Looking to spend just a few days in paradise? In this text, I’ll stroll you thru among the greatest issues to do in Isla Holbox.
The founders of this weblog spent a 12 months residing in Mexico and Isla Holbox was one in every of their frequent getaways so this information is stuffed with useful tricks to ensure you have the very best time.
Located within the North Coast of Quintana Roo within the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Holbox is likely one of the greatest seashores in Mexico and for a proper purpose! Between its distinctive laid again vibe and exquisite seashores off the Mexican Caribbean Sea, Holbox is a should add to your Mexico journey.
You see, solely a decade in the past, Isla Holbox was only a tiny fishing village with solely a few unique resorts accessible solely to rich vacationers.
However, up to now few years, increasingly resorts for various budgets and kinds have been constructed alongside its pristine shoreline, and the island has turn out to be extra accessible to all types of vacationers and has now turn out to be everybody’s paradise.
Traveling round? Check out our in-depth Mexico Travel Tips information for extra on touring in Mexico!
Now, Isla Holbox is likely one of the most visited locations within the Yucatan Peninsula, attracting guests from everywhere in the world to get pleasure from its laid again vibes, the gorgeous pristine seashores, and the quite a few outside actions.
Isla Holbox is, in reality, a paradise discovered for each adventurous vacationers and nature lovers.
The roads are nonetheless unpaved and vehicles should not admitted. If you aren’t keen to experience a motorcycle, you’ll be able to lease a golf cart or name a taxi (which can also be a golf cart). You can reside in your swimsuit and flip flops.
Wifi is a matter, however who cares you probably have an immaculate white sand seashore, turquoise crystal clear sea, and a hammock? Instagram can definitely wait.
How to Get to Isla Holbox
There are a number of methods to get to Isla Holbox. In this listing I’ll stroll you thru all of the alternative ways:
The Best Way to Get to Isla Holbox
The quickest and best technique to get there’s by reserving a shuttle.
You can reserve a shuttle forward of time on-line that may choose you up from the airport and take you to your vacation spot. This hassle-free mode of transport brings you straight from the airport to Chiquila the place you’ll catch the ferry.
The complete journey is below 2.5 hours and is fairly straight ahead if you happen to get non-public transport.
Rent a Car from Cancun Airport to Chiquila
Another possibility is to lease a automobile in Cancun airport and go away it within the parking docks by Chiquila. Doing this technique has its cons as there are NO autos allowed in Isla Holbox. How cool is that? Parking by Chiquila docks will price you round $5-10 a day.
We really opted for this transport technique earlier than and located the parking tons to be very secure and arranged. For rental vehicles, we suggest Discovery Cars which helps you evaluate automobile rental costs from a number of firms.
Check out the hyperlink above for value choices for automobile leases.
Shared Shuttle from Cancun to Chiquila
Another possibility could be to get on a shared shuttle. These shared shuttles on Viator are fairly straight ahead and can take you on to the port of Chiquila the place you’ll be able to catch a ferry.
Private Plane Charter
Unfortunately, there aren’t any airways that fly immediately into Isla Holbox, however in case you are lifeless set on having fun with the comfort and velocity of flying to your vacation spot, you’ll be able to e book a non-public constitution airplane. Keep in thoughts, nevertheless, that these flights should not low cost, nevertheless it IS the quickest technique to get there.
Not to say, the surroundings alongside the best way make it an expertise to recollect.
If luxurious journey isn’t your cup of tea, and you might be in search of essentially the most budget-friendly possibility attainable, take into account touring to Isla Holbox is by public bus.
ADO Bus from Downtown Cancun to Chiquila
While you’ll have to sacrifice your time in alternate for the financial financial savings, as these bus rides might be somewhat lengthy relying in your start line, that is positively the most cost effective possibility obtainable.
Keep in thoughts that the ADO bus from Cancun to Holbox isn’t as simple as you’ll have to go to the ADO bus terminal in downtown Cancun THEN get on a bus to Chiquila.
