Located ten kilometers from the northern tip of the Yucatan Peninsula, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico, Holbox Island is a lovely island that is part of the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve and Wildlife Protected Area. With its beaches of fine white sand, Holbox is the perfect place to forget about modernity because in this small fishing village, rest, ecotourism, and water sports are the main activities.

State: Quintana Roo

Coordinates:
21°31'18"N 87°22'36"W

Altitude: 1 meters above sea level

Area:
40 km. (Length) 2 km. (Width)

Time Zone: Central Standard Time UTC-6

Population: 1,486 inhabitants (INEGI, 2010)

Area Code: 984

Holbox Island has about 20 hotels. It is possible to find cars but the main means of transportation are golf carts and bicycles.

Recreational activities on the island range from swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

"El Recorrido de las Islas" is one of the most popular trips and offers magnificent views. During this trip you will visit the islands of Isla de la Pasión and the Isla de los Pájaros (Birds Island). The latter may not be allowed since it is considered a protected area for species of endemic and migratory birds that nest there. In fact between the months of April and October it is possible to get a glimpse at the thousands of pink flamingos.

From May to September is one of the most spectacular times to spend on the island. Visitors can witness the nesting of sea turtles and dive next to the spectacular whale shark that passes through the Caribbean Sea to feed on plankton.

It is worth mentioning that there are no banks on Holbox Island and there is only one ATM.

How to get there?

Holbox is located in the north of the Yucatan Peninsula in the state of Quintana Roo. To reach the island you must take a ferry from the port of Chiquilá. The road to Chiquilá is free from Merida to Nuevo Valladolid, then turn right at Kantunikin, then take the road Chiquilá - Holbox.

Distance from Holbox Island to other destinations in Mexico

• 
Cancun, Quintana Roo: 69 km.
• Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo: 105 km.
• Mérida, Yucatán: 241 km.
• Villahermosa, Tabasco: 702 km.
• Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas: 804 km.
• Veracruz, Veracruz: 952 km.
• Puebla de Zaragoza, Puebla: 1164 km.
• Mexico City, Federal District: 1248 km.

Climate

The climate in Holbox is warm and subtropical with chances of rain throughout the year but mostly in the summer. November to May: Low of 17 ° C, maximum 34 ° C. June-October: Low 22 ° F, High 38 ° C. (Rainy season).

What to pack?

Being a beach destination it is essential to bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, insect repellent, sandals, shorts, tank tops, flip flops, a hat and in the rainy season a sweater for the high winds.

Activities and Tourist Attractions

Whale shark Sighting and swimming (May / October).

Witness the nesting of sea turtles (May / September)

Boat ride to Yalahau.

Boat ride to the islands Isla de los Pájaros and Islas de la Pasión.

Visit Cabo Catoche.

Sport Fishing, Bottom fishing, Mini fishing, Fishing Master, Fishing for lobster and octopus.

Water activities: swimming, diving, snorkeling, kitesurf.

Ecotourism activities.

Feast and Festivals in Holbox Island

February: Holbox Carnival.

April (4-9): Feast of the Patron Saint of Holbox.

April: Fishing Tournament.

September (15 and 16): Celebration of Mexico’s Independence.

November 1 and 2: Day of the Dead Celebration.

December 12: Day of the Virgen de Guadalupe.