TOP 7 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HOLBOX

If you’re thinking of visiting us in Holbox, we would like nothing more than to welcome you to the island. To its inhabitants, Holbox is a gift of nature and sharing it responsibly with others makes those of us that live here very happy. So here are a few things we thought would be both fun and useful to know about this very special place on earth.

IIf you’re thinking of visiting us in Holbox, we would like nothing more than to welcome you to the island. To it’s inhabitants, Holbox is a gift of nature and sharing it responsibly with others makes those of us that live here very happy. So here are a few things we thought would be both fun and useful to know about this very special place on earth.

1 | IT’S EASY TO GET HERE

Holbox isn’t hard to find, and how you get here depends on where you’re coming from. On land, toll roads have made it easy and relatively fast to get to Chiquila, the port where you’ll park securely and then take the ferry to the island. Public transportation is also a good option. Here are some drive times from popular origination points, add a bit for public transport.

 

From Tulum: 2h 15m

From Playa Del Carmen: 1h 45m

From Cancun: 2h

Mérida: 4h


Once in Chiquila, you’re just a 15-minute ferry ride away from the island itself. You can also travel by air from many destinations in and around the Yucatan Peninsula and you’ll be on the beach that much faster.

2 | YOU CAN SHARE THE SEA WITH GIANTS

Swimming alongside these majestic creatures can be a life changing experience.

 

 At 40 feet long and weighing up to 20 tons, whale sharks are the largest fish in the world. Lucky for us, the warm waters around Holbox Island are rich in plankton and offer an ideal place for their summer breeding grounds.

 

Turns out it’s the perfect location to set off on your excursion to experience what it’s like to swim alongside these natural treasures of the sea.


The whale shark season begins in mid may and runs through mid September.

2 | YOU CAN SHARE THE SEA WITH GIANTS

Swimming alongside these majestic creatures can be a life changing

experience.


 At 40 feet long and weighing up to 20 tons, whale sharks are the largest fish in the world. Lucky for us, the warm waters around Holbox Island are rich in plankton and offer an ideal place for their summer breeding grounds.

 

Turns out it’s the perfect location to set off on your excursion to experience what it’s like to swim alongside these natural treasures of the sea.


The whale shark season begins in mid may and runs through mid September.

3 | HOLBOX GLOWS IN THE DARK

A beautiful natural phenomenon takes place on many Holbox beaches when the nights are especially dark, like a new moon.


It’s called bioluminescence, and tiny microorganisms called phytoplankton create it. These creatures emit a blue light by way of a chemical reaction that occurs within them. The warm waters surrounding Holbox abound with these organisms that produce an awe-inspiring spectacle across some of the most breathtaking beaches in world.


You can sit back and take it all in from the beach, or take a plunge and surround yourself with this glowing gift of nature.

4 | IT’S A PROTECTED NATURE RESERVE

Holbox Island and the adjacent coastline actually form part of Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protection area. This reserve is the first of it’s kind in Mexico, as it was created at the request of local communities. Here wildlife is king, and the locals wouldn’t have it any other way.

 

Within this protected area located on the mainland and the island, large mangroves, palms and other plant life enjoy protection alongside animal life that includes sea turtles, tapirs, flamingos, crocodiles, manatees and of course, whale sharks.

4 | IT’S A PROTECTED NATURE RESERVE

Holbox Island and the adjacent coastline actually form part of Yum Balam Flora and Fauna Protection area. This reserve is the first of it’s kind in Mexico, as it was created at the request of local communities. Here wildlife is king, and the locals wouldn’t have it any other way.


Within this protected area located on the mainland and the island, large mangroves, palms and other plant life enjoy protection alongside animal life that includes sea turtles, tapirs, flamingos, crocodiles, manatees and of course, whale sharks.

5 | YOU CAN TAKE IN THE ARTS AS YOU TAKE TO THE STREETS

As you wander the streets of this enchanted place you’ll immediately notice the amazing collection of street art that forms part of the overall Holbox experience.

 

In 2014 the International Public Art Festival took place on the Island, and ever since, muralists and other artists have found inspiration here, and it’s on display on buildings and walls throughout the entire island.

 

In fact, taking a stroll to look at some of these breathtaking expressions is a great way to explore the island.

6 |YOU’LL BE SURPRISED BY THE CUISINE

For such a small island, you’ll be surprised at what’s in store for you when it comes to food.

 

As you could imagine, here seafood is as fresh as it gets. But it doesn’t stop there. Holbox will delight your mouth with gourmet drink concoctions and meals that range from regional delicacies to international favorites.

 

And if you want to take it casual, well you’ll find world famous pizza joints and taco stands too.

6 |YOU’LL BE SURPRISED BY THE CUISINE

For such a small island, you’ll be surprised at what’s in store for you when it comes to food.


As you could imagine, here seafood is as fresh as it gets. But it doesn’t stop there. Holbox will delight your mouth with gourmet drink concoctions and meals that range from regional delicacies to international favorites.


And if you want to take it casual, well you’ll find world famous pizza joints and taco stands too.

7 | KNOWN FOR SPECTACULAR SUNSETS OVER THE SEA

The location of the island within the Gulf of Mexico forms the perfect backdrop for sunsets unlike any other. With no land in sight, the sun sets over the gulf and offers locals and newcomers what can truly be called an amazing display of light and color.

 

With your drink of choice in hand, it can be a place to share and enjoy with others, or one to experience a moment of peace and introspection.