Isla Holbox
I am gonna be sincere with you: Isla Holbox is not going to be the suitable vacation spot for everybody – and that is okay! It was excellent for me and a good friend who was craving a slow-paced seashore getaway, and we stayed for practically every week!
For those who’re contemplating a visit to Isla Holbox your self, listed here are some issues you actually need to know earlier than you go:
1. Isla Holbox takes effort to get to
Isla Holbox is in no way an “undiscovered” vacation spot; it is positively been found, and exists at this time virtually totally as a vacationer vacation spot. Nevertheless it’s not but overtouristed – and the primary cause why is that it takes some planning to get to.
Isla Holbox sits roughly 6 miles off the coast of the city of Chiquilá on the northern facet of the Yucatan Peninsula. And Chiquilá is a roughly 2-hour drive from Cancun on native roads.
To get to Isla Holbox, it is advisable fly into the Cancun airport, ebook transport to Chiquilá, after which take a passenger ferry over to Holbox. It isn’t *too* tough, however you do need to ebook your Chiquilá switch prematurely to keep away from being scammed on the value on the airport.
How you can ebook this switch?
Relying on the place you keep, your lodge may give you a aggressive fee on a switch from Cancun that can embrace each the trip to Chiquilá and the ferry trip. In any other case, there are a couple of choices:
- Book a spot in a shared shuttle (most value efficient).
- E book a non-public direct switch with an organization like Welcome Pickups.
- If in case you have the additional time, ebook a non-public switch with Daytrip, which lets you add on sightseeing stops alongside the best way (I’ve used this firm in Europe!).
You additionally must be positive your flight and switch will line up with the instances the ferries run.
Two ferry companies cross the Yalahau Lagoon separating Isla Holbox from the mainland (9 Hermanos, and Holbox Categorical). Tickets value the identical on each companies ($300 MXN, or about $16 USD), and between the 2 of them ferries run each Half-hour (every firm runs a ferry as soon as per hour) from roughly 6 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. – however not later than that.
So in case your flight into Cancun does not arrive till after 7 p.m., the probabilities of you making a Holbox ferry that night are very low.
The drive from Cancun takes as much as 2 hours, and the ferry trip over to Holbox often takes about 25-Half-hour. So that you mainly need to enable at the very least 3 hours for the switch between Cancun and Isla Holbox.
Like I stated, it takes some effort and funding (in each money and time) to get to Isla Holbox!
2. Isla Holbox is a sandbar island
Isla Holbox is certainly an island, roughly 26 miles lengthy and 1 mile large. Nevertheless it’s not an island made up of coral or common land; it is mainly only a massive sandbar that is constructed up tall sufficient to be a everlasting island.
As a result of Holbox is definitely only a sandbar largely lined in mangroves, the water surrounding it’s fairly shallow – it is barely waist deep even when you go fairly far out. There’s additionally not a ton of sea life round since there is not any reef.
Because of this Isla Holbox is not a great place for swimming or snorkeling – nevertheless it does imply that the seashores (resembling they’re) are fairly kid-friendly.
3. It isn’t a Caribbean island
Most individuals consider Mexico – and particularly the Yucatan – as a tropical, Caribbean vacation spot. And whereas spots like Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum ARE certainly within the Caribbean, Isla Holbox lies on the other facet of the peninsula, within the Gulf of Mexico.
What does this imply, precisely? It signifies that you are not as more likely to discover Caribbean-blue waters right here such as you see in images from the opposite facet of the peninsula.
After I visited (in January), the water round Isla Holbox was very clear near the island, nevertheless it wasn’t often an excellent turquoise blue. And out within the Yalahau Lagoon, it was downright darkish and somewhat bit murky!
We met a couple of ladies who had been disenchanted by this after having been in Tulum as a result of they did not notice it the water can be totally different within the Gulf of Mexico.
4. Sure, there might be seaweed
As sea temperatures rise, so too does the prevalence of sargassum seaweed. It was once one thing that solely appeared each occasionally across the Yucatan Peninsula, however nowadays it is virtually a given that you just may run into it on the seashore.
Sargassum “season” is often thought of to run from March-October, nonetheless the seaweed has began encroaching on seashores as early as January in recent times, relying on climate and ocean currents. (There was loads of sargassum on the seashores on Isla Holbox once I was there in early January!)
This is not to say there aren’t stretches of seaweed-free seashore; there are! However you must also simply anticipate to see (and scent) it throughout your go to. (And if it is current, know that you just may need to stroll by way of it to get out to the favored sandbar individuals stroll on in the direction of Punta Mosquito.)
5. Holbox shouldn’t be a celebration island
After I first heard of Isla Holbox, I heard about it within the context of it being a backpacker-friendly island in Mexico. Which, in my thoughts, usually means a celebration island (I’ve backpacked through Southeast Asia, okay?).
