Looking for the ultimate island charm experience? Look no further, Holbox is the ideal place for you to go as a family, group of friends, romantic getaway, or even for solo travelers. Here we listed a few activities and things to do in Holbox.
Where is Holbox?
In the state of Quintana Roo, in Mexico, you can find the hidden gem of the Caribbean. Holbox is a small island located near Yucatan Peninsula and relatively close to Riviera Maya. If you happen to be around Cancun, Playa del Camren, or even Tulum, and you’ve got time, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t visit.
How to get to Holbox
To get to Holbox you need to drive from Cancun to Chiquilá. The drive is quite easy, a 2-hour drive into the small town and you’ll be ready to take a ferry. The ferry to Holbox takes between 20-30 minutes until you get to shore.
You can book your transportation to Holbox directly with us, visit the site and choose the service that suits you best.
About the Island
Holbox is a 42 km long island, a great option for everyone but has become particularly attractive for honeymooners and young people. Before becoming a touristic sensation, Holbox was an undiscovered island where you couldn’t even have a phone signal. It was the dream of anyone who wanted to disconnect from the rush of the city and enjoy a true getaway vacation.
Today, Holbox hasn’t lost its desert island charm or its tropical vibe. Tourism has empowered this unique destination allowing travelers to live the ultimate experience.
History has dictated that in 1960 there were structural changes in the settlements, Holbox’s importance diminished and its population was reduced to a mere 500 inhabitants. The decade of the seventies was key for Quintana Roo since it was at that time when its population structure changed and, in 1974, it became a state.
Where to stay in Holbox?
Nômade Holbox
Nômade Holbox is an ode to the ocean where restoration, renewal, and reconnection are at the heart of each experience. Located off Mexico’s Yucatan coast, an intimate, 30-room beach-haven, arises from the ground and brings to life a unique and magical setting.
Mystique Holbox by Royalton, A Tribute Portfolio Resort
Mystique Holbox by Royalton, A Tribute Portfolio Resort is a contemporary, luxurious, and exquisite boutique beachfront resort located on the exotic Island of Holbox. This small paradisiac 26-mile island is within the protected Yum Balam nature reserve at the north of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. The island is considered an exclusive destination unspoiled by mass tourism, making it an ideal getaway.
El Corazon Boutique Hotel
El Corazón Boutique Hotel “adults only”, is a small structure located in the natural reserve of yum-Balam, on Holbox Island. It is designed to create a low environmental impact and to conserve the habitat of the beautiful island where it is located. El Corazón Boutique Hotel has eleven rooms, offering personalized service in an atmosphere of tranquility with four different room styles to pamper guests with personalized comfort.
Things to do in Holbox
Snorkeling with the whale shark
Can you imagine swimming with a 14-meter-long animal? Whale sharks, the biggest fish in the world, come every year to visit Holbox. The whale shark season starts from June 10th to September 17th. So you are still on time to plan this if you’re coming to Holbox or add it to your “things to do in Holbox” list.
See the bioluminescent water
Bioluminescence is the very weak light production of certain organisms, which in the dark is very visible because on the island there is a large number of species known as phytoplankton, and a luminescent effect is generated in very few places. Bioluminescence in Holbox is present almost all year round. However, it’s better to experience this phenomenon in absolute darkness.
Try water sports
Snorkeling, surfing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing, are just a few of the water activities you can do in Holbox. Most of them can be experienced right at the beach. Don’t be afraid of trying new things, you might meet new friends along the way. Make memories and experiences island to the ultimate level.
Just chill!
A few moments into the Holbox atmosphere, you’ll understand why island life is such a dream. Your getaway vacation is meant to be a moment of relaxation. When people travel, sometimes they don’t give themselves the time to just enjoy their hotel and the place itself. The rush of the tours and the want to see everything, sometimes take away the intention of actually having time to chill. This is why the island is the perfect destination for relaxation. Holbox has enough things to see and explore but it never misses the feeling of peace and calm.
We always recommend then, to have a moment of laying on the beach, aside from the pool, or just in a hammock with a cool drink in your hand.
Explore the island and eat a marquesita
Follow the music! When in Holbox, there’s no better idea than going for a walk without any plans in mind. The small island will guide you to the main park, where food, drinks, and good music will be waiting for you. If you like to wander around the town, don’t hesitate to ask locals for directions, everyone is really nice and kind enough to help you get back in the right direction.
Our number one recommendation is marquesitas and elotes. A marquesita is an ice cream cone-like desert with cheese and sweet toppings; while an elote is corn with cheese, lemon and mayonnaise.