Isla Holbox

  Isla Holbox, Mexico
Thursday, December 13, 2007

Isla Holbox (pronounced holebosh as "x" in Mayan is pronounced "sh") is another location in Yucatan that I would truly recommend to anyone looking for this tiny bit of a private paradise as it's not as busy as any other places that we've been to. 


Located to the northwest of Cancun, Mexico, Holbox Island is just 26 miles / 42 km long and was once settled by pirates who intermarried with local Mayans living in the area.

Holbox is separated from the mainland coast of Mexico by a shallow lagoon which gives sanctuary to thousands of flamingos, pelicans and other exotic birds and creatures. So if you are wildlife lover this is a destination for you.

From Cancun you can either take a bus that goes there I believe twice daily, or you can hire a car, and this is what we did (again with Hertz). It takes about 3.5 hours to get there so better leave early if you want to enjoy more time on the island and come back to Cancun the same day. Make sure that you take the freeway 180 instead of toll road 180d that won't let you out until Valladolid which is a bit too far as you want to head north to Chiquila.

Taking the freeway has it's bright sides as you get to see many small villages with tiny colourful houses and local people and how they get along with their everyday lives. And when you get to Chiquila make your way to the ferry point. Ferries run across Yalahao Lagoon from the mainland every half an hour and costs around 70 pesos each. 

There are no cars on the island, but there are golf carts, bikes and scooters to rent (even Taxis are made of golf carts). There are no rocks in the island, which is made entirely of sand and shells (no wonder most inhabitants don't wear shoes). The streets are sand lined with brightly painted wooden houses.

The shallow water ringing Holbox is a light emerald green because this is the place where Gulf of Mexico meets the Caribbean Sea. You can walk quite far in the shallows, but 3 miles (5 km) out, the water is 12.5 miles (20 km) deep. Most of the island's shore is white sandy beach where you can find all types of shells washed up by northern flowing currents.

Isla Holbox is one of the best spots for kitesurfing in this part of the world with its shallow waters, also good for beginners. Shame that we didn't have that much time, but next time I would consider on staying on the island for about a week or more...


So if you´re thinking between the Mexico and the Caribbean for a holiday, it´s nice to know that Isla Holbox gives you the best of both - a truly intimate island experience cheered up by the mood and flavor of this colorfully joyful country.