What to choose between Holbox and Bacalar?
Are you planning a trip to Mexico and are not sure which two destinations to visit: Holbox and Bacalar?
Each of these destinations offers unique travel experiences that are worth exploring.
Holbox, with its paradisiacal beaches and unspoiled nature, is a dream destination for those looking to relax in a peaceful setting.
Bacalar is a historic city surrounded by a spectacular lagoon of turquoise waters.
Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation or a combination of both, we have the information you need to choose your ideal destination or to inspire you to visit both!
Holbox: far from the world in the quiet without network
Holbox is a small island off the northern coast of the Yucatan in Mexico. It is the perfect destination for those looking to relax in a beautiful and peaceful setting. Here are some reasons why you should visit Holbox:
- Beaches: Holbox is known for its white sandy beaches with crystal clear and shallow waters. Ideal for children and swimming.
- Nature: the island is surrounded by nature reserves, it is possible to observe birds, go hiking and explore the fauna and flora.
- Atmosphere: Holbox is a quiet, relaxing destination with a laid-back atmosphere. It is the perfect place to disconnect from the world.
How to get to Holbox Island!
To get to Holbox Island, there are several transportation options depending on your point of departure.
By plane, from Cancun International Airport is the closest to Holbox Island. Once you arrive at Cancun airport, you can take a cab or bus to Chiquila, a small town about 2 hours away. From there, you can take a ferry to Holbox Island.
By car, from Playa del Carmen, you can drive to Chiquila, a 1 hour 45 minute drive, and park your car there before taking the ferry to Holbox Island. From Cancun it is a 2 hour drive and from Tulum a 2.5 hour drive. The parking in Chiquila is 100 pesos for the day.
By bus, you can take a bus from Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum to Chiquila. Be sure to check the schedule on the ADO website or ask for the collectivos’ schedules on site because there are not many buses and they often fill up quickly.
Once in Chiquila, you can take a ferry to Holbox Island. The ferries leave every hour and the trip takes about 20-30 minutes. It is important to note that the ferries do not operate at night, so be sure to check the schedule and make arrangements in advance before making your trip.
Once on the island it is important to know that there are no cars, only golf carts.
What to do on Holbox Island?
Holbox Island is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and tranquility with plenty of authentic and unforgettable activities to do.
Find our list of things to do on this island paradise:
- Punta mosquito : beautiful and peaceful beach, ideal to relax and recharge. You can lie on the fine sand, swim in the crystal clear waters or simply walk along the beach. Book your excursion here.
- Birdwatching: is a gathering place for many species of birds, including flamingos, pelicans and herons.
- Water sports: Holbox Island is the ideal place to practice water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing and scuba diving. It is also possible to do fishing activities. Book your tour here.
- Boat Tour: You can take a boat tour to explore the island’s surroundings, including the Yalahau cenote, the Chiquilá lagoon and the surrounding islets. You can observe marine life, swim in natural pools and enjoy spectacular views of the coast. Book your tour here.
- Discover the bioluminescence: is a natural phenomenon, a magical and unique experience. When you swim in the water at night, you will see blue points of light emerging from the water around you. Book your tour here.
Holbox Island offers many activities for nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts and travelers who want to discover the tranquility and authenticity.
For more information on excursions, please contact our travel coaches.
Bacalar : far from the world between jungle and lagoon, peace and serenity assured
Bacalar is a small town located in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. It is an ideal destination for those looking to explore the natural wonders of the Quintana Roo region and relax in a magical setting. Here are some reasons why you should consider visiting Bacalar:
- The lagoon: is famous for its seven-colored lagoon, with crystal clear and shallow waters, ideal for water activities like swimming, kayaking and snorkeling.
- History: Bacalar is a city rich in history with Mayan vestiges and a fortress dating from the 17th century.
- Gastronomy: is a culinary destination, with a variety of traditional Mexican dishes to enjoy, such as fresh fish tacos and ceviches.
How to get to Bacalar in Mexico?
To get to Bacalar, a small town located in the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico, there are several transportation options depending on your point of departure.
You can get there from Cancun International Airport, which is the closest airport to Bacalar. Once you arrive at Cancun airport, you can rent a car or take a bus to Bacalar. The car ride takes about 5 hours and the bus ride takes about 6 hours.
By bus, to get there, you can take a bus from Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum to Bacalar Several bus companies serve this route including ADO and Mayab. Buses leave regularly throughout the day.
Or you can rent a car and drive to Bacalar via Federal Highway 307. The drive takes about 5 hours from Cancun, 4 hours from Playa del Carmen, 3 hours from Tulum and half an hour from Chetumal. From Valladolid, it also takes about 5 hours to get to Bacalar.
There is very little traffic on the 307 road from Tulum to Bacalar and no signal between Tulum and Felipe Carrillo Puerto so be prepared.
The road is quite direct from Playa del Carmen and Tulum but we invite you to be vigilant because speed bumps often announced at the last minute and for some not at all are on the road and especially at the approach of the villages you will cross.
It is important to note that the roads can be narrow and winding, especially if you have accommodation on the edge of the lagoon, so be careful if you drive.
What to do in Bacalar? Where to go swimming in Bacalar?
Bacalar is known for its crystal clear lagoon with 7 colors and its peaceful atmosphere. We list all the activities to do there:
- Discovery of the lagoon: is the main attraction of Bacalar with its beautiful lagoon with crystal clear waters and seven colors. You can swim, kayak, paddle or just relax on the beach. Book your tour here.
- Hiking in the nature reserve in the middle of the jungle: the Bacalar nature reserve is a great place for hiking, its forests overlooking its lagoon.
- Los rapidos: is a popular place for adventure lovers in Bacalar. It is a section of the lagoon that flows with currents that create rapids. You can go rafting here or just enjoy the scenery and let it wash over you.
- The Fort of San Felipe: is an old Spanish fortress built in 1729 to protect the city from pirates. It has been restored and turned into a museum where you can learn about the history of the area and enjoy panoramic views of the lagoon.
To swim in the Bacalar Lagoon, there are several places where you can do so. The most popular beaches are the public beach of Bacalar and the beach