I rarely visit beaches anymore, at least compared to my first trips, but after I had traveled around Mexico for awhile did I deiced to check out the world famous beaches of Cancun and Playa del Carmen, I can easily say that these 2 places or on the top 10 WORST places I have ever been in my life.
I just felt sick when I arrived, extremely overpriced, overweight tourist everywhere, and shitty fast food, I just had to leave and find a relaxing place for some time so I could recharge.
Only 3hours from Cancun, but so different.
Luckily did I find the Island of Holbox.
Isla Holbox offers everything Cancun don´t, it’s peaceful, dirt cheap and no hassle.
But the Holbox is changing fast, new big hotels are opening up and more and more tourist agencies is Europe is sending people there instead, with promises of a relaxing holiday.
Isla Holbox has been famous in the diving community for years since its one of the top places in the world to see whale sharks, and Holbox is fast becoming an ideal place to learn Kite surfing,
Conditions are ideal for beginners, as the beach has shallow waters, no big obstacles on the wide and long beach, many days of wind during the winter months, and a nearby school with professional instructors.
Advanced riders can find also very good conditions when the north or south winds reach 25 knots or more.
There more or less no cars on the island, so the only way to get around is by renting a golf cart, but the island is small enough so you can walk literally everywhere, but renting a golf cart and drive around on the sand is a lot of fun.
Additional information about Isla Holbox.
Getting there.
There’re a few buses a day from Cancun to Chiquila, the ride takes about 2hours.
From Chiquila, take a short ferry ride to Isla Holbox. The ferry ride takes no more than 25min and cost 100pesos. The ferry leaves Chiquila every hour during the day.
Where to stay.
Tribu Hostel. Dorms from 11USD.
A really cool and laid back hostel no more than 40meters from the beach.
The hostel offers a well-stocked guest kitchen, a small bar, small roof top, and a laid back hangout area.
I’ll recommend you to get one of the rooms/dorms in the back of the hostel facing away from the bar, the music gets a bit loud if you want to get an early night.
Kitesurf lessons, bike rentals, kayak tours, fishing tours, horse riding tours, discounts for the long stay, book exchange, BBQ, and friendly.
Money
There’s two ATM´S on Isla Holbox, but they are OFTEN empty, so you should bring some extra money from Cancun.
