Holbox is a small Mexican island that for some years has revolutionized social networks. And it is not for less, it is a small paradise, where you can enjoy the beach, to disconnect and to be able to appreciate the bioluminescence on its coasts.
Here you will find wild beaches with soft, warm sand and a turquoise blue sea.
In this post I tell you a quick guide to visit Holbox, what to do, how to get to the island, where to stay and how to see the bioluminescence.
VISIT HOLBOX, COMPLETE GUIDE!
Where is Holbox located?
Holbox is an island located in the state of Quintana Roo, in Mexico. It is located off the coast of the Yucatan peninsula and belongs to the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve.
It is located 145 km from Cancun and therefore, it is a stop for many who visit the Riviera Maya or Cancun.
Thanks to its beauty and the peace that is breathed on the island, Holbox is a great idea to disconnect.
How to get to Holbox
You can get to Holbox in different ways and prices. Ferries from the peninsula to the island depart from the town of Chiquilá.
How to get to Chiquilá from Cancun by bus?
You will have to go to the Cancun bus station. Two buses leave from here to Chiquilá. One of them direct and takes about 2 hours and a half and leaves around 9am. For about 250 pesos. Another is not direct, it makes several stops in between and takes about 3 hours and a half and costs about 175 pesos. This second option has three schedules.
Due to the small price difference, I advise you to take the direct bus.
How to get to Chiquilá from Riviera Maya?
You must take the bus in Playa del Carmen, from the tourist terminal. There is only one route option and it costs about 260 pesos. They leave around 9:25am.
The schedules can change, as well as the prices, so I recommend that you check the schedules with the bus terminal once you have decided your dates.
How to get to Chiquilá by car?
If you are going to rent a car to explore Cancun, Riviera Maya... You can drive to Chiquilá and leave the car here the days you spend in Holbox.
To leave your car in Chiquilá, look for a pension where you can park your car or a private car park. It is usually around 50 pesos a day, but it is the most recommended to keep the car under surveillance.
How to go from Chiquilá to Holbox?
Now we have to travel by sea and you have two options:
Private boat or boat
Both in Holbox and Chiquilá there are many fishermen who offer the option of transportation service. They usually charge the same as the ferry or a little more, but they have flexible schedules.
As soon as you arrive at the port, there are usually several boat-taxis that offer the service.
Ferry
It is the most common option. There are two ferry companies and the journey usually costs 150 pesos per journey and person. The journey takes about 25-30 minutes. When you get here buy the ferry ticket. The ferries leave every half hour from 7am to 9pm.
The return ferries from Holbox to Chiquilá start at 5 a.m. until 8:40 p.m.
In low season there are fewer ferries, although there are always ferries every day.
Excursions to visit Holbox
There are several options to visit Holbox on a day trip. They pick you up at your hotel in Cancun or Riviera Maya and spend the day enjoying this place and then return to your hotel on the peninsula. Personally, I think that you can add at least one night to Holbox if you do, since a day trip is very tiring, many hours, to then spend a few hours on the island. But if you're short on time, these are good options:
What to see and do in Holbox
Despite being a very touristy and popular island, you should keep in mind that Holbox is a town, and it continues to maintain its rural charm. Here you will not find shopping centers, brand stores or large towns. There are also no all-inclusive resorts, or Michelin star restaurants... and perhaps that is why Holbox is so special.
1. Visit Punta Cocos
In Punta Coco you will find an area with practically no people, surrounded by nature, peace and a beautiful beach. It is at one of the ends of the island, but you can easily get there by bike or on foot.
2. Get to know Punta Mosquitos
This Punta is located on the opposite side of Punta Cocos. Here are some of the best hotels in Holbox. There is a relaxed atmosphere, more lively, with small bars... In addition, it is the best area to see the sunset. And as the name says, in this area there are usually many mosquitoes (in general throughout Holbox) so do not forget the repellent.
3. Take an excursion to see the 3 islands
Once you get to Holbox, ask how you can get to know the three islands. There are several tours that take you by boat to get to know these islands, where you can enjoy an incredible natural environment and you can see flamingos. As well as other animals.
4. Swim with the whale shark
From May to September in Holbox you have the opportunity to swim with the whale shark. It is an activity that you can hire when you arrive on the island. It is an opportunity to swim and see the largest “fish” in the world up close.
Try to find a tour that works to cause the least impact on the environment. Even so, be responsible and do not touch them, do not feed them... in short, you are in their midst, behave like a polite guest.
5. Tour the Island
You can tour the island by golf cart, by bike or on foot. Here the streets are unpaved and there are no cars. So if you want to discover corners, deserted beaches and the trails of Holbox, you will have to rent a golf cart or a bicycle.
6. How to see the bioluminescence in Holbox
Although bioluminescence is a permanent phenomenon in Holbox, the best season to see it is from May to September. The shine in the waves is noticeable on moonless nights, in lonely and shallow areas. It is more visible when moving in the water.
Bioluminescence is the process through which living organisms produce light, resulting in a biochemical reaction that commonly involves an enzyme called luciferase.
When you get to Holbox ask for the best areas in the hotel. Although it can be seen practically on all the beaches that do not have hotels on the beach or in more remote areas.
Until our second night we could not see it well. Patience!
Where to stay in Holbox
If your idea is to spend a couple of nights in Holbox, you should keep in mind that you will not find large resorts here. Although more and more are having 4 and 5 star hotels. Smaller options abound more:
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
I hope you enjoy your trip to Mexico a lot and that this article has been useful to you. You can continue reading many more related articles on the blog.
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A hug and see you soon!
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