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6 Important Things Travelers Need To Know Before Visiting This Island Near Cancun 

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Holbox is an incredibly beautiful island about two hours plus a 25-minute ferry ride from Cancun Airport.   

It’s known for its bohemian vibe, laid-back atmosphere, and stunning beaches.   

Holbox is the perfect destination for those looking to escape to an island paradise, but nothing is ever as perfect as it seems, so there are 6 important things that travelers need to know before visiting this island near Cancun.   

View of a beach in Holbox, Mexico

The Streets Flood When It Rains 

Part of the charm of Holbox is the rustic nature of the island, including the sandy roads that run through the tourist area.   

The problem is the drainage issues that cause flooding when Holbox gets rain.   

In some cases, when the rain is extensive, the streets can become completely submerged in certain areas, making it difficult to get around the island.   

@lucieonmars Lets go to the beach: Isla Holbox Edition ☀️ #holbox #travel ♬ Good Vibes (Instrumental) – Ellen Once Again

It’s A Car-Free Island 

Another thing that makes Holbox the charming island it is, is that it is car-free, at least in theory.   

There are gas-powered golf carts on the island that can be rented to get around the island, but keep in mind that they can get bogged down if you get stuck in the rain.   

You can also rent bikes to get around, but the island is small, or at least the portion you’ll want to explore is, so you can walk to most places too.   

@krissiradio Only Golfcarts allowed on #holboxisland 🏝 #traveltiktok #travelbucketlist #travelmexico #travellife #mexicotiktok #golfcartsontiktok ♬ Del Mar – Solo Version – Ozuna

It’s Busier And More Crowded Than It Used To Be 

Holbox has always been viewed as a more secluded escape from the other busy resort towns in the Mexican Caribbean, but it’s much busier and more crowded these days.   

Word has gotten out about the island and it has become extremely popular, so much so that it is becoming overdeveloped, according to the opinions of some.   

In 2018 there were less than 2,000 hotel rooms on the island, and today there are more than 2,500, if that’s any indication of its growing popularity.   

@thisiskhunie Night life in Holbox, Mexico 🇲🇽 #chill #holbox #mexico #nightlife #jungle #island #foryoupage #fypシ #trip #nightout ♬ Me Porto Bonito – Bad Bunny & Chencho Corleone

Best Area To Stay To Avoid Flooded Streets Is On The Beach 

If you want to visit Isla Holbox but you’re worried about dealing with the flooded streets during your trip, the best place to stay is on the beach.   

Both the west and the east sides of the island have beachfront hotels, but there are more restaurants, bars, and shops in the western part of Holbox.   

Staying here will allow you to avoid the town if you experience flooding during your trip.   

@alleivatravel ¡HOSPEDAJE frente al mar en HOLBOX! 😱🌊 El Hotel Casa Muuch Holbox se ubica a pocos pasos de la playa de Holbox, Este hotel cuenta con piscina al aire libre y habitaciones con aire acondicionado, WiFi gratuita y baño privado. ✅ Todas las mañanas se sirve un desayuno a la carta. 🍱 Punta Coco se encuentra a 1,2 km del Hotel Boutique Casa Muuch Holbox y es una opción a solo para Adultos. ✅✅ . . #alleivatravel #holbox #islaholbox #cancun #cancunmexico #rivieramaya #quintanarro #caribe #caribemexicano #beach #playasdemexico #travel #turismo ♬ sonido original – Alleiva Travel

Golf Cart Taxis Are Known To Overcharge 

Just like in any other vacation destination, despite the quaintness and laid-back island vibe, tourists are often overcharged for certain things.   

In Holbox, one of those things is a ride on a golf cart taxi.   

While not all golf cart taxis overcharge, some tourists have reported being charged as much as $15 for a ride of only a few minutes.   

@kimstaggram This is how you get around in Isla Holbox, this island has my ❤️ #islaholbox #mexico #taxi #golfcart #islandlife #puntomosquito ♬ One Side – Iyanya

There Are Swarms Of Mosquitoes 

Likely due much to the water drainage problems on the island, there are swarms of mosquitoes on the island as well.   

Ironically, there is an area of the island called Punta Mosquito, and locals even refer to Holbox as the “island of mosquitoes.”   

They are the worst when the sun goes down, but as long as you bring plenty of strong insect repellent, you’ll be okay.   

@paigeecopeland mosquito spray! factor 50! and plenty of cash 😂 #backpacking #mexico #holbox #islaholbox ♬ original sound – Paige Copeland | Travel

Getting To Holbox 

To get to Holbox you’ll fly into Cancun International Airport and rent a car or book transportation for the two-hour trip to Chiquila.   

From there, you’ll take a 25-minute ferry ride to the island, which costs about $13 each way.   

Once on the island, you can walk or hail a taxi to get to your hotel and start enjoying all that this beautiful island has to offer. 

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