A little piece of paradise on earth, gorgeous, tiny – and not a secret hotspot anymore. Before our trip to Mexico, we were searching for a beach spot, which is not too crowded.
Which is the case with Holbox. But all the signs indicate it won’t stay like that any longer. Resorts are springing out like mushrooms and the infrastructure is quite well developed. It is said to have been really different just a year ago.
But let’s stop being negative. Either way, this island is a little paradise. Compared to other Yucatán beaches, this island still offers you some space for enjoying alone, sometimes.
The beach on the North West side of the island is powdery soft. The sea has green-turquoise colour and some rare birds feel pretty comfy here. We actually mostly stayed at this part of the island.
Exploring the island with a golf cart
At the time of our arrival, we could not yet check in to our hotel (Hotel Tierra del Mar). We spent the time very well by renting a golf cart for an hour. These are the primary vehicles used on the island. Though Holbox is tiny enough that you wouldn’t need any.
But it was perfect to explore the island and get a quick overview. We love to have a plan especially if our time is short and we really want to know how to make the best out of it.
As the roads are really uneven, we recommend you to rent fat bikes or new golf carts. And ladies better wear sports bras while sitting on the golf carts.
Power relaxing on Holbox
This puts it in a nutshell. You can spend the most relaxing days of your life in Holbox. You just need to want it.
If you need activity, you can make a boat tour or rent a kayak to explore the mangroves. Maybe this is something for those who stay longer on the island.
All others should just do nothing. The evenings are perfect to have a drink or to admire the beautiful street art of the island. Or just enjoy the delicious food. Why not combine it?
Watching the sunset is obligatory on Holbox
The only ‘date’ you have to think about here is the sunset. Humans, dogs, pelicans and seagulls of the island all gather together to enjoy the sunset on a daily basis.
Each one of the sunsets was amazing. This alone would be reason enough to stay longer.
Sandbanks and hammocks – move east at low tide
This is exactly what you should do. Especially before noon, its the best time to discover sea dwellers which hide during high tide. We observed a sea star entrenching itself in the sand. Or conchs who prefer privacy when ‘knocking on their door’. (See video above)
During low tide, you can go as far out in the sea as you like to and you’ll still stand in the water just knee-deep. The many little fish swimming around your legs are the cherry on the top of this cliché paradise.
Before our trip, I discovered the famous hammocks of the island on Instagram. Of course, we HAD TO relax in one of those.
While most people try to take good pictures at the first hammocks you see coming from the town, you’ll have two hammocks on your own going a little bit further in front of the Hotel Villas Flamingos. If you think, swings in the sea are amazing (Gili Trawangan), wait until you try hammocks in the sea. You’ll love it.
Animal life on Holbox
I just mentioned it shortly. Isla Holbox is home to some rare birds. While pelicans and seagulls are the ‘ethnic majority’ of the Caribbean, we also loved to observe the cormorants presenting a great flight show to us.
Holbox may be the last place on the Yucatán peninsula where you can actually spend such a relaxed quiet holiday. It probably won’t stay like this any longer. Nevertheless, we would love to come back. Next time we’ll definitely stay longer.
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