Isla Holbox (pronounced hole-bosh) is so close to Playa del Carmen now that the new road is open. You can go for the just the day or stay for a night or two.

Isla Holbox (pronounced hole-bosh) is so close to Playa del Carmen now that the new road is open. You can go for the just the day or stay for a night or two.

Isla Holbox is one of the most laid back, peaceful, beautiful islands you will find. It's perfect for someone who wants to completely relax, read a book, watch the ocean, swim, and stroll through the town. There isn't a lot to do except during the summer months when the whale sharks are swimming off shore. You can easily get a boat trip out to the whale sharks to swim with them.

It's a rather large island at 26 miles long but only a mile wide. 3/4 of it is a National Game Preserve. There are three rivers segmenting the island and acting as a barrier for wildlife to enter the town. The population is about 2000 but growing quickly. NO Cars are allowed on the island. Rent a golf cart and drive on the beaches. If you decide not to rent one, you can hail a golf cart taxi. They are Yellow. (We had on yellow raincoats during the rainy season. Not the same as a yellow cab).


Travel North to Isla Holbox

The town is really cute. Lots of fun little shops and restaurants to stop at.

Travel North to Isla Holbox

We prefer to eat on the beautiful beach.

Travel North to Isla Holbox

Now that you know what a great place it is, your first decision is how to get there. There are three options:

  1. Fly private aircraft from Playa del Carmen airport
  2. Take a bus
  3. Rent a car and drive

Here's info on flying to Holbox (they have their own small airport for general aviation)

Travel North to Isla Holbox
Home Page - Flights Holbox
CONVENIENT fly anytime between 7am and 6:30pm - whenever you like FAST The fastest way to get to Holbox - flight time from Cancun is only 35 minutes DIRECT Fly directly to and from Cancún International Airport (FBO terminal) SAFE Safety and security are our top priority MANY DESTINATIONS Xcalac, Kohunlich, Chetumal, Mahahaul, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Merida, Holbox, Campeche, Villa Hermosa, Palenque, Havana, Cuba, Bahamas, Miami, Belize and Honduras.


Travel North to Isla Holbox

It you decide to drive, get on the new highway and head north. There are signs in Playa pointing to HOLBOX. You will need to park at the town of Chiquila and take a boat to Isla Holbox. There is a fee for parking but, it wasn't much. I don't even remember how much. There is a ferry that seems to run at very irregular times plus there are small private boats available on demand. I've done both and the cost was the same.

Travel North to Isla Holbox

A new tourist center is now open near the Chiquila ferry dock.

Travel North to Isla Holbox
New tourist facility inaugurated for Chiquilá - Riviera Maya News
Chiquilá, Q.R. - A new tourist facility has been inaugurated for the port city of Chiquilá with an investment of 17.5 million peso. The inauguration was held Thursday by la Secretaría estatal de Turismo (Sedetur) Marisol Vanegas Pérez, who reports that the new facility, named Yum Balam Tourist Parador, will help support tourism.

The drive to Chiquila is fun. Be sure to stop in the little town of Solferino to see the "about a 1000 year old" tree. It's right on the road (the only road) to Chiquila, about 15 minutes out. There are signs pointing to the right in both English and Spanish. The tree sits right on the "road" and you can get out and take photos. Across the street is a walk through the trees concession but you don't need to pay them or anyone.

Travel North to Isla Holbox

Try to plan your drive early in the AM or in the evening so that you increase your chances of seeing the Spider Monkeys on the ladders over the road.

Travel North to Isla Holbox
Here's a map of the new highway from Playa del Carmen to...
Here's a map of the new highway from Playa del Carmen to Holbox (via Chiquila). It was cut through virgin jungle and they built monkey ladders all along the way to give the monkeys a safe way to travel. If you travel early in the morning or late in...

What to do once you get to Holbox

Rent a golf cart (or plan ahead and reserve one). Then just drive around on the roads and beaches. So many cute places to visit. Stop at a restaurant on the beach and order Ceviche!

If you are traveling between July and January be sure to check out the bioluminescence

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When to see the bioluminescence in Holbox 🔥 [The best date of the year]
When to see bioluminescence in Holbox? What are the best dates? In this post, we analyze the best dates to experience this magical phenomenon. Check it out!


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Holbox Island Golf Cart Rentals
Explore Holbox Island from tip to tip...


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Isla Holbox has Flamingos!! Caribbean beachfront 3 bed, 3...
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Isla Holbox tour-3 points tour review
Holbox Island is a great place to visit for a few days. It is a peaceful and laid back island but after sunning on the beach and relaxing you might want something else to do or see.

If you travel between late May and August, schedule a trip to swim with Whale Sharks!


Travel North to Isla Holbox
Whale shark season is fast approaching. From late May to...
Whale shark season is fast approaching. From late May to August every year the largest fish on Earth come to feed in the Riviera Maya. The best departure points are Holbox Island or Isla Mujeres. Don't miss this once in a lifetime opportunity....


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Thrilling Swim with Whale Sharks
Although excursions to swim with these gentle giants are available from June to September, the interactions are best in July & August. Our important travel info for you is to plan a full day for this excursion, no matter what it says on the brochure.



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Great houledge! Have you ever swam with whale sharks? If so, was it a bit scary at first?

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5 years ago

I went out in the boat. But I was so seasick I didn't get into the water with them. There were about 6 boats chasing around one whale shark and I didn't feel it was safe. Someone could easily have gotten hit by a boat while in the water. We went in late May, still early in the season. I think later in the year there are more Whale sharks and therefore less boats "sharing". My husband went in and had a blast! He wore his wet suit instead of a life jacket (one or the other is required) and he was able to swim right alongside the whale shark. It was still a neat experience even though I spent much of it with my head in a bucket.

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5 years ago

when I say later in the year, I mean later in the season. June or July will have more whale sharks

LikeReply
5 years ago

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