Mexico has become famous for its high octane holiday resorts but the North American country offers so much more. Explore a little further afield and you’ll unearth some beautifully peaceful pockets of paradise, here’s one of them…
Travellers looking for a holiday on the Yucatan peninsula may only associate this beautiful part of Mexico with the craziness of Cancun and the all-inclusive resorts of Playa Del Carmen but take it from me it’s definitely possible to relax on a peaceful each without losing access to the natural beauty or the unique culture of the Yucatan Peninsula. You’ll have to wander away from the hordes of tourists, corridors of large hotels, and groups of partying college students and visit a Mexican off the beaten track destination – a place called Isla Holbox.
The hippy-chic boho paradise of Isla Holbox (pronounced Hol-Bosch) is located off the gorgeous Northern tip of the Yucatan. The island is small but perfectly formed and is part of the Yum-Balam Biosphere Reserve with its main industry being fishing. Although it’s still under the radar as a major tourist destination, the island does attract vacationers from other parts of Mexico as well as a handful of in-the-know travelers especially those interested in wildlife viewing and relaxation. One of my favorite places in this corner of the globe, it’s a very beautiful, private and very laid back place, and the island provides a welcome alternative to the crazily busy resorts in Cancun and the Mayan Riviera. The beaches here are simply stunning and if you’re exploring the rest of Mexico here’s a great guide to the Top 10 Mexican Beaches.
How to get to Isla Holbox
It takes over two hours from Cancun to Chiquila (the village where the ferry to Isla Holbox is located). There are MAYAB and NORESTE buses that travel from the Cancun bus station to Chiquila and also numerous car and van services take visitors directly from the airport to the ferry. The hotels on Isla Holbox can arrange airport transfers for guests. Once in Chiquila it is a short, but very scenic and pleasant ferry ride to Holbox.
What to do
Isla Holbox is not a place for those seeking spring-break-style liveliness. It is a quiet, almost sleepy place – perfect for an unspoiled destination in Mexico. This is the place to head to if sitting under a palm tree with a good book is your favourite holiday activity. There are, however, plenty of stops in town if you’re looking for cocktails and good food. Casa Las Tortugas is another small hotel (also a popular place to spend the night), and it happens to be home to a great restaurant and bar. Don’t leave without trying the plantain sushi washed down with a great mezcal sour – trust me, it’s seriously delicious!
There are also outdoor activities on offer when you tire of just hanging around relaxing. The island is just 26 miles long but the shallow lagoon which separates the beautiful island from mainland Mexico is teeming with spectacular wildlife from pink flamingos and pelicans to other exotic birds and creatures. It has a protected natural preserve status which ensures it remains as unspoilt as possible, although a little word of warning – it can get humid on parts of the island, especially on trails adjacent to wildlife habitat which can bring out the pesky mosquitoes – so make sure you pack plenty of insect repellant!
While most tourists love to see the flamingos filling up their pink bellies in lagoons on the island, diving, snorkelling and whale shark tours are another popular activity on the island. They congregate here during the summer months and the gentle sea creatures are truly a delight to see!
Accommodation
White sand bars and turquoise waters welcome visitors to this island. They stretch out for what seems like miles and there are no enormous towering (or five star) hotels obstructing the view. Small villas and inns dominate the accommodation on the island, almost all with a fabulous bohemian character and relaxing vibe appealing to those seeking a bit of refuge.
Villas Flamingos has a private oceanfront location further from the town square, and the hotel offers stunning views from nearly every room. A favourite activity here involves climbing into one of their hammocks, located out on the open water.
Another popular destination is Posada Mawimbi, located closer to the centre of town. The hotel feels less remote, but it has a unique, personal touch and is a popular stop for backpackers and families alike.
Villas Paraiso del Mar’s flower-covered bungalows are home to enormous incense-scented rooms decorated with dark hardwoods.
The ocean stretches out in front of all of these hotels, and the warm white sand is only a step or two from the front door of any room.
Hotels and Airbnbs in Isla Holbox, Mexico
To those planning a trip to the Yucatan, Mexico I would definitely recommend taking the time to consider alternatives to the busy all-inclusive chain hotels. You may find that Isla Holbox offers a different kind of vacation, one that allows for true relaxation with a scenic slice of what makes the Yucatan such a special destination!
24 Comments
Ara
1 November, 2020 at 4:46 amI wish that they tell you the truth, Holbox is suffering, septics are full, smell bad, Garbeach every where, the streets are full of water, and the government don’t care. I wish I was able to add the true with pictures that I have.
Allison
4 September, 2019 at 5:10 amThanks for the guide! I live in Playa del Carmen and have been dying to visit Holbox for a relaxing getaway! I’ll definitely have to try some of these recommendations.
