Find the Best Things to Do in Holbox
By Kristin Busse
Cancún Local Expert
About Holbox
Photo courtesy of Ðarûnas Burdulis Flickr
Holbox ("black hole" in Maya) is a relatively isolated sleepy island located northwest of Cancun. Legend says it was discovered by pirates, some of which married local girls, and that descendents of the original seven families still live there. From Cancun it’s about a two hour drive to the small coastal town of Chiquilá and then a 20 minute ferry ride to the island, and it’s well worth the trip. Many of Holboxs’ inhabitants make their living by fishing. The island is only about 22 miles long and there are very few cars. Most people use bicycles, mopeds, golf carts and of course their own two feet to travel the white sand streets. There are a few ATM machines but they aren’t very reliable, so bring some pesos with you. Holbox provides the ideal quiet, relaxed, lazy island experience.
See & Do
Natural attractions abound on Holbox. You won’t find any theme parks here. The number one activity on the island is swimming with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. Each year from May – September these gentle giants (they can be up to 42 feet long) migrate to the plankton rich waters near Holbox. Local fishermen are experts on whale sharks and where and when to find them. You can also observe dolphins in their natural habitat, or visit Bird Island and see flamingoes, herons, ducks, sea gulls, and pelicans from your hammock. Go deep sea fishing and bring your catch back to the island to have it prepared Holbox style, or better yet, have a fisherman prepare traditional ceviche from your catch right on the boat.
Eat
Many of Holbox’s restaurants are situated around the charming town square. Most are open air or have an open air section. Fresh seafood dishes are abundant and much more economical than in Cancun. Visit Pizzaria Edelyn, one of the oldest and most popular restaurants in town, for its famous Lobster Pizza, and Cariocas (a beachfront disco at night) for the best ceviche in town. La Isla del Colibri (Hummingbird Island) is a wonderful place to have breakfast. Looking for wonderful Italian food in the middle of the Mexican Caribbean? Don’t miss La Parilla de Juan. If you’re in the mood for Mexican food and lively ambience, Viva Zapata is the place to visit.
Stay
You won’t find any high rise hotels on Holbox, but you can find charming and extremely affordable places to stay. The most economical place to stay is the downtown area, just a few blocks from the beach. Hotel Arena and Casa Lupita, which has its own beach club, are adorable inns located on the main square. Villas Chuuk Kay Holbox & Suites is unbelievably affordable and just steps from the beach. If you want an oceanview room, Casa Las Tortugas is located on Playa Blanca and is surrounded by lush tropical jungle. Posada Mawimbi is a natural oasis located on the outskirts of town. Would you like a house all to yourself? Casa Cereza is a private home hideaway on the beach available at a price you won’t believe.