Mi Viejo Chit

Holbox is hard to reach if it’s your first time traveling there. I speak Spanish, have whatsapp, and like adventure, and I still found it medium to high difficulty. The staff here were a LIFE SAVER, helping me book the airport minivan to the harbor, which takes hours of waiting, then 3 hours en route, followed by another half hour on the ferry. I wouldn’t recommend Holbox to inexperienced, fearful, rushed, unlucky, or non-Spanish speaking travelers. If that doesn’t describe you, it’s worth one trip. The streets flooded from rain the week I was there, which is typical in Nov-Dec. Even with beautiful weather, it takes 1-2 weeks for the water to drain. You have to kind of crawl around to reach the hotel, and should prepare for mud and ruined shoes. Slipping is ACTUALLY dangerous. The beach is okay, and the island is rustic and quaint. Food is generally lower quality and higher priced than in most other tourist spots in Mexico. I don’t think I’ll return to Holbox, but if I had a reason to, I’d stay at this hotel again. I was very happy with the stay and service: everything was clean and safe, I slept very well, and the AC and shower worked great.

We had a very good stay as a couple at Mi Viejo Chit. It’s right beside the middle of town, close to everything but not right in the middle of the noise. There are just four apartments, managed by a guy who lives next door. He’s very nice, speaks okay English, and you can pay by card. When we arrived the door was locked and we had to look for him, but just call the number in your booking and he’ll come out. We stayed in an upstairs apartment. The quality was good, though not perfect, and it had what you’d need: a fridge, TV with HDMI, tosti maker, microwave, cabinet, and some soaps. The balcony was lovely, with two chairs per apartment. Unfortunately, the two apartments’ balconies aren’t separated, so you practically have to share the appartement. Cleaning staff come in every day, which is needed with all the sand you bring in. Holbox is one big sandy island without roads. It’s good value if you need a decent place to sleep and hang out during the day. Nothing special, just good.

We had a mostly positive whale shark snorkeling tour with Glendy. Our hotel, Las Nubes, connected us with the company, which arranged a trip for the next day. The weather was near-perfect, and our group of 10 filled the boat. It took 60 minutes to reach the best spotting area where two ocean currents meet. I’d plan for a day with good weather and calm seas. I’m not convinced it would be enjoyable in rough water, and I question how safe the small tour boats are in those conditions. The guides were experienced and helpful, and the trip had full approvals from the regularity authorities, who help enforce rules against overcrowding. Sightings were sparse that day, and 15 boats gathered at the same spot. Everyone stayed a safe distance from the fish, and swimmers took turns, two at a time from each boat. I’d prefer booking an operator who takes a smaller group on an independent trip. Those operators were fully booked for the whole week, though, and with them there’s a much greater chance of spending the day searching in vain and returning disappointed. We stopped for lunch on a beautiful beach at the northeastern tip of Holbox, and saw manta rays, dolphins, and flamingos along the way.

Renting a car in holbox was my worst experience. Better to take taxis. The golf car didn’t work as it should, and we struggled to start it every day. On the last day it got a flat tire, and nobody at the principal office answered when we called for help. When we returned it, the front desk lady laughed at our complaints and charged the full amount, with no discount for all the trouble.