See The Whale Sharks In Isla Holbox
Amazing whale sharks
Book a tour, rent a kayak or a standup paddleboard and search for the whale sharks.
Holbox is famous for whale sharks, and the best time to see whale sharks in Holbox is from June to September, with July and August being the peak season.
Holbox is considered one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks. Those gentle giants are entirely harmless to humans as they feed on plankton.
You can book a whale shark tour in advance to avoid disappointment as when the shark season starts, the island gets flooded with tourists.
Alternatively, book the trip once you on the island the average cost for an escorted tour can be between MXN 2000-3000 depending on the inclusions.
How Many Days Do You Need For Isla Holbox
This is of course entirely personal, but our advice is to stay at least 4 nights. We found Isla Holbox so magical that we ended up staying 8 nights. In our daily society we always have so much to do but once arrived on this island this is totally different. That is why we recommend that you dont visit this island quickly but really take the time and embrace the fact you dont need to do anything here if you want!
Yellow Beachfront Area Of Holbox
This was the original beachfront area of Holbox. The iconic octagonal house is here with the small pier. You will see the fishermen coming ashore here and have access to the center of town. There are some nice places to stay, but in general the more luxury hotels are in the dark blue section to the east. The western end of this section has the better beaches because they are wider and the water is more clear.
This is the center of Isla Holbox.
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Private Transfer: Cancun To Holbox And Playa Del Carmen To Holbox Shuttle
If youd rather go with a private driver and want a door-to-door transfer, you can get a private transfer for about $90-140 per person. The transfer will come and pick you up at your hotel, will bring you to the Chiquila ferry, and once you get off the ferry there will be a golf cart taxi waiting for you to bring you to your hotel. This might be the most convenient way if you are coming from Mexico City to Cancun by plane, and want to transfer to Holbox directly from the airport.
There are several companies offering the service. I do not recommend going with MosquiTours, as they were two hours late for our transfer and gave us 3 different versions as an excuse.
The best transfer option I found is this Private Luxury Transfer from Cancun Airport to Holbox, which costs $149 per group of up to 3 passengers. Considering most companies I checked out offer the same service for $90-140 per person, this is by far the best rate.
Best Places To Stay In The Baja Peninsula
I have always loved staying in Baja Sur. Its such a gorgeous area, and there are lots of towns to pick from that arent as rowdy as Cabo San Lucas!
Seven Crown La Paz Centro Historico
Best Airbnb in the Baja Peninsula: Bungalows Las Palmas
This Airbnb will be your own little slice of paradise. Situated in Cabo Pulmo, a quiet nature-filled area, where you can chill out and relax. All the amenities are up to date, with a kitchen and a little outdoor patio with a hammock.
Best Hostel in the Baja Peninsula: Baja Hostel
Baja Hostel is situated in Baja Sur in the town of La Paz. This hostel is actually built into a historic home from the 1920s and sits right in the city center. Its also just a few blocks from the Malecon, the street that winds along the sea of Cortez. This hostel is cozy and cute, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring!
Best Hotel in the Baja Peninsula: Seven Crown La Paz Centro Historico
The Seven Crown La Paz Centro Historico sits just mere steps away from the La Paz coast. This hotel comes at a budget-friendly price, all while having luxurious amenities, like an outdoor pool, and all rooms come with a private balcony. The rooms are sparkly clean and the complimentary breakfast is divine there are even gluten-free and dairy-free options available.
Read our full review of the GRAYL GEOPRESS!
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Private Flights To Holbox From Cancun Isla Mujeres Playa Del Carmen And Cozumel
AeroSaab offers private flights to Holbox in case you have not much time or you want to combine the transfer with amazing aerial views of the island. A private plane will cost you $700 from Cancun or Playa del Carmen, which is not that bad if you are sharing it between 5 people. However, I dont recommend this option because we all try to be green, right? Lets try and respect the environment!
Oaxaca One Of The Most Unique Places To Stay In Mexico
Oaxaca is one of the places where all of the historical periods of Mexico shine through. From the pre-Hispanic period to the colonial period to the modern period, you can see plentiful examples expressed in nearly every street. With archaeological sites to visit, bio fluorescent lagoons to check out, and gastronomic delights to be hadOaxaca is definitely the best city in Mexico for unique experiences!
Let me start off by discussing the culinary scene of Oaxaca. Its where tons of innovative chefs are taking the local cuisine to the next level even street vendors. The most renowned Oaxacan dishes that you simply cannot miss out on trying are: memelas, tlayudas, tetelas, tamales Oaxaqueños, and well, um, chapulines aka grasshoppers.
When in Oaxaca, there is also so much to see! Make sure to visit the Temple de Santo Domingo de Guzman, a truly impressive church from the 16th century. Also, if you are up for a drive, just 90 minutes from Oaxaca city is the Herve el Agra which is actually a petrified waterfall!
