The dreamy Maldives are on many a travel bucket list. The only problem is that the Maldives are located in the middle of the Indian Ocean. For those of us in North America – or anywhere other than Asia and Oceania – getting to the Maldives will generally take at least 24 hours of travel. Many are unaware that North America has its own version of the Maldives, just a few hours North of the easy-to-get to hub of Cancun, in Mexico. Holbox, is a paradisiacal island whose white sand beaches, sandbanks, and shallow aquamarine water are very reminiscent of the Maldives. This blog post is a guide to Holbox, Mexico.
Content:
- Transportation
- Accommodations
- Things to do
- Holbox Animal Rescue Centre
- Final Thoughts on Holbox, Mexico
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Transportation:
Isla Holbox can be reached by convenient bus + ferry transfers either directly from Cancun Airport, or from central Cancun. Easy return transfers are also available. I recommend booking a bus + ferry combo-transfer over booking transfers separately, as transfers are guaranteed with the combo-transfers. If you’re not planning to visit Cancun, I highly recommend paying a little bit more to book the transfer that picks-up directly from Cancun Airport – as taxi services at Cancun Airport are more like highway banditry than transport services. If you’re planning to visit Cancun – ie: the hotel zone or downtown Cancun for a few days prior to visiting Isla Holbox, I recommend that you pre-arrange transport services in advance. I strongly recommend against taking a non-prearranged transfer from Cancun airport. Note that Uber is NOT available at all around Cancun and Cancun airport – so plan your transport in the area carefully. Overall, I would give Cancun a miss and just go directly to Isla Holbox if at all possible.
Once you’re on Isla Holbox, note that the island is car-free with dirt roads. There are scooter taxis available at the Holbox harbour that can take you, and your luggage to your hotel once your ferry arrives – but note that the island is small enough that if you’re only carrying a backpack, you might just be able to walk to your hotel. Overall, getting around on foot in Holbox is generally the main mode of transportation for most travellers, and highly enjoyable!
Accommodations:
There are a range of accommodations available on Isla Holbox. Jens and I used points and splurged on a 5 day stay at the upscale Mystique Holbox by Royalton.
Budget:
For budget travellers, Hostel Tribu is an excellent budget accommodation option for single travellers. The well-reviewed Hotel Mittoz has a beautiful rooftop pool that overlooks the magnificent beach and frequently offers private room options for under $100 if you book ahead.
Mid-range:
Hotel La Palapa is a highly-reviewed mid-range beachfront option for adults-only. For families, the Zomay Beachfront hotel is another well-reviewed mid-range option suitable for those visiting with children.
Luxury:
Nomade Holbox offers some truly unique and beautiful private bungalow options from a secluded beachfront location. The dreamy seafront bungalows are absolutely envy-inducing – even while Jens and I were staying at the luxurious Mystique Holbox by Royalton.
Things to do:
The primary activity on Holbox consists of spending your days laying on the beach and splashing about dreamy shallow waters along the Maldive-esque main beach around Holbox. Below are a few suggestions of things to do around Holbox once you’ve taken your fill of beachtime.
Whale Sharks:
In addition to being consider the Maldives of Mexico, Holbox is also known as Mexico’s Whale Shark capital. Seeing a whale shark is an experience of a lifetime. These mysterious, gentle (re: toothless), giants can grow up to 20 meters long, and are some of the most mysterious animals of the ocean. They can dive to depths of nearly 2000 meters and little is known of their life cycles once they’re past the juvenile stage. The whale shark season in Holbox runs from June until mid-September. One of the most popular things to do in Holbox is taking boat tour to see the whale sharks if you visit between June and mid-September.
Punta Mosquito:
Punta Mosquito at the Northern tip of Holbox beach (see map), is stunning sandbank area that is an easy 2 – 3km walk from the main beach. The area is known for being a prime flamingo spotting area. Definitely worth a leisurely walk along the beach from the main beach area in Holbox.
Three-Island Boat Tour:
The popular three-island boat tour takes you around Isla Holbox and two other nearby islands: Isla Pajaros, and Isla de la Pasion. The tour will take you you to Yalahau Cenote just a short distance away from Holbox on the mainland, as well as to sites on secluded islands of Isla Pajaros and Isla de la Pasion. Bring your snorkel gear if you enjoy snorkeling!
Bioluminescence:
There is bioluminescence in certain parts around Holbox (see map for location). On dark nights, you’ll be able to seeing the glowing plankton in the water. You can either walk, bike or take a taxi to see the bioluminescence, or you might consider taking a tour which includes round-trip transportation, a guide, watershoes, and snorkeling gear to see the phenomenon. Bioluminescence kayak tours are also available.
Explore the Mangrove forest in the Rio Kuka Reserve:
The Rio Kuka reserve is a special ecological reserve area. Take a guided kayak tour among the mangrove forests in the reserve to learn more about the area, its flora, fauna and potentially see unique wildlife that in habit the area such as flamingos, osprey, ibis, heron and even crocodiles.
Holbox Animal Rescue Centre:
The Holbox Animal Rescue Centre is located in the town centre and houses and rehabilitates many rescue animals that are available for adoption. You can support the centre by donating funds, adopting an animal, or offering to be a “transport angel” to bring a pet to their new families in your home country (you’ll need to have a direct flight for this to work). A very fun way to contribute to the centre during your vacation is offering to take the rescue dogs on walks while you’re vacationing in Holbox. The walking period happens in the mornings and around sunset to keep the animals out of the hot sun. The doggos are always happy to see you and eager to get out for some exercise. Definitely a recommended activity!
Final Thoughts on Holbox, Mexico:
Having visited many beaches around the world, including in Mexico, and in the Maldives; I can say that Holbox is indeed reminiscent of the Maldives in certain respects, and in others not. Part of the allure of the Maldives is the remoteness of the stunning island-chain nation. There’s a certain allure when you’re island-hopping stunning sandbanks in the middle of the Indian ocean, that cannot be replicated. That being said, when you’re walking/swimming/playing along remote stretches of white sandbanks in Holbox, in places like at Punta Mosquito; or if you have splurged on a stay on a remote stretch of white sand beach at stunning hotels like Nomade Holbox; you do come very close to feeling like you’re in the Maldives without having to travel to the middle of the Indian Ocean to get the experience.
