Holbox island – my last stop in Mexico and of my ten month trip. Wow! I can’t believe it!
I chose to end my trip there as finishing on an island is always lovely, it’s still close to Cancun for the airport and less touristy than say other islands like Isla Mujeres and Cozumel.
I was on Holbox for three and a half days…mostly lying in the sunshine on the beach. In between my sun worshipping (you can’t blame me – the temperature was perfect, not too hot in the slightest!), I did go to Punta Cocos for a sunset and Punta Mosquitos for flamingos.
Punta Cocos
Punta Cocos lies at one end of Holbox and due to its west facing location is a great spot for watching the sunset.
We went there on our first evening and the walk from town took us around 20/30 minutes.
The sun itself disappeared quickly behind clouds. It was the pastel skies after the sun had fallen beneath the horizon that were really pretty! Ohhh the colours!!
I have to say it wasn’t the most relaxing of sunsets as the mosquitos were intense! They popped up just before dusk. Dusk combined with the still water made it ideal conditions for them. I was slathering on the repellent and even then I got bitten and had around fifteen hovering around me. Not very enjoyable! We fled the spot pretty quickly!
For my next evenings, I went to the wooden deck in town (where the Holbox sign is) to watch the sunset. It was a lot more relaxing! No mosquitos and a nice cold beer!
Tip: On Holbox, selling alcohol is only allowed until 5pm on Sundays! We managed to get beer from one shop at 5.15pm. I can’t say how usual that is and a local told us we needed to put it in our bags.
If you’re in Holbox, I’d recommend going to Punta Cocos once for sunset. It’s a lovely spot and you’re as close to the sunset as you can get on the island, just take plenty of insect repellent. You’ll need it!
Punta Mosquito
Punta Mosquito is towards the other end of the island. A sandbank emerges at low tide and there are flamingos.
I almost didn’t go because it was my last day and I fancied a last beach day. However, I spoke to the lady at reception and she recommended going early. Going early meant I’d still have my beach day – yay!!
I left my hostel at 8am. It was beautiful walking along the beach with the early morning light. It took me half an hour to pass the last hotel (Hotel Las Nubes) and reach the entrance to the Yum Balam nature reserve. I followed the path along the shore and weaving in and out of the small trees.
Tip: Like Punta Cocos, take mosquito repellent if you’re walking through the trees and on the shore. There’s still water – a mosquito’s happy place!
I reached the river, assuming I could cross and continue. However, it looked pretty deep! Not walkable!
I spoke to a couple who told me that they’d seen a few others walking out on the sandbank. I then realised that Punta Mosquito was much closer than I’d thought. It was the sandbank right across from the river!
I waded out onto the sandbank and was there! The water was maybe knee deep!
It was pretty cool! White sand, clear water, and even six pink flamingos! Sorry no pic – my iPhone isn’t up to it! The walk took me around an hour in total!
Note: There were more flamingos further away; however, you’re not allowed to pass the rope and buoys. There are two signs forbidding entry as it’s a protected area for birds to feed and nest. Please respect it! When I arrived, three people were walking back and they’d crossed the rope to get closer.
On my walk back, I walked along the sandbank the whole way back to the first hotels. It was fun and less mosquitos! My legs got a work out too – wading through thigh deep water at times!
Food
Painapol
Painapol is a popular breakfast and lunch spot on the island. And for good reason! I had great eggs and salad there as well as juice and an amazing breakfast bowl. I’ll let the picture do the talking!
Note: It’s closed on Mondays.
El Tacoquetome
I ate the most often at El Tacoquetome. I was at the end of my trip and I wanted to make the most of being able to eat Mexican!
They do tacos, gringas, tortas, burritos…so all tasty Mexican and good prices!
Note: They don’t sell alcohol, but you’re allowed to bring your own drinks. We would buy our beers from the mini market shop next door.
Opening hours: From 6pm-12.30am every day.
Roots
This is the place to go for pizza on Holbox! It came recommended by many people so I needed to try it!
The margherita was nice – not the best pizza I’ve had in Mexico – the ones in Mazunte and Tulum were better! But still very nice! I liked the atmosphere and live music!
The pizza to eat there is the lobster pizza. At 600 pesos (£24), yes it’s pricey but I’ve heard it’s good. I saw several order it to share.
I also loved how on each table there was a bottle of insect repellent! Such a good and welcome idea!
How to get to Holbox
Holbox is an island in the Yucatan peninsula, relatively close to Cancun. Don’t worry – it’s not overrun by tourist yet! I really hope it stays that way!
As with getting to most islands, you’re going to have to get a boat at some point. Holbox is no exception!
First things first, you need to get a bus to Chiquila. Chiquila is where the ferries to Holbox leave from.
You can reach Chiquila by bus or colectivo from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. I went from Playa del Carmen.
From Playa del Carmen, the ADO bus journey takes around 2hrs, usually costs 292 pesos and has five departures in the morning: 8.15am, 8.25am, 9.05am, 10.15am and 10.25am. The 8.25am and 10.25am departures leave from the Alterna ADO terminal and the other three from the ADO tourist terminal. It’s only a ten minute walk between them!
You can also take a colectivo from Playa del Carmen to Chiquila. They cost 250 pesos and run throughout the day. So if you miss the morning buses, there’s a colectivo!
If you’re starting from Tulum, most blogs say you have to go to Playa del Carmen first. However, I know a Dutch girl who got an 8am bus to Chiquila – I think there’s only one!
It’s the same with Valladolid. There’s one first class bus to Chiquila and a few second class ones later in the day.
Once in Chiquila, you need to take a 25 minute ferry to Holbox. There are two companies, 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express, with ferries going every half an hour between 6am and 8/9pm. A ticket costs 150 pesos one way.
Tip: Take cash to Holbox! There are two ATMS but I wouldn’t vouch for their reliability! It’s best to have cash!
Final thoughts
I really loved my stay on Holbox. I can’t think of a better place to spend my last three days – sunshine, beaches, lovely ocean and great sunsets.
I really wanted to end my trip with sunsets! Tulum was wonderful but the sunset wasn’t over the sea. I loved that on Holbox it was an evening activity – at least for me it was!
Plus, island life is just great! It reminded me of Belize’s Caye Caulker, especially with its dirt roads!
Whilst it’s not untouched by tourism, Holbox still retains its charm and didn’t feel overrun. Plus, the mass of seaweed I’d heard about being a problem really really wasn’t!! I would really recommend!
Note: If you go in the right season (June-September), you’ll be able to swim with whale sharks! I was a few months too late but there’s always a next time! You can also see bioluminescence on Holbox. You can either book a tour or go find it yourself!
I’m now off to Cancun airport, next stop is home!
I feel very weird, a mixture of emotions – already nostalgic of my adventures, proud I solo travelled successfully, sad yet happy, and ready to swap the travel life style for a more routine based one. At least I think I am – I can’t say how long that’ll last! I’m also really looking forward to seeing family and friends!! Massive hugs are coming everyone’s way!
So hasta luego Latin America, hasta la proxima!! It’s not an adiós that’s for sure! See you soon England!