That being mentioned, tickets are pretty low cost. The ADO Cancun Downtown Station to Chiquila ADO bus has six every day departures from 8:30am, 9am, 11am, 1pm and three:30pm.
Ferry from Chiquila to Isla Holbox
Once you’ve reached Chiquila, the Isla Holbox ferry could be very simple and is just a fast 15 minute experience! They start at 5am and run each half-hour. No want for reservations. All it’s important to do is present up on the port, ask when the subsequent ferry is and purchase tickets.
There are just a few eating places by the dock that serve fundamental meals and drinks whereas ready in your ferry.
There are two ferry boat firms that function in Holbox. They are equally environment friendly and provide the identical service, at completely different schedules, for the passengers’ comfort.
If you’re a group of greater than 5 folks, you would possibly need to get a non-public experience from one of many fishermen on the marina as a substitute.
Tip: If you’re brief on time, take into account taking a guided day journey to Holbox with the intention to see the island’s highlights. Check out this tour that features round-trip lodging out of your resort, boat experience, and lunch, along with all of the sightseeing with an area information!
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How to Get Around in Isla Holbox
Currently, Isla Holbox is unpaved and as talked about, there aren’t any autos on the island so renting a automobile is not going to be an possibility for this journey.
While this may occasionally appear to be it may very well be irritating, it’s actually a terrific factor as a result of it actually units the island’s vibe and helps guests really feel like they’re escaping from the hustle and bustle of contemporary cities.
Of course, you will want to get round someway. A standard means to do that is by golf cart. This will price about $70-85. It’s a enjoyable technique to see every part!
If you get pleasure from being energetic, you might additionally choose to lease a motorcycle and cycle across the island, as it’s a small island that may be traveled finish to finish by any typically wholesome particular person.
We counsel renting a golf cart of motorbike as they’re the very best methods to maneuver round Holbox alongside the unpaved roads.
- Golf Cart rental prices: 300 MXN/hour (min. 2 hours)
- Bike rental price: 35 MXN/ hour. If you want to get the bike for your entire keep or a whole day, it’s far more handy to agree on a value for your entire keep than hourly.
You can all the time name a taxi-golf cart however they don’t seem to be very dependable and also you would possibly want to attend for a while even if you happen to e book it upfront, relying on the time.
Holbox Things to Do Highlights
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Best Things to Do in Holbox (Updated 2023)
1. Watch the Flamingos at Punta Cocos
Located just one mile west of city, Punta Cocos is a public seashore with nothing there however palms and flamingos.
Those sleek pink creatures love to hang around simply off the bay at a really shut distance.
Because of the shallow water, you’ll be able to simply stroll very near them however we respect the surroundings. Flamingos like to be admired and photographed however at a good distance; in any other case, they get pressured. And we don’t need that.
I’d counsel bringing your digicam with you with an excellent zoom lens with the intention to take some good close-ups with out disturbing them.
The greatest technique to attain this seashore is by renting a motorcycle. It’s just one mile from the middle nevertheless it’s actually scorching and there’s no shade alongside the best way. At least using the bike makes it breezy and bearable!
2. Enjoy the Beautiful Holbox Sunsets
It appears a easy factor however watching the sundown is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Holbox.
Halfway from Punta Coco to city, you’ll be able to cease by the seashore. It’s my favourite one from which to admire the sundown. But anyplace alongside the seashore is ideal – a very powerful factor is that you simply don’t miss it!
Sunset watching is a should do for any go to to Isla Holbox.
3. Chill on the Local Beach Bars
Who wouldn’t love the concept of lazing round on the seashore with a drink of their hand and not using a care on the planet? If this seems like your concept of an excellent time, you’re in for a deal with once you go to Holbox. Holbox is residence to a number of cute seashore bars, full with enjoyable hammocks, lazy chairs, and implausible meals and drinks.
One such seashore bar that you simply MUST make some extent to go to while you’re in Isla Holbox is Coquitos seashore membership. Their meals and drinks are good, and their surroundings is even higher!
