Isla Holbox (Pronounced Hol – Bosh) has got to be one of my favourite new places I visited in Mexico this time due to the relaxed vibes, crystal blue water and cool dining spots.
It’s easy to get to, I rented a car in Cancun and drove three hours up to Chiquila where you can securely park your car before taking a thirty minute ferry over to the island. If driving is not your thing, You can easily take an ADO bus up to Chiquila, they depart a few times a day. There are two ferry companies (Holbox Express & 9 Hermanos – I used both, one each way and they were similar) and you can buy a ticket on arrival, They leave every 30 minutes to an hour. When you arrive, Grab a golf cart taxi to take you to your hotel.
Make sure you take your bug spray as there are plenty of mosquitoes (The only con about the whole island), That’s coming from someone who doesn’t usually get bitten too.
That white sand and blue water LOVE
Where to Stay
I stayed at the beautiful Hotel El Pueblito which is great value in the heart of Holbox and an easy walk to everywhere. The rooms are stylish, We even had two hammocks inside to chill after our beach time. They also have a fabulous coffee shop on site, Cute boutique stores and three restaurants, Mexican, Italian and Japanese. They were in the process of building a pool while we there and I can’t wait to go back and visit again when that opens up.
Don’t let the caption fool you, This was my room at Hotel El Pueblito
Where to Eat
I was obsessed with the food on Holbox and these were my favourite spots – There were plenty more I didn’t get to try either so drop me a line if I missed anything that you love there so I can try it next time.
The Hot Corner – A laid back, open air bar with adjoining restaurant on Holbox’s main street. The cocktails and food here are a must and at night the bar comes alive with a mix of live DJ’s or bands.
La Anemona – This is a tiny little bar style cafe where you sit at the counter, It only seats about ten people but I am still dreaming of the food (and cocktails) from here.
Basico – Anything but basic!!! I felt like I was back in one of Bali’s best cafes here.
Las Planchas – If you’re after seafood and more local food – This is where to go.
Rosa Mexicano – Modern mexican cuisine at its best!!!
The fish and chip shop that adjoins the Hot Corner, Lobster for days
Where to Explore
Isla Holbox was all about chilling on the beach, exploring by foot and eating for us this time but there are plenty of things to do if you want to be more active and have your days planned out.
Swim with whale sharks from Mid May to Mid Sep (This is actually top of my bucket list but I was there at the wrong time of year), Visit the flamingoes on Isla Passion where they congregate (We actually got lucky and saw one on the main beach so skipped this day trip), Kayak the mangroves, Visit Yum Balam Eco Reserve, Hire a bike and kite board.
My number one activity on the island every day is to head down to the beach and watch the sunset, I literally plan my whole afternoon around a sunset to shoot photos and enjoy the colours as well as reflect on the magic of the day.
Dreamy sunsets every day we were there
Thank you for sharing about our beloved country! Greetings from Holbox, Mexico 🙂
You’re so welcome! I love Holbox 🙂