Holbox, Mexico

• More about your oliver guide: Nadine Curtis
• Trip type: Adult, Family, Group getaway, Solo, Beach
• Activity level: moderate
• Ideal length of trip: 4-6 days

to & from

Nadine:

Fly as direct as possible to Cancun. Then you have two options to get on island — taxi to the ferry which is 1.5 hour drive or better yet transfer on a small private Cessna if you are arriving during the day and don’t carry a lot of luggage as they have a strict weight limit. We flew on https://www.axtransporter.com.mx/ – after you get out from customs you have to shuttle to the private airport in Cancun which is a 10 minute ride.

There are no cars on island — ATV taxis and bikes only

Courtney:

We arranged transport through our hotel. This is a full days journey from SFO– direct flight, 2 hour car ride, 30 minute ferry and 10 minute “cab” ride.  If your flight lands in Cancun in the evening, past dusk, you need to drive to the ferry as opposed to fly on small plane as the small planes only fly during daylight hours.

Where to Stay

Nadine:

LOVED Casa Las Tortugas. Four of us gals bunked into a large two floor suite. Beautiful setting on the white sandy beach as well with a great restaurant and sushi bar as well as a pool and yoga and massage.

Courtney:

Casa Las Tortugas does not take kids so we stayed at Casa Sandra which we loved. Would also look into Aldea Kuka and Villas Flamingos as both looked nice. Many small hotels line the beach and are all very similar looking. I would not stay in town.

Where to Eat and Drink

Nadine:

Very casual dining on island. We ate at the hotel restaurant (breakfast was included) and local spots in town. A highlight was a local favorite cocktail “Blackarita” made with tequila and charcoal. and lots of fresh fish and simple elegant MEX food.

Courtney:

We heard that there are over 40 restaurants in Holbox… so many to choose from. We loved the food at Casa Sandra, though probably the most expensive on the island. Kids loved the Acai bowls at Palmetto on the beach. Big Fish for Ceviche, Parador 33 for nice dinner, Viva Zapata for fun kid friendly Mexican dinner.

What to Do

Nadine:

Lots of beach time, swimming, walking and we rented a private boat one day to take us to see wildlife including pink flamingos and a natural water cenote. There are fun shops to visit in town — more dream-catchers than one could imagine.

Courtney:

Bring good books and sunscreen and get ready to RELAX.  Get massages on the beach– one hour for about $25. We hope to go back in the Spring/Summer next time so we can swim with the whale sharks.

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inside scoop

Nadine:

Try a few fried grasshoppers 🙂

Courtney:

We forgot to try the grasshoppers… but would the crepes on the street in town and the gelato too.

skip it

Nadine:

I bowed out of the acro yoga class on the beach but my girlfriends loved it.

What to Pack

Nadine:

Very little. Weight restrictions and a soft bag keeps you from over packing. Yoga clothes are recommended and basically swimsuits and sarongs.

Courtney:

Cannot stress how casual this spot is. Do not bring fancy shoes as the streets are sand and can be somewhat muddy. You will walk everywhere. Birkenstock like shoes and flip flops are all you need.

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Nadine:

We traveled in early May and just missed the whale sharks as it was not quite the season. Pink flamingos was a second best.

Courtney: BE WARNED there is eel grass (seaweed) that piles up on shore and smells like the sewer.  Some days were worse than others depending on how the wind was blowing. It is not enough to stop us from going back but I have heard that others were more bothered by it.