If you might be visiting Cancun and Tulum as nicely throughout your journey, you’ll probably discover the enjoyable seashore bars of Isla Holbox to be a pleasant change of tempo in comparison with the bustling golf equipment within the different two cities. Relaxing at a seashore bar in Holbox really looks like the head of paradise!
The better part? You can loosen up much more figuring out that your drinks in Isla Holbox will price far lower than these in lots of different nations, such because the US.
4. Take a Walk on the Sandbanks
On the alternative aspect of the island from Punta Cocos is the place the sand is whiter and softer and when the tide is low, you’ll be able to even stroll within the water.
In actuality, a stretch of sand will emerge from the water offshore proper in entrance of the enduring Holbox resort Las Nubes.
Just ensure you take into account when the tide might be again up so that you simply gained’t get moist, particularly in case you are strolling together with your digicam on you.
5. Go Kite Surfing
Calling all water sport lovers! Holbox is good for kite surfers due to the favorable winds. Further north from Las Nubes Resort, yow will discover a kite college the place to lease tools or take a category.
If you’re in search of one thing energetic to do, this is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Isla Holbox.
6. Follow the Murals
Street artwork is fairly frequent in Mexico as a technique to categorical the artists’ minds or to indicate their artsy expertise. One of the weather that make Holbox so lovely is the colourful homes, most of them displaying lovely artistic murals representing Holbox marine life and native folks.
Holbox murals have turn out to be one in every of Holbox’s sights and a part of the island’s identification. So ensure you keep watch over the partitions once you stroll round.
7. Swim with Whale Sharks (Seasonal)
Swimming with whale sharks is essentially the most fashionable tour in Holbox and normally the primary purpose why vacationers used to flock to the island.
The sea round Holbox is in the midst of these light giants’ migration route which occurs to be in the summertime. Whale Shark season lasts from June by means of September. The native fishermen know the place to seek out them and they’ll take you to swim with them.
The whale sharks are protected animals and subsequently there’s a restricted variety of folks that may go at a time. Local authorities attempt to hold it managed however I all the time surprise if we aren’t invading their area an excessive amount of.
I did this tour as soon as just a few years in the past and it’s wonderful how shut they will come by. They appear to disregard you and thoughts their very own enterprise. You completely can’t contact them, although and you have to put on the life jacket as a compulsory rule.
8. Discover the Local Wildlife
There are many different excursions organized by the fishermen to take you to Isla de los Pajaros and Isla de la Passion (Passion Island), particularly liked by birdwatchers.
This tour takes you on a ship tour to go to Pájaros Island, Pasión Island and Mosquito Bay. It’s a good way to get to the very best seashores in Holbox whereas getting perception into the native wildlife round you.
You could have loads of time to swim and revel in some complimentary beers and juices whereas on the boat experience.
If you need a DIY expertise, stroll in direction of Punta Coco or Punta Mosquito early within the morning and you will notice tons of wildlife.
9. Experience the Incredible Bioluminescence Phenomenon
There are adventurous kayaking excursions to take you on an evening journey and expertise the spectacular pure phenomenon of bioluminescence. Some particular microorganisms produce a glittering impact when water strikes. This is a native tour that’s achieved early at night time.
Do not miss it and ensure you pack some mosquito repellant!
10. Take a Full-Day Boat Tour
The three islands tour is essentially the most full tour that features the Isla de los Pajaros, Isla de la Passion, and a cease on the Yalahu cenote. It’s a full-day tour immersed in nature and additionally, you will have the chance to spend a while on untouched seashores and swim in pristine clear waters and sandy seashores.
A go to to Yalahu cenote can also be included which is nice as a result of it’s solely reachable by boat. This is likely one of the issues we did over the past time we visited Holbox and we extremely suggest it.
11. Rent a Bike
For those that like to remain energetic whereas on trip, exploring the island by bike is usually a implausible technique to hold busy, have enjoyable, and see tons of gorgeous sights within the course of. Renting a motorcycle can be an affordable technique to journey across the island, as bike leases normally solely price round 35 MXN per hour. This converts to about 2 US greenback per hour. Not dangerous in any respect!
