Are you looking for the perfect relaxing and authentic Mexican getaway? Holbox Island located at the northern shore of Quintana Roo is THE place to be.
Holbox is a small slice of Heaven on Earth, surrounded by unique nature, and streets decorated with beautiful vibrating colors that seem to shimmer with the Sun while time seems to pass by in slow motion, giving that feeling of peace and tranquility. Yet it still boasts plenty of modern amenities to have a nice Mexican Island experience. (Except for ATMs or card service, most places at Holbox take cash only.)
Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas
Its name translates directly from Mayan as “Black Hole” because once you go there, it’ll keep pulling you back!
BITES OF HISTORY
“The Caste War” caused a massive escape of locals to remote islands, guiding the first settlers of Holbox to their new homes. After the refugees were attacked by a group of rebel Mayans, the Yucatecan Army ordered the evacuation of the island fearing further attacks. However, the refugees refused to leave the island.
Later, but over one hundred years ago a hurricane destroyed the island almost completely, forcing settlers to move the whole town to where is located now.
Photo by Steve Mullins
The inhabitants of Holbox have been characterized by their firm and reluctant character, the main foundations of the actual community. They haven’t let themselves be defeated in the face of adversity, and they have resisted isolation and the lack of basic consumer products, bringing up ancient traditions to give the island its unique charm.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Holbox is located within the Nature Reserve of Yum Balam, in the extreme north of the Yucatan Peninsula, exactly where the Gulf of Mexico waters and the Caribbean Sea meet.
To cross over to Holbox Island, first, you have to make it to the port of Chiquilá, a small town located about 2 hrs from Cancun Airport and Playa del Carmen. The time to get there depends if you drive by yourself or with a guided tour or by taking an ADO bus or even the highway traffic.
There are a few ferry companies to cross from the port of Chiquilá to Holbox Island Check online for official schedules and prices to book in advance.
BEACH-HOPPING
The wave-less charming beaches of Holbox, give the illusion of being surrounded by a giant pool of crystal clear water, referring to the tranquility that can be experienced throughout the island.
Photo by Katrina Julia
Inevitably, the dirt roads will lead you to Playa Grande Beach one of the favorite beaches for locals and tourists. This area of the island has a great vibe, especially when people gather at the pier area in front of the huge Holbox letters to wait for the sunset and take the perfect Instagram picture.
Take a hike to Punta Cocos, a perfect activity to do in the afternoon, and watch the sunset from there. It is a relatively small and quiet beach, where you will easily find the perfect place to meditate or take a long relaxing dip.
At Punta Mosquito is possible to walk a little offshore when the tide is low but when the tide begins to rise, it does so slowly, giving you the perfect time to return to the shore. The only inhabitants of this solitary and quiet beach are flamingos and pelicans, tropical fish, horseshoe crabs, crocodiles, stingrays, and other species. At the end of the hike, there is the entrance to the Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protection Area. Home to a series of coastal ecosystems and incredible biodiversity, including endangered species such as the manatee and the hawksbill turtle.
UNIQUE ACTIVITIES
From June to September, Holbox welcomes a famous plankton devourer, the Whale Shark, considered the world’s biggest fish, reaching about 21 meters.
Official Whale Shark Tours guided by experienced fishermen will take you swimming and snorkeling around these friendly beasts.
During the winter months, Holbox is ideal for kite surfers. Perfect for beginners, but if you are already experienced in the sport you will easily find the perfect spot to soar along the wide coastline, especially because of the favorable winds and shallow waters.
Photo by Udita Budde
Throughout the year, it is possible to take a boat tour that takes you to three of the most emblematic places in Holbox.
Starting with Isla Pajaros, a protected little island located in the Yalahau Lagoon, and although walking access is not allowed, it is still possible to observe the great diversity of birds, such as pelicans, frigatebirds, white ibis, ducks, herons, storks, and flamingos.
According to legend, Cenote Yalahau’s sweet and crystalline waters have healing properties, known as the “fountain of eternal youth”. It is an eye of water surrounded by mangroves, vegetation, and beautiful species.
Finish the tour at Passion Island, a small island ideal for relaxing and enjoying the sun and the sea in total contact with nature.
HOLBOX PUEBLO
Places like Holbox invite you to forget about cars and buses for a while, switching to more environmentally friendly means of transportation. If instead of walking, you rather do something a little more fun, rent a bike and ride through Holbox dirt streets, while you observe the colorful street art on the facades of houses, hotels, and restaurants.
Photo by Jorge Fernández Salas
After swimming all day and that relaxing bike ride, it might be a good time to go out looking for lunch. The favorite dish for locals and tourists is probably the lobster pizza, some say the best is at Edelyn’s, which has been preparing this delicacy since 1985, but others say that the one at Roots is better.
Of course, it is possible to find the traditional snacks of the region such as Cochinita Pibil or Tikix Xic fish. Still, Holbox is undoubtedly a gastronomy specialist with elements from the sea, such as the popular ceviches made from octopus, shrimp, fish, or lobster.
Photo by Ahmed Nishaath
After dinner, don’t go to bed just yet, hit the beach one more time to witness the natural phenomenon called bioluminescence, in which the sea coast is fully illuminated due to the production of light by certain microorganisms colliding with the waves. The effect that this causes is usually so bright that you can even see the fish swimming around you.
It is best to go when there is no full moon and after 8 pm when the sky is dark, you can watch it right on the shore or by going a little further into the sea by kayak, paddle board, water bike or even walking.
Photo by Jurre Houtkamp
Beloved foodies, as you can read, the Mexican Shores still hold secret places that are waiting for you to explore, Holbox Island is a dream come true for many adventurous tourists and locals, make sure to add it to your list on your next visit.
Hope to see you soon, exploring all around town!
-Abbey
