Ever since I saw a picture of it a few years ago, visiting the island of Holbox has been at the top of my bucket list.  And this October, I was lucky enough to make it a reality during my 2 week journey around Mexico and Colombia.

Holbox is a small island off the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It is easily reached from Cancun and Merida, but the journey takes 3-4 hours. This means that so far it has avoided the same volume of crowds and commercialism that has swept similar areas such as Tulum and Cancun. 

If you can fit in a trip to Holbox, I highly recommend it. And sooner rather than later, before the tourism takes over (which it sadly inevitably will).

Like almost everywhere on the planet, what you see on Instagram is only one side of the story. Holbox had its highlights and challenges the same as any destination.

So I’m compiling a list of EVERYTHING you need to know about Holbox. The Good, the Bad and the Gorgeous

Here is my insider scoop on all things Holbox.

(Holbox Hacks, if you will).

The Good

The Food

• The food here is incredible and Holbox had the most vegetarian options of anywhere I went in Mexico. Unlike most islands, there were also plenty of non-fish options on the menu.

Holbox Hammocks

• It wouldn’t be a trip to Holbox, without trying out on of the hammocks scattered along the shore. If photography matters to you, get up early as once the sun breaks through it can be hard to find an empty one.

Island Tranquillity

• As I mentioned at the start, Holbox hasn’t bee overrun by commercialism (yet). This means there are no high rise hotels and things still feel authentic and local. Dont get me wrong, there are plenty of tour guide stall selling airport shuttles and kayak rentals, but there is still an overall rustic feel.

Affordability

• For a tropical island, Holbox was affordable. The hotels are all small and boutique. I paid £47 a night for a double room with balcony, pool and rooftop hammocks. (There was also a hammock in the room, they really love hammocks there…)

The Bad

The Mosquitoes

• There is legit a spot on Holbox called Mosquito Island. I did not go there.
• I accidentally cycled through a swarm of mosquitos without repellant on and acquired 22 bites in about 10 seconds, it was a low-light for sure.
• Get in the habit of applying repellent in the evenings even if you don’t feel them, because once it starts, it doesn’t stop!

When it Rains, it Pours

• The “roads” are made of sand and when it rains, it RAINS. You’re going to want shoes that you can wash or throw away!
• Flip flops are a good shout for getting to and from the beach, but if you visit Holbox in rainy season (I went in October), expect muddy thighs from the splash back.

Prepare to Disconnect

• Possibly one for the ‘Good’ column. The WiFi on Holbox is glitchy at best and non existent at worst. My hotel advertised free wifi, but what they meant was “momentary pockets of connection in the reception area only.”
• Holbox is the ultimate destination for a break from the internet and technology, but be wary if you are a digital nomad & need to work here.
• Similarly, there are little to no ATMs on the island, so come prepared with cash to be safe.

The Gorgeous

Just incase you still need convincing…