Theres a cool hike to enjoy around the falls, and mineral springs at the top to take a quick dip in. Also, just a short drive from Oaxaca City is Monte Alban which is an incredible archaeological site and the former site of the ancient Zapotec City which dates all the way back to 500BC!
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Getting To Holbox By Private Transportation:
There a few ways to get to Holbox island via private transfer.
On the way back from the island, we didnt want to wait several hours for a bus and decided to take a taxi from Chiquila to Cancun. It is a bit pricey option but will take you straight from the ferry terminal to Cancun.
A private shuttle will cost you about MXN 3000, and it is a great way to take the stress away and have someone to take you from your accommodation in Cancun straight to your hotel in Holbox.
Discover The Delicious Food
Even though Isla Holbox is not a large island, there are plenty of dining options to choose from. Given that you are here on an island, a fish eater can indulge. There are also plenty of choices for non-fish eaters. We found NÁAY the best restaurant on Isla Holbox. Here you can order delicious bowls! It is small but really nice to sit here. If you want something different, Arte Sano is for you. As the name Sano indicates, it is healthy and there are good vegetarian options here.
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Take A Holbox Boat Tour
As Isla Holbox is blessed with beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and a wealth of incredible wildlife, a great way to explore its many sights is to jump on board a boat tour that takes you around the island.
This enables you to bask in the glorious sea views, Isla Holbox looks terrific with its beautiful palm trees towering over its sandy beaches. We went on one with Viator, which was very well organized and took us to a ton of places that we wouldnt have otherwise seen by ourselves.
As well as stopping by Yalahau Cenote for a swim in its welcoming waters, the boat tour also took us to a couple of different islands that lie not far from Isla Holbox. Isla Pajaros was great to visit for all the amazing, brightly-colored birds we saw, while at Passion Island, we got to see pink flamingos wading through the shallow waters.
All in all, it was a lovely day out that was the perfect combination of nature, wildlife, sea views, and swimming! Suggested Holbox boat tours:
- Private Holbox Island Tour | 3.5-4 hours $180 Book Online Now
Best Places To Stay In Puerto Vallarta
Zona Romantica, also called the Old Town, is the best neighborhood to stay in for the LGBTQIA+ scene.
Casa Cupula Luxury LGBT Boutique Hotel
Best Airbnb in Puerto Vallarta: Eco-Friendly Casa
This is a spacious Airbnb that comes at a super low price-tag. Its a two-bedroom and two bathroom apartment that has three beds in it. Its centrally located, just two blocks from the main avenue, and 8 minutes away from the Malecon. Theres a fully functional kitchen, and the hot water comes from a solar heater!
Best Hostel in Puerto Vallarta: Hostel Vallarta
Situated right in the cultural center of the city, surrounded by bars, restaurants, and tremendously delicious street food vendors, Hostel Vallarta is the best hostel in Puerto Vallarta. From top to bottom its decorated in Mexican style! Not to mention that it has a large rooftop terrace where you can hang out, make new friends, and watch the sunset. Also check out nearby Sayulita, a small surf town. The epic hostels in Sayulita offer great alternatives in a sleepy location.
Best Hotel in Puerto Vallarta: Casa Cupula Luxury LGBT Boutique Hotel
Perched on the hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this gay-friendly hotel is perfect for Puerto Vallarta getaway! Ot has an onsite restaurant, and is just a few minutes walk to Los Muertos Beach, perfect for swimming and enjoying a margarita! This hotel has an onsite hot tub and spa, and as well as having two swimming pools.
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Books To Read While Traveling Mexico
- The Backpacker Bible Get it for free! Learn how to ditch your desk and travel the world on just $10 a day whilst building a life of long-term travel with an online income. To inspire and help the next generation of Broke Backpackers, you can now grab How to Travel the World on $10 a Day for free!
- Lonely Planet Mexico Travel Guide Read up on the history and culture of Mexico and get tons of tips on where to stay and eat in the newest Lonely Planet guide.
- Lonely Planet Cancun, Cozumel, and the Yucatan Travel Guide: If youll be spending your trip in this corner of Mexico, you can get more specific info in this regional guide.
- Mexico City: An Opinionated Guide for the Curious Traveler Mexico City can be an overwhelming place for a first-time visitor. Thankfully longtime resident Jim Johnston has put together this excellent guide to the Mexican capital to help you make the most of your trip.
- Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs If youre hoping to learn about Mexicos ancient civilizations, this is the book for you.