Renting a motorcycle throughout your journey to Isla Holbox can each care for the need for in-island transportation and the will for trip leisure on the identical time.
Why not make this much more enjoyable by utilizing your bike as a chance to present your self a self-guided tour of the island? After all, generally grabbing a map and occurring an journey might be much more enjoyable than becoming a member of a gaggle of vacationers on a guided tour.
12. Kayak Through the Mangroves
The mangroves are one of many can’t-miss beauties of Holbox. And what higher technique to expertise these beauties than by paddling alongside the glassy stream beneath them in a kayak? Not solely will this mean you can expertise the gorgeous mangroves, however you additionally would possibly get to see some crocodiles and flamingos alongside the best way. It really is an unforgettable expertise!
Luckily, this must-do expertise gained’t break the financial institution, as kayaking excursions in Mexico are comparatively low cost. Mangrove kayaking excursions in Isla Holbox normally vary from $40-$50 per particular person. This is less expensive than comparable excursions in different nations. The native tour above is very rated by different vacationers!
This can also be one other nice technique to get some train on trip, whereas additionally having enjoyable! Kayaking by means of surroundings like that is each enjoyable and thrilling on the identical time!
Where to Eat in Isla Holbox
Editor’s Note: Being large foodies, no journey to Holbox might be full with out some info on the very best locations to eat! Here is a listing of among the must-try eating places in Holbox
Roots Pizza – Eating lobster pizza is a factor in Holbox…and if you happen to’re going to do it, would possibly as nicely hit up the spot that does it the very best! Aside from their lobster pizza, their different objects on the menu are equally as scrumptious (and much more inexpensive!).
Taco Queto – For scrumptious greasy tacos, look no additional as this cease is your home. The tacos listed here are easy, scrumptious, and so low cost! Their tacos al pastor is scrumptious – price visiting for just a few late-night eats.
Raices – If you’re in search of a scrumptious seafood lunch, Raices is a good possibility. Located proper by the seashore, they provide scrumptious grilled seafood, recent ceviches, and ice-cold beers.
El Chapulim- If you’re in search of a fancier meal, El Chapulim by downtown is nice. They don’t have menus and solely serve no matter native substances that they’ve obtainable. We had their lobster dinner there and was top-of-the-line issues we’ve eaten all weekend!
How Much is Food and Drink on Isla Holbox?
Of course, this may fluctuate from place to put. An inexpensive meal in Isla Holbox will price round 80-100 MXN, or 4-5 USD. A pleasant meal might be extra within the 100-300 MXN vary, or 5-15 USD.
Either means, I believe it’s secure to say that meals gained’t be an enormous think about your funds when visiting Isla Holbox, as you’ll probably spend considerably lower than what you’ll spend within the US for comparable meals.
If you are attempting to funds how a lot you’ll spend on meals in Isla Holbox, an excellent estimate could be $20-$25.
If you might be on a funds, you might in all probability get away with spending round $15 per day, and if you happen to choose to dine luxuriously for all your meals, it’s best to put together to spend about $40-$50 per day.
Where to Stay in Isla Holbox Island
Holbox affords a terrific number of lodging from funds hostels to world-class luxurious resorts. The alternative is yours.
In any case, to get pleasure from Holbox to the fullest, I’d choose a spot proper on the seashore. Imagine the views out of your room, or getting your toes within the ship as quickly as you get up.
However, if you happen to want to avoid wasting money, you would possibly need to keep within the city the place yow will discover cheaper choices. You gained’t be that removed from the seashore, anyway.
Holbox is so tiny that the middle of the city is 2 blocks from the ocean. Everything is just about inside strolling distance.
Some luxurious resorts, although, are situated on the two reverse ends of the island, proper on the seashore. If that’s your alternative, you’ll be able to lease a golf cart or simply name a taxi any time you need to get to the middle.
Below, I share my favourite resorts for various value ranges:
Top Luxury Hotel: CasaSandra
Elegant high-end resort situated proper on the seashore, with distinctive customized service.
Mid-Range Hotel: Hotel Mawimbi
Located on the seashore however very near the middle, this resort is good for individuals who love snug and good lodging with out breaking the financial institution.
