Island Description & History
Of the 3 states in the Yucatan, only Quintana Roo is on both the Gulf & Caribbean. Of the 5 beautiful islands off the Yucatan, Isla Holbox, has some of the most amazing eco-tourism in the world. Isla Holbox was settled by pirates who intermarried with local Mayans living in the area. The descendants of the original 8 families still live there today.
Isla Holbox has about 2000 residents. It is a true island (need to take a ferry or hitch a ride on a fishing boat!) 7 miles north of the top tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. The Northern shore (facing the calm waters of the warm Gulf of Mexico) has become a true ‘hideout’ for Europeans, Canadians & Americans looking to enjoy the beautiful waters and beaches of Mexico without going near the likes of the hotels of Cancun. Isla Holbox is part of the protected eco-reserve Yum Balam. All transportation on the island is by golf carts, motorbikes or bicycles.
Windsurfing and kiteboarding have become a new pastime on Isla Holbox. The long, wide beaches make this tropical paradise the perfect place to learn ‘how to’ but please remember, you will have to bring your own equipment!
A recent article in an issue of "Islands Magazine" was the first article in a major travel magazine about Isla Holbox. The article tells the inside story on Isla Holbox & its secrets. To quote the author, "The people of Holbox are about as content as any people on planet earth!!" Since then the island has been sited by National Geographic Adventure, Travel & Leisure and the New York Times.
The island is very remote by US standards. There is no dentist, no full time doctor, no bank, no ATM machine, no movie theater, library, traditional shopping center or major supermarket and that is just how we like it! Before deciding to visit Holbox, we strongly recommend you prepare to change cultures and embrace the rustic but lovely way of life. For fishermen used to this type of trip, you will find Holbox to be an amazing place where the fishing is very productive. We began visiting to fish and have now bought a home, bringing our families and take vacations there regularly.
The island of Holbox does not have a bank or any ATM machines. You can exchange money in town at the internet café but from time to time they run out of Pesos! It's best to bring MEXICAN PESOS with you as most businesses do not accept credit cards, travelers checks, personal checks or other currencies. The only non Mexican currency usually accepted is the US dollar. Isla Holbox has spotty but decent cellular phone service, which works for most US carriers (BlackBerries and Treo's work too) and also has several internet cafes.
Adorable house with garden and swing set
Stairway to Heaven
Beach Palapas at one the island's classiest hotel Casa Sandra. There are several rustic, eco friendly and beautiful properties on the island including this one as well as Xaloc and Las Tortugas. (Casa Sandra has amazing food though expensive for Holbox). These 3 properties set the standard of excellence and luxury and in hospitality. All continually upgrade their properties, adding touches and decoration that show some of the best in taste and Mexican culture!
Gotta have a Beer Stand!
And one of the island's 2 disco's - you will have to ask what happened to the Crocodile that actually used to LIVE in the Disco!
The island has several festivals during the year which are very special they include: Christmas Week/New Years, Carnival (Feb), Fishing Contest (March), Fisherman Saints Parade (April), Dancing of Pig Heads (May), Marine Day (June).
There are many more and dates can change so if you are interested in being on the island during one of these amazing local holidays, please let me know and I will find out when exactly they are.