7 Best Hostels in Holbox (2023)

FAQs

What part of Holbox is best to stay in? ›

Young backpackers will prefer to stay in downtown Holbox, where the restaurants and bars are concentrated. Couples and families will love the tranquility and pristine water on the western end. I personally think the best area to stay in Holbox is the eastern end where the sand bar and the best beach lie.

Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't, and sometimes they have a line of people waiting to use them and then they run out of money. We read online that a rule of thumb for how much money you need in Holbox is 1,000 Mexican pesos per day per person.

I'd recommend staying in Holbox for between three and five nights. That will give you a nice amount of time to relax into island life, sample some delicious food, soak up the views and enjoy a few tourist attractions in Isla Holbox.

But, you'll need to budget for accommodations, food and drinks, and activities. When traveling to Isla Holbox alone, your budget goes from US$170 to US$370 per day (this includes lodging). Double that for a couple (around US$340 to US$640 a day), and double it again for a family of four (US$550 to US$1,200 a day).

The best time to visit is between December and March when the weather is most settled. The hottest month of the year is May with an average daily maximum of 36 C and an average low of 23 C. The coolest month of the year is December with an average daily maximum of 28 C and an average low of 20 C.

Pickpocketing, mugging and drug crimes are all very low risk on Holbox. Typically, any crimes that occur are between locals and don't involve tourists, but be sure to always use general caution and avoid the beach at night.

Holbox is known for its mosquitoes, so don't forget to bring some repellent. It's also wise to stay indoors around sunset to avoid the most active period for these annoying, blood-sucking insects.

In Holbox, cash is the most common form of payment. Mexican Pesos and US Dollars are accepted everywhere, however it is recommended to carry smaller denominations of money as some local companies often go unchanged.

Like other developing regions of the world, Isla Holbox asks that you not flush toilet paper down the toilet. It takes a little getting used to if you are visiting from a more developed region, but it's doable and helps their septic system.

Most places in Holbox do not accept cards. You will need to pay in cash in most venues, for activities and primarily for street food.

Can I drink the water in Holbox Mexico? ›

The tap water on Holbox Island is not drinking water and it is strongly discouraged to drink it. However, it is safe to use for personal hygiene or brushing teeth.

When and Where to Experience Bioluminescence in Holbox. Bioluminescence is best seen under dark night sky conditions with no moonlight. To get the very best bioluminescence experience and maximum visibility, plan your Holbox vacation in the days surrounding the new moon in the summer and fall seasons.

The swimming season in this location lasts all year round. Average annual water temperature on the coast in Holbox is 82°F, by the seasons: in winter 79°F, in spring 80°F, in summer 84°F, in autumn 83°F. Minimum water temperature (77°F) in Holbox it happens in February, maximum (86°F) in August.

On Holbox there is a tropical savannah climate. This means that with high humidity it has very warm temperatures between 81°F and 91°F all year round during the day and rarely cools down below 68 degrees at night.

Holbox Beach Bars

But on the whole, you'll find cocktails are usually around the $150MXN mark and beers start at about $40MXN – more for craft brews.

Flamingo season in Holbox, Mexico is April to October making this the best time to visit Holbox if you want to see flamingos yet locals claim you can spot them year round. Whether you want to spot flamingo's in Holbox, visiting Punta Mosquito is still a must for anyone visting this island.

Cancun is the closest airport to Isla Holbox and the one most people will fly into. And, you'll be happy to hear, getting from Cancun to Holbox Island is super easy! Check out the next section below to find out how to get to Holbox from Cancun airport.

Accepted Currency

The official currency is the Mexican peso which is available in the following bill denominations: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 pesos; and coins of: 10, 20 and 50 cents and 1, 2, 5 and 10 pesos. The US dollar is accepted in all exchange houses and some also accept the Canadian dollar and the euro.

Previously: The fight to preserve Isla Holbox

“Right now, these are overflowing, and the liquid spilling out is urine. Of 81 cisterns, 21 are failing.” For a little more than three years, the deterioration of the sewage system has the island at risk of severe environmental contamination, hoteliers complain.

Holbox is blessed with a long windy season which normally runs from November until the end of May. The Main season is made up of two overlapping but very different seasons, the winter season and the spring season.

Why is Holbox called black hole? ›

"It is thought that Holbox, which in Mayan translates as 'black hole,' was named after the dark lagoon water." Holbox Island is situated at an oceanic meeting point of sorts where the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean converge.

The signs do warn of crocodiles but you're unlikely to see these from Punta Mosquito Holbox. Generally, the Holbox crocodiles can be found much closer to the northwest tip of the island. But, you'll pretty much be guaranteed to see lots of small fish in the water.

It is a set of beautiful panoramas with very special vegetation and animals. In its jungle there are five species of tropical wild felines: jaguar, puma, ocelot, margay (small tiger cat) and aguarundi or jungle cat; unfortunately, they are all in danger of extinction.

Most (but not all) hotels, bars, restaurants, and stores will accept credit cards. But watch out for added fees – some places will add 5% to your bill if you pay by credit card.

Bringing Cash to Mexico

Travelers are permitted to carry up to $10,000 USD in cash to Mexico, without the need to declare it. The traveler may also transport sums greater than ten thousand dollars, but they are required to advise customs if they are doing this.

Holbox is easy to navigate on foot, by bicycle or by golf cart – golf cart taxis are freely available and it's easy to rent a golf cart while on the island if you wish to explore by yourself.

It's recommended that you buy pesos before you land in Mexico, just in case you need the cash. According to this USA Today article, the most economical way to do this is to buy pesos from your bank in the U.S. Most banks will do this for free, especially if you're not withdrawing a significant amount of money.