Top 8 Best Things To Do On Isla Holbox
Bienvenido in Isla Holbox! In our opinion the best destination is Mexico. If you want to relax during your journey and mentally move away from the rest of the world then you have to go to Isla Holbox. On this island, there is really a mañana mañana atmosphere. Everything here goes a few gears slower which is really great. Isla Holbox is a tropical island that has miles of sandy beaches that you often have completely for yourself. Isla Holbox whale sharks are the best things to do on Isla Holbox, but there are more: beautiful hikes, breathtaking nature, drinking delicious cocktails at a beach club, and much more. Cars are not allowed, so you see a lot of bicycles and golf carts here. All in all, Isla Holbox is a perfect place to stay. Enjoy the most beautiful island in Mexico! We tell you in this article our top 8 best things to do on Isla Holbox.
Tip: make sure you bring enough cash with you because there is only one official ATM above the police station and this doesnt work regularly. Try to withdraw enough money on the mainland so that you dont have to change at local ATMs. Here, the exchange rates are very unfavorable.
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Incredible Isla Holbox Hotels To Book In 2022
Categories Hotels, Mexico, North America
Trying to figure out where to stay in Holbox? Check out this guide that includes the best Isla Holbox Hotels for all budgets.
Holbox used to be considered one of Mexicos best-kept secrets, although its natural beauty couldnt be kept hidden for long. This paradise island that has no cars nor paved roads has quickly become a hotspot for tourists wanting to enjoy the pristine beaches, and the number of hotels in Holbox has grown accordingly.
However, its still a magical place that shouldnt be missing on your Yucatan itinerary.
Whether youre looking to make friends at a hostel, have a limited budget, or dont want to miss any luxury from the modern world during your stay, theres a hotel in Holbox for every budget. Lets check them out!
Eat Delicious Local Food
While many will tell you to try to the local specialty, lobster pizza, we just weren’t convinced that we wanted a pizza with a chunk of lobster sitting on top. Wherever we go in Mexico, tacos al pastor are one of our favourite foods. Tacos Queto makes some of the better ones we’ve had, we may have returned a few nights… They also make a pastor pizza which is decent and nachos al pastor. Find them a block north of the main plaza, just down the street from Hot Corner.
We’re the furthest thing from foodies, happy to eat peanut butter and jam sandwiches daily to cut down on costs, but we met a Danish couple with a little more class. On their last night, we joined them for dinner and found ourselves at Luuma, a tapas bar and one of the best Holbox restaurants. The atmosphere is wonderful here but the highlight is the menu. Everything is a modern fusion twist on traditional local dishes and the extensive drinks menu is designed to pair with the food. This is really a fantastic place for a special evening.
On a side note, I was really happy to see a metal straw in my rather delicious cocktail!
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Things To Do In Isla Holbox Mexico
Mesmerising turquoise water and expansive azure sky meet luxurious, sugar-fine sand. Hammocks gently sway in the sea breeze, supported by sticks jutting out of the calm water. Golf carts replace cars as they meander down the streets of packed sand. Welcome to Isla Holbox, Mexicoan idyllic island that feels worlds away, yet remains easily accessible from the tourist hub of Cancun. If youre ready to escape to paradise, then look no further. This skinny, 26-mile island boasts just about everything you could ask for in a tropical getaway: secluded beaches, starry night skies, abundant nature, and a notable no-fuss attitude. For those travellers who are tired of the ever-increasing commercialisation in destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Holbox is a welcome escape. Of course, lack of development means forgoing some luxuries like infinity pools and manicured all-inclusive resorts. But if you want to revitalise and rejuvenate in nature, while still enjoying conveniences like air conditioning and fine dining, youll be hard-pressed to find a more magical locale.
Feel like getting away? Take a trip planned just for you, and let us do all the work. Discover Trip Design
The island is considered one of the best places in the world for a swim with the worlds largest fish: the whale shark
Best Places To Stay In Isla Mujeres
You can stay in the north of the island on the gorgeous Playa Norte beach for the best snorkeling spots, or stay in the south closer to the Mayan temple and the sea turtles! So, either way, you really cant go wrong.
Maya Casitas
Best Airbnb in Isla Mujeres: Beachfront House
This stunning beachfront home dwells directly in front of the sandy shores of the Caribbean Sea. Youre literally five steps away! Plus, this is the perfect Airbnb for your family because it has two seperate bedrooms with a total of four beds. This Airbnb will make you feel like youre in paradise.
Best Bed and Breakfast in Isla Mujeres: Maya Casitas
Maya Casitas sits just 700 meters away from Norte Beach and they have a wonderful family room that will make you and your family feel right at home. There is also a beautiful outdoor garden and terrace the perfect spot to enjoy your complimentary breakfasts! The Cafe Me Late Chocolate is also just around the corner, as is the delicious Amigos restaurant.
Best Hotel in Isla Mujeres: Esduma la Perla Hotel
While I could recommend some stunning hotels and resorts that would make your jaw drop at the crazy high prices, I want to recommend the Esduma la Perla hotel because its a budget-friendly hotel that is just 300 feet from the Norte Beach. Its a crisp, clean, and simple hotel that will take great care of you and your family.
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