And whereas Holbox continues to be pretty backpacker-friendly, it is positively NOT a celebration island. Sure, there are some seashore bars and really casual seashore golf equipment near the primary city that may play some music, however do not anticipate finding all-night raves or hardcore partying right here. It isn’t that type of place!
If you wish to celebration within the Yucatan, Isla Holbox shouldn’t be the place you need to be. I believe I most likely noticed extra households with children on Holbox that partying backpacker varieties.
6. Holbox is fashionable – however not too fashionable
Earlier than I began planning our journey, I used to be anticipating to search out largely rustic guesthouses and seashore bars on Isla Holbox. And people issues do exist! However as a result of Holbox goes by way of a interval of fairly fast tourism growth proper now, you too can discover vibe-y boutique resorts and classy eating places popping up.
In actual fact, there are a number of luxurious boutique resorts and resorts to select from now, like El Corazón Boutique Hotel, Villas Caracol, Ser Casasandra, Mystique Holbox by Royalton, and Villas Flamingos (that is the place we stayed!). These resorts all have facilities like air con, swimming swimming pools, spa companies, and many others., but additionally have extra rustic options like sand-floored eating places and thatched roofs/extra conventional structure.
You can too discover all kinds of (glorious) locations to eat on Holbox. You’ll be able to go for one thing conventional just like the ceviche at Las Panchas (A MUST-EAT!) or tacos at Barba Negra, or one thing a bit extra fancy at a cool spot like Restaurante Milpa or Luuma.
You may additionally discover fashionable espresso outlets, brunch spots, and even vegan cafes in the primary city on Holbox.
7. Beachwear is appropriate all over the place
On the finish of the day, Isla Holbox is an island the place it is at all times acceptable to put on breezy clothes, flip flops, and beachwear. After we had meals at our lodge (Villas Flamingos), we frequently went barefoot because the bars and eating places there are all within the sand!
Positive, get all dressed as much as exit for dinner if you would like; however nobody will look twice when you resolve to not!
8. Holbox might be dear
Sure, Isla Holbox is in Mexico. And sure, the island is kind of primary in some methods (i.e. the roads aren’t paved and you’ll’t flush your bathroom paper). However the island is a vacationer vacation spot – and a predominantly white, Western vacationer vacation spot that sufficient cash has been pumped into that individuals can open fashionable espresso outlets and fancy boutique resorts.
And which means that it is not essentially the “budget-friendly” vacation spot most individuals assume it will likely be. I am guessing it is also dearer to go to now than it was 10 years in the past.
Are you able to go to Isla Holbox on a finances? Positive. There are nonetheless very inexpensive lodge rooms and bungalows, and loads of native low cost eats. And the seashore is at all times free!
However if you wish to keep at a pleasant beachfront lodge and eat at a classy restaurant each evening, you’ll be able to simply spend tons of of {dollars} per day. (The mid-range beachfront resorts on Holbox often go for $100-$300 per evening, however a number of the most luxurious ones can simply value $500-$600 per evening throughout excessive season.)
9. It is a largely car-free island
The factor that also feels probably the most genuine about Isla Holbox is the truth that it is a largely car-free island. Guests will not be permitted to deliver autos over with them, and the one vehicles/vans you may see are upkeep ones.
The principle methods to get round on Holbox are on foot, by bike, and by golf cart. You may discover golf cart taxis throughout “downtown” Holbox, in addition to ready on the ferry port. They usually’re the 4WD variety with massive, beefy tires as a result of the roads will not be paved on Isla Holbox, and are sometimes pitted with enormous, flooded potholes.
You’ll be able to anticipate to pay 70 pesos (lower than $4 USD) to go from the ferry port to “downtown” Holbox, and maybe 150 pesos ($8 USD) to go from city to a number of the resorts additional alongside the seashore.
10. The beachfront resorts aren’t “on the town”
The principle city in Holbox is pretty walkable (so long as you do not thoughts the mud/potential mud), however you may need to borrow a motorbike or make the most of the golf cart taxis to get to your lodge, as quite a lot of the luxurious beachfront resorts aren’t really “in” city.
We stayed at Villas Flamingos, which is among the final resorts alongside the seashore earlier than you hit the protected nature reserve a part of the island that isn’t developed. We beloved staying this far out because it was so quiet, nevertheless it meant that it took a superb 25 minutes to stroll to/from city. We did make the stroll as soon as, however opted for taxis at evening and throughout the hottest a part of the day.
11. Money continues to be king in Holbox
When you can positively pay with a bank card at your lodge, eating places and bars round city nonetheless largely desire money. There are a lot of spots which can be nonetheless cash-only, and taxis ONLY settle for money, so make sure to have some Mexican pesos with you.
NOTE: There are not any banks on Isla Holbox, and the ATMs on the island are infamous for not being dependable. So positively get your money while you arrive in Cancun!
