Pronounced Hole•bosh, I like to think of Holbox as the new Tulum. Think small-town boho vibes where the locals are vibrant, happy and helpful. The water is crystal clear, the drinks are refreshing, the food is unbelievable and the atmosphere will make you never want to leave. Here is my Holbox, Mexico travel guide.
How to get there
It’s quite simple, actually. Fly in to Cancun, take a bus/transfer/taxi/rental car to Chiquilá, take the ferry to Holbox, and finally take a golf cart taxi to your hotel. We did a private transfer using Travel Yucatan.
Where to stay
Casa Las Tortugas
A tropical haven located right on the beach, on the edge of town. Think barefoot, laid-back luxury with major boho vibes. A feeling of pure tranquility overwhelms you as you first walk in. Bougainvillea climbs all around, while a small bridge brings you over the pool and into the reception area. There is a beautiful spa where yoga classes are held Monday-Saturday at 8am, free to guests. Breakfast is included for guests in the main restaurant, Mandarina Seaside Restaurant. It comes with coffee, tea, fruit juices, fruit, yogurt, granola, baked goods and a rotating main dish or there is a full menu to choose from.
Our room was located right on the beach and had a king bed on the main level and a queen bed up in the loft area. Both floors had a balcony, the larger of the two with a hammock for lounging and reading a book as the palm trees sway with the sea breeze. The bathroom had a really earthy feeling with a natural stone shower that was massive.
The grounds were well kept with little nooks scattered about to hideout in. Every where you go at Casa Las Tortugas is very picturesque and Instagrammable. The beach area is reserved for guests only and has food and drink service. Make sure to get a coco frio from one of the carts that go by. There is a reason this hotel is front and center on my Holbox, Mexico travel guide.
What to do
Rent bikes or a golf cart
Bikes and golf carts are the preferred modes of transportation on Isla Holbox, you won’t find many cars at all. If you want good quality bikes go to Bikes Holbox. The owner is super friendly and you can stop by whenever for a quick tune-up! And if you are feeling lazy or you want to go on a distant adventure, you can rent a golf cart.
Walk a dog
Refugio Animal Holbox will let you take the shelter dogs for a walk. If you have more time why not stay and volunteer or bring supplies to donate.
Take a kiteboarding lesson
Kiteboarding is a very popular sport in Holbox. Sign-up for a lesson at Holbox Kiteboarding School, located right across the street from Casa Las Tortugas.
Swim with whale sharks
Whale sharks frequent the waters off of Holbox from June to September. Whale sharks are giant, yet docile fish and to swim with them should be on everyones bucket list. They are filter-feeders and do not have teeth, so there is no reason to fear them. Other options for getting on a boat include snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, sunset cruises and nighttime bioluminescence tours.
Punta Mosquito
Punta Mosquito is a hotspot for kiteboarding and for sighting flamingos. We didn’t get to see any flamingos, but it’s a beautiful beach for taking a long walk, with or without flamingos.
Punta Coco
Punta Coco is a great beach to go to on a windy day, it is protected from the wind and will be calm. You can rent a lounge chair or bring a towel to lay in the sand, with plenty of mangrove trees for shade. There is also a bar on the beach so you can grab a beer or cocktail to cool down.
Where to eat
Big Fish
Big Fish was definitely my favorite restaurant in Holbox, we went twice. Their cocktails are super light and refreshing and they by far have the best guacamole. They have a great selection of fresh ceviches and tacos that are mouth-watering.
Holbox Foodie Market
We kind of stumbled upon this place and didn’t have high expectations, but the food ended up being really good. It’s set up like an outdoor market and has five food stands and a bar. You can choose from tacos, pasta, burgers, wings and pizza. I ordered two tacos from Barba Negra, a Baja fish taco and a Baja cauliflower taco. The Baja cauliflower taco was so epic I went back the next day for more.
Roots Pizza
You can’t go to Holbox without getting a lobster pizza from Roots. It was expensive, but so worth it to try. I really liked it and the pizza was actually really good, didn’t really expect much since it was Mexico and all.
LUUMA
LUUMA is located right across the street from Casa Las Tortugas and offers up great cocktails and tapas. My favorite tapas were the lamb tacos and veggie tacos. Other tapas include croquettes, falafel, egg rolls, soup and much much more.
Ama Japanese Bar
Ama is located upstairs from Mandarina Seaside Restaurant and has a great selection of fancy cocktails and traditional Japanese-style sushi. This is a great place to gather for cocktails at sunset.
Where to drink
Tierra Mia
If you’re looking for a cute spot to grab coffee or juice in the morning, this is the place.
Pura Vida
Pura Vida is located right on the main square and serves up local craft beer on the first floor. If you are looking for food and salsa dancing, head up to the second floor.
Beach Bar Carioca’s
If you’re staying at Casa Las Tortugas, leave your room and head towards the beach. Once you hit the ocean turn left and Carioca’s will be the first bar on your left. You can’t miss the big, round bar with swings for chairs. Post up on a swing while drinking your favorite alcoholic beverage.
Capitán Capitán Beach Club
Capitán Capitán is an old boat converted into a bar, how could you not stop for a drink? If you went to Carioca’s, Capitán Capitán is just another few steps down the beach in the same direction.
I hope you enjoyed this Holbox, Mexico travel guide. Don’t forget to book your trip with your favorite travel planner, yours truly. If you liked this blog post, then check out my Cartagena, Colombia Travel Guide.
