Isla Holbox Facts
Interesting Facts about Isla Holbox
1. Isla Holbox (pronounced HOL-bahsh) is an island, approximately 2.5 miles long and 1 mile wide, located roughly 40 miles NW of Cancun. It takes around 2.5 hours to reach the island by boat, from the mainland.2. AEROSAAB offers air taxi service to the island, from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Isla Mujeres, and Cozumel. The only airstrip on Isla Holbox is eco-friendly and was made from only grass and conch shells.
3. Interesting Fact: The island was founded by pirates, over 150 years ago. The pirate ships would go to a nearby lagoon to get fresh water. Some of the pirates decided to stay and marry local Mayan people living in the area. Descendants of the 8 original families still live on Isla Holbox today.
4. The population of Isla Holbox is around 2,000 people. Many of the island's inhabitants are fishermen.
5. Isla Holbox is the quintessential "sleepy little fishing village" and remains unspoiled, due to it's inaccessibility from the mainland of the Yucatan Peninsula.
6. Fun Fact: There are no paved roads on Isla Holbox. All roads are made of sand.
7. The only forms of transportation on the island are golf carts, motor bikes, bicycles, and of course, walking. There are companies on the island that rent out golf carts and bicycles.
8. There are no ATMs, banks, or major supermarkets or shopping areas on Isla Holbox. There are also no dentists, or full-time doctors.
9. The only currencies accepted on the island are Mexican Pesos and US Dollars. Some businesses will only accept Pesos. Personal checks & travelers checks are not accepted. Credit cards are accepted at a few businesses, but expect to pay a high surcharge for the convenience of using your card. There is a place to exchange Dollars for Pesos, on the island, but it's not uncommon for them to run out of Pesos. The best thing to do is to take plenty of Pesos with you.
10. There are quite a few eco-friendly hotels and guest houses on Isla Holbox, ranging from budget to luxury accommodations.
11. The island is separated by the mainland of the Yucatan Peninsula by a shallow lagoon, which is home to pelicans, flamingos, and other birds.
12. Isla Holbox's main form of tourism income comes from tour operators that take people out to see whale sharks and manta rays. There are also fishing tours available and the big game fishing in the area is incredible. The best spot for fishing is at Cabo Catoche, where the currents from the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet.
Things to See in Isla Holbox