(Having stated this about money, although, we discovered many extra locations accepting card in 2024 than we anticipated! I’d nonetheless take money to Isla Holbox, however you need not anticipate to cowl all of your bills with it any longer.)
12. Telephone sign and wifi do exist
After I was researching Isla Holbox, a seemingly agreed upon truth was that cellphone sign and wifi may very well be very spotty and even non-existent on components of the island, particularly at resorts additional away from city. I went into the journey anticipating to largely should unplug for the week (which I did not thoughts one bit!).
However we arrived at Villas Flamingos to search out surprisingly good wifi, and even good cellphone sign on our T-Cell plans. So I assume your mileage might range with this one!
13. WhatsApp is the norm
Talking of smartphones and wifi… WhatsApp is a very fashionable communication app on Isla Holbox. (It is a messaging app that can be utilized for texts and calls utilizing wifi.) I believed it unusual at first that I used to be getting private WhatsApp messages earlier than our go to from one the managers at Villas Flamingos, nevertheless it seems that is fairly widespread.
Need to contact lodge reception with a query? WhatsApp. E book a restaurant reservation? WhatsApp. Contact a taxi driver you used yesterday? WhatsApp. Obtain the app (you may use your current cellphone quantity for it), and do not be stunned when everybody makes use of it!
14. Do not fret a couple of language barrier
Sure, Isla Holbox is situated in Mexico, and the primary language spoken on the island is Spanish. But when you have not dusted off your “Hola! Cómo estás?” shortly, do not stress an excessive amount of.
Since Holbox is primarily a vacationer vacation spot (and a gringo vacationer vacation spot, at that), English is broadly understood and spoken throughout the island. The workers at resorts and eating places will certainly communicate English, so don’t be concerned about your rusty (or non-existent) Spanish.
(Now, is it simply well mannered to at the very least study “good day” and “thanks” within the native language wherever you are touring? Sure. And I would encourage you to brush up on another primary phrases, too. However nobody will anticipate you to be fluent when you’re visiting as a vacationer.)
15. There’s not a ton to DO
An necessary factor to find out about Isla Holbox is that it is not essentially a spot that is jam-packed with actions. Sure, there are some – you’ll be able to go kayaking into the mangroves, check out kitesurfing, and ebook the “Three Islands Tour” to go to a chook sanctuary and a cenote.
However on Isla Holbox, the primary issues to do embrace strolling out on the sandbar, sunning your self on the seashore, and general simply absorbing the relaxed vibe.
For those who’re the kind of one that wants limitless actions with the intention to take pleasure in a vacation spot, this one may not really be for you!
16. There are seasons for all of the wildlife
Isla Holbox is known for its migrating whale sharks, and the excursions that take individuals out to swim with them. Nonetheless, it is actually necessary to know that whale sharks are NOT within the waters round Isla Holbox year-round. It is a summertime exercise, with the perfect months for whale shark sightings being June-August.
Equally, when you’re hoping to see flamingos across the island, it is advisable go to from June-September.
17. Most of Holbox is protected
Talking of the wildlife, the overwhelming majority of Isla Holbox sits inside a protected space referred to as the Yum Balam Nature Reserve. This nature reserve protects all type of birds, in addition to crocodiles, monkeys, whale sharks, and extra.
It is due to this nature reserve that Isla Holbox has not been extra developed than it’s. With a purpose to be certain that it stays pristine, it is advisable apply Go away No Hint ideas, which embrace not leaving ANY trash or waste behind, not eradicating any a part of the setting, and respecting each wildlife and native individuals.
18. Beware and put together for sandflies
One final thing I must be sure to find out about are the sandflies. Mosquitos are a priority, too, however on my go to to Isla Holbox, it was the teeny tiny sandflies that plagued us probably the most. They had been the worst round sundown, and sometimes despatched us hurrying indoors to place lengthy pants on. (And when you’ve by no means been bitten by sandflies earlier than… nicely, fortunate you. They produce small however extremely itchy bites.)
Irrespective of while you’re visiting Isla Holbox, make sure to come ready with loads of sunscreen AND bug spray, and a few lengthy layers to put on within the evenings.
As somebody who does not often contemplate herself a “seashore individual,” I used to be pleasantly stunned by how a lot I loved Isla Holbox. It is nonetheless somewhat slice of laid-back paradise on the Yucatan Peninsula, and regardless of us not really *doing* a ton throughout our keep, the week we spent there flew by!
This would possibly not be a vacation spot appropriate for everybody, however hopefully this submit has helped you determine whether or not Isla Holbox is perhaps best for you!
You may additionally like…
Listed here are another posts about beachy islands you may like:
Is Isla Holbox a spot you would like to go to?
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Harmful Enterprise Journey Weblog. She has traveled to greater than 60 nations on 6 continents from her house base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and considerate journey by way of the US, Europe, and remainder of the world. Amanda solely shares suggestions based mostly on her private experiences and locations she’s really traveled!
