Pronounced “hole-bosh”, Isla Holbox is a tiny little island on the north edge of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. I discovered it when looking for a quick weekend beach getaway (Mexico is a quick trip from Louisiana).
The island has a “no cars allowed” policy – golf carts and bikes only (although they allow a few cars to ensure cold beer is always available). Streets paved in sand. Walk anywhere in no more than 20 minutes.
This is a “do nothing” beach vacation. My research showed a nice variety of moderately priced places to stay and plenty of budget and foodie-quality restaurants to keep you full. The highlight on the island is apparently lobster pizza. As a New Englander I want to scream “NO!” but you can’t knock any food until you’ve actually tried it.
Below is my sketch pad of what this trip looks like so far:
| When To Go | Year Round! |
| Days | Due to the travel time to and from the airport you’ll lose most of a day each way. For 3 full days on the island, that means a 5 day trip. |
| Getting There | Fly into Cancun, 2 hour shuttle to ferry landing, 30 minute ferry ride to island. *Option to fly in from Cancun directly to Isla Holbox, $500 per person each way |
| Things To Do | Mostly nothing but sit on beach, maybe a spa treatment. There are tons of water activities, option to swim with whale sharks certain times of year, bioluminescent tours, kayak mangrove tour, learn to kitesurf. |
| Where To Stay | Research shows that the slightly higher priced options further down from town are the best option. Quiet at night away from nightclubs, dedicated beach areas, best beach fronts and all have great restaurants, most offer spa treatments. I’m going with Casa Las Tortugas – family run! Second choice will be Las Nubes de Holbox which looks like a great family option. |
| Budget | (Excluding flights/transfer to ferry) Best accommodations are around $250-$350 per night for a villa type room or a boutique hotel room directly on beach. Most include breakfast for that price and include use of bikes. Food looks reasonable – it’s Mexico! Tours would be the only other cost, also looked reasonable. |
NOTE: I’m considering adding 4 days on Isla Holbox onto the end of a trip to Oaxaca for Day of the Dead Festival….Click here to visit my outline for that trip!
