Holbox, a paradise island in yucatan
Holbox is the last leg of our Yucatan road trip . This small island in the north of the peninsula is less known than its sisters Cozumel or Islas Mujeres (see Which Yucatan island to choose: Holbox, Mujeres, Cozumel or Contoy? ). And yet, Holbox is very close to looking like a real little corner of paradise. Quiet tourism (for the moment), pretty beaches, turquoise water and many spots to “chill” with your feet in the water… We take you to discover Holbox, a paradise island off the coast of Yucatan.
FIRST OF ALL, WHAT TO DO ON THE ISLAND OF HOLBOX?
You should know that the island is above all a nice place to rest, cut yourself off from the world and take time for yourself. Fortunately, the island is full of little wonders to discover quietly at your own pace.
PUNTA MOSQUITO (MOSQUITO POINT) IN THE NORTH OF THE ISLAND
It is from our hotel located in the surroundings that we decide to reach Punta Mosquito. By first following the main street which serves the back of the hotels, we reach the entrance to the pedestrian or bicycle path. We then walk sometimes with our feet in the water, sometimes near the small mangrove that runs along the beach.
On our way, a group of kitesurfers are having a blast on the waves of the bay. The wind is strong enough to make the waves rise for their greatest pleasure. We continue our way, avoiding as much as possible the sargassum that fills the beach. They are everywhere and in large quantities, which makes the beach and the water much less pretty.
We cross a first stream, the water reaches us mid-calf, easy for the moment. Then, we continue our way for several minutes without meeting anyone. We will finally decide to backtrack seeing people in the water on sandbanks with a rising tide, it’s quite risky.
The sun having decided to play hide and seek, we were not able to enjoy the pretty walk to Punta Mosquito as it should be. However, we imagine that these beaches remain much quieter and less known than those in the city center during the high tourist season.
PUNTA COCOS IN THE SOUTH OF THE ISLAND
During our stay in Holbox, part of the roads on the island were under water, literally. So we decided to rent a golf cart to reach Punta Cocos. It was without counting on the cut roads and the prohibition by our rental company to drive in water. We will end up parking our vehicle in a small street before reaching Punta Cocos along the beach.
Seaweed is much less present in the south which makes the beaches more pleasant. Hotels and other constructions are also less numerous, you really feel the calm and the sweetness of the island.
Once on the beach, we take advantage of a small square of sand to rest. Almost no seaweed but very small beaches, a beach restaurant-bar for nearby entertainment and taxis that go back and forth non-stop between the city center and the beach.
Pontoon, hammocks in the water, finally, it’s a very nice spot to come and “chill” during the day, far from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
THE STREET ART OF HOLBOX
Direction the small town center of the island to discover some of the works of Street Art on the island. Sometimes hidden, sometimes clearly visible to everyone, the works are original and always very colorful.
THEN, HOW TO REACH HOLBOX FROM THE MAINLAND?
To reach Holbox, you must take the ferry from Chiquila. Ferries leave every half hour alternating between 2 companies: Holbox express and 9 hermanos . It’s the same price for both: 150 pesos per person and per trip (payment in cash only). Count 30 min maximum journey.
If you have rented a car, be aware that the town of Chiquila has plenty of parking, close to the boat terminal or a little further. They are all worth and the prices too. We paid 200 pesos for parking for 48 hours (arrival in the early afternoon, left 2 days later in the morning).
THEN, WHERE TO SLEEP IN HOLBOX?
We spent 2 nights at Villas Caracol . This establishment a little (too?) far from the center is located on the seafront with a private beach, terrace, swimming pool with a view and restaurant. The rooms are very large and perfectly clean, as is the bathroom. The hotel has only fifteen rooms at the moment. We appreciated the little touches: welcome cocktail, chocolates, cakes and bottles of water in the evening, straw hat for the sun…
However, several points need to be reviewed given the price of the hotel. The rooms have no view of the ocean or the beach: huge palm trees obstruct the view. The breakfasts seem quite light to us since you have to choose a dish from a selection. And despite the amount of staff, it’s long and clearly not worth the price. The location of the hotel makes it possible to walk to the city center at the end of the day, but when returning in the dark, it is more difficult because the road is not lit at all… Finally , during our visit to Holbox, the beaches were invaded by Sargassum seaweed. Our hotel was one of the only ones not to clean its beach. The neighboring hotels spent time there but their beach was passable and pleasant afterwards.