Budget Hotel: Tribu Hostel
Colorful and vigorous hostel situated on the seashore. Private rooms are additionally obtainable, however they’re very tiny.
Editor’s Note: We stayed on this superior Rooftop Hotel the final time we have been there and had essentially the most INCREDIBLE view of the island. This resort got here with a non-public rooftop which neglected the mangroves and the ocean.
Places to Visit Before and After Isla Holbox Mexico
In order to get to Isla Holbox, you’ll have to fly into Cancun, as Isla Holbox doesn’t have an airport of its personal. Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is residence to a ton of unbelievable locations to go to like:
- Playa del Carmen
- Tulum
- Cancun
- Merida
Cancun is stuffed with thrilling experiences that you simply gained’t need to miss, together with its white sand seashores and world-class resorts.
After all, if it’s important to go by means of a beautiful hub of Central American Tourism like this anyway, why not do some exploring while you’re there?
Another excellent place to go to while you’re within the space could be Tulum. Tulum is named an “Instagrammer’s paradise” as a result of it’s a lovely space with loads of nice photograph ops. Tulum, like Cancun and Isla Holbox, comprises a number of lovely scenic seashores.
Chilling within the seashore golf equipment in Tulum are additionally a good way to spend a few days throughout your vacation. Tulum can also be a terrific place to see Ancient Mayan ruins as nicely.
From Tulum and Cancun, you’ll be able to take a fast taxi experience to Playa del Carmen which is one other fashionable beachside vacation spot within the Mayan Riviera.
Aside from seashores, there are additionally tons of cenotes within the Mayan Riviera which might be price visiting.
If you’ll be within the nation for a protracted time frame, you might even enterprise out to among the different iconic places in Mexico, corresponding to Mexico City.
Of course, it is a enormous feat, so that you won’t need to add that a lot touring into your agenda until you might be planning on spending no less than a few Mexico. If you might be planning a prolonged backpacking journey, nevertheless, it’s secure to say that this cultural hub is one thing that you simply positively can’t pass over!
FAQ on Isla Holbox
Absolutely! Isla Holbox is a stupendous hidden gem in Mexico that you simply positively don’t need to miss. It is likely one of the most lovely seashores in Mexico and is price including to your Mexico itinerary.
Of course! Isla Holbox is residence to a number of lovely, crystal seashores which might be nice for taking a swim. The waters are shallow and really swimmable!
Isla Holbox is comparatively low cost. Like most Central American trip spots, the prices of meals, resorts, and actions are fairly low cost. The largest expense in visiting Isla Holbox will almost certainly be your airplane ticket.
When deciding how a lot time to spend in Isla Holbox, 3 or 4 days must be sufficient to see the entire island. However, you probably have time to spare, 5 days could be an excellent period of time to sightsee, loosen up, and extra.
People from everywhere in the world journey to Holbox to get pleasure from its many lovely seashores and laid again vibe. Aside from that, Isla Holbox is usually identified for its whale sharks, in addition to its bioluminescent waters.
Because Tulum is a extra well-known trip spot, it’s costlier to go to than Isla Holbox. We discovered eating places in Tulum to be massively overpriced and at par with US costs whereas in Holbox, you’ll be able to nonetheless go to eating places on a funds.
This will fluctuate relying on what you might be doing and the way good your lodging are on the Island. On common, funds round $1000-$1500 MX per day which is round $50-75 a day. This must be sufficient for meals and transport.
The greatest time to go to Isla Holbox is between December and March. This is when the climate will not be too scorching.
Can I Drink Tap Water in Holbox?
Definitely not! Because of the excessive quantity of unsafe minerals within the water, it’s endorsed that guests solely drink bottled water whereas visiting the island. As a basic rule, you can not drink the faucet water in Mexico.
As you’ll be able to see, there are sufficient issues to do in Holbox to maintain you occupied! Whether you’re simply there for the day or you probably have an prolonged keep, Holbox is a captivating and enjoyable island that may completely win you over.
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