Ara
1 November, 2020 at 4:35 amAll is just a lie, I have pictures and proof that Holbox is dying. Garbeach, everywhere, the streets are full of water, the skeptics are full. The Nature is bad.
Jess @UsedYorkCity
18 February, 2016 at 8:58 pmBeautiful! I’ve never heard of this before, but sure looks more my speed than Cancun!;-)
Iris
19 February, 2016 at 11:30 amYes, I suspect you would find it much more appealing! Quiet, relaxing, and beautiful. No large corridors of hotels, no towers few cars (just golf carts…). It is a romantic and relaxing spot. But also, minimal luxury – this is a very down-to-earth spot, just my speed!
Ara
1 November, 2020 at 4:40 amAll the pictures are not real, Holbox have very little life, the whole isla smell like poop, septics are bad, the streets are full of water, Garbeach everywhere. I wish that the government was more careful with the island, they just care about the money and not for the nature or the tourist. I have proof of what I’m saying.
Suze - Luxury Columnist
18 February, 2016 at 1:25 pmI must admit that I hadn’t heard of this island but it looks absolutely stunning. Is it within travelling distance of Tulum?
Iris
19 February, 2016 at 11:27 amIsla Holbox is about 1.5-2 hours from Cancun. And from what I remember, Tulum is about 1-2 hours added to the trip. Tulum is incredible as well, I love visiting the area. Thanks so much for reading!
Maddy
18 February, 2016 at 1:10 amI’ve visited Mexico 30+ times in my life, but have never heard of this place! That’s probably because I don’t usually frequent the Yucatan though. It looks absolutely gorgeous! I’m planning a long trip to Mexico in December, so I’m going to check this place out a bit more. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Iris
19 February, 2016 at 11:24 amI am so glad you were inspired to visit! The Yucatan is stunning. I know the Yucatan well but I have not visited other areas in Mexico often enough. So it is probably time for me to get another trip booked soon!
Joella
18 February, 2016 at 12:36 amWoah this place looks beautiful! I still haven’t been to Mexico- another reason to go now!
Iris
19 February, 2016 at 11:21 amThank you so much for reading.
Gary N
17 February, 2016 at 8:42 pmLooks idyllic it’s getting harder and harder to find places like these so this looks like a great find, thanks for sharing with us!
Iris
18 February, 2016 at 1:18 amThank you for your kind words! It is a really wonderful place to visit.
Scott B
17 February, 2016 at 8:30 pmGreat looking place in Mexico, just hope this post doesn’t mean it gets too busy there! 😉
Iris
18 February, 2016 at 1:16 amI understand completely what you mean! But it really does attract a very particular kind of traveler – someone who loves nature, wildlife, quiet, and relaxation. I am very hopeful that visitors continue to respect the island’s natural beauty. Thanks so much for reading!
Emma
17 February, 2016 at 7:50 pmWhat a beautiful looking place, I’m in Mexico at the moment so will be checking this place out!
Iris
18 February, 2016 at 1:10 amIt really is a special place. Thanks so much for reading!
Agness
17 February, 2016 at 7:30 pmGuys, do you know the prices of hostels in Mexico? I’m planning my budget for this summer.
Iris
17 February, 2016 at 9:40 pmThere are a few hostels in Holbox, they are inexpensive, and some have campsites, but prices (and quality) do really vary depending on which part of Mexico you might like to visit. Some of the smaller inns are also very reasonable.
Sand In My Suitcase
16 February, 2016 at 4:16 pmWe just visited the Riviera Maya recently – and especially loved the Tulum ruins and snorkeling in the cenotes. On our drive back to the airport, our taxi driver said we should visit Isla Holbox when we return. It would be fantastic to snorkel with the whale sharks! (We enjoyed that in La Paz, near Cabo San Lucas – totally awesome experience!). And the Villas Paraiso del Mar you talk is just our style :-). We checked their website, and the little hotel looks delightful. Okay, you and our taxi driver have sold us on an Ilsa Holbox visit!
Iris
17 February, 2016 at 9:37 pmIt sounds like you had a wonderful trip. I am so glad that you like the hotel recommendations! The island really is a wonderful place. Enjoy!
Hung Thai
16 February, 2016 at 6:11 amWhoa that last picture of the hammock is so relaxing looking. Man this place has that amazing vibe that makes you throw your worries away. I’m actually going to Yucatan this December (wedding) and it’ll be in the super resorts but I’ll have to definitely consider this next time I’m back here. Thanks!
Iris
17 February, 2016 at 9:36 pmThanks so much for reading! It is an amazing place – and those hammocks are wonderful!