Well, you throw your toilet paper in the garbage — not the toilet. If you're visiting from the U.S., this may come as a culture shock. The custom in Mexico is to throw your toilet paper in the garbage when using the bathroom. That's what everyone does.

Well, and this is quite often the case in rural Mexico, the solution is simple; grab a bucket, fill it with water and slosh from a great height onto your demon from the depths of hell. Usually when there's no flush available, there will be buckets kicking about the place and a giant vat of water to scoop from.

Carry Toilet Paper With You While Traveling in Mexico

Still, one of the most useful things to know before traveling to Mexico is that toilet paper simply isn't available in many restrooms and when it is you'll often need to pay to use some. This brings us to the next toilet tip…

Is it expensive in Holbox? ›

The average price of a 7-day trip to Isla Holbox is $1,761 for a solo traveler, $3,163 for a couple, and $5,929 for a family of 4. Isla Holbox hotels range from $73 to $335 per night with an average of $173, while most vacation rentals will cost $240 to $280 per night for the entire home.

How long is the Holbox ferry? The journey between Chiquila and Holbox is around 25 minutes depending on the wind.

Whale sharks, the biggest fish in the world, come every year to visit Holbox. And you can swim with it!

Is coffee safe in Mexico? Yes generally coffee is safe to drink throughout Mexico with many excellent coffee shops.

Although there will be some bacteria in the water from the tap it is fine to brush your teeth with, even if you are at a place where you can't drink the tap water.

Water delivered to homes in Mexico is suitable for showering and washing-up the dishes, but most people don't use unfiltered tap water for personal consumption. Whether the water dispensed from your home's tap in Mexico is fit for healthy consumption or not depends more about where, precisely, the tap is situated.

When Can I See Bioluminescence? Bioluminescence is a year-long phenomenon. In the summer months (June – September) and into Fall, we see a bioluminescence produced by a plankton called dinoflagellates.

For those who want to try and spot the bioluminescence while it sticks around, Scripps says the displays are best viewed from a dark beach at least two hours after sunset, though visibility is not guaranteed.

While the bio bays have some bioluminescence year-round, the best time of the year to visit them is during the dry season, from December to mid-April. Heavy rainfall can cloud the water and make it harder to see the glow from the dinoflagellates.

First, Isla Holbox is mosquito-full. We rarely got bit from mid-morning through late-afternoon. But around dusk and dawn, as if cued by the sun, the mosquitoes turn vicious. Fortunately, the risk for malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases is low-to-none.

Which Hawaiian island has the warmest water? ›

Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

It's ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States and has some of the warmest water, ranging from 77 to 82 degrees.

There are so many dolphins around the island of Holbox and they will very likely follow your boat if you are taking a tour around the island or on your way to see the whale sharks.

I'd recommend staying in Holbox for between three and five nights. That will give you a nice amount of time to relax into island life, sample some delicious food, soak up the views and enjoy a few tourist attractions in Isla Holbox.

The nightlife on the island is quite manageable compared to the big tourist centers in Cancún or Playa del Carmen. In many pubs there are often small live concerts or DJs who encourage their guests to stay longer.

With no cars and no worries, Holbox is famous for its bioluminescent waters and whalesharks. It truly is a place to behold. Holbox, properly pronounced “hol-bosh” is a rustic, tropical island located a few hours north of Cancun.

Getting Around Isla Holbox

The town of Holbox is very small and perfectly walkable, plus it's laid out in grid format so finding your way is easy. From the ferry port, it takes only 8 minutes to walk to the main square at the centre of town, and an extra two minutes to walk to the main hotels and hostels.

Holbox is 26 miles long – it would take you a couple of days to walk the length of it and back. Most visitors see as much as they can, slowly and sedately by bike, but if you're in a hurry – or if if you don't feel up to the exercise – you can rent a souped-up golf buggy and drive along the designated dirt roads.

Playa Holbox – the Main Beach

What is this? It's also BEAUTIFUL: think white sand and clear, shallow water that's perfect for swimming. There are tons of amenities here: with a great mix of restaurants, bars, and beach clubs on the sand to suit all tastes and budgets.

Mosquitoes in Holbox = One thing we did not like

Unfortunately it's mosquito season all year round but the mosquitoes are their worst in June. During the day prepare to get attacked by these tiny creatures. They're so tiny that the locals call them 'no-see-ums'. They are vicious so do come prepared.

Should I rent a golf cart in Holbox? ›

Rent a Golf Cart

These small vehicles are quite suitable for the poor sandy roads, as long as you avoid large puddles and potholes, and do not drive in loose sand. Otherwise, you can get stuck or the engine dies because it gets wet.

Wifi on Isla Holbox

All hotels and most restaurants have wifi, but it is very slow and unreliable! Some hotels even warn you for its slow wifi with signs in the room. As I just told you make sure you buy a local Telcel sim card, much better.

Generally, the Holbox crocodiles can be found much closer to the northwest tip of the island. But, you'll pretty much be guaranteed to see lots of small fish in the water. As well as a variety of birds on the shore and overhead.

It's often referred to as Mexico's “best-kept secret”, but where is Holbox Island, and what exactly is there to do? With no cars, streets lined with sand, and a swathe of palm-fringed beaches, the 41-kilometre-long island is the perfect getaway from the tourist traps of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Holbox receives its fair share of rain. Even the “dry” season is only relatively dry. You can expect almost daily rain from May – November, with the heaviest rain occurring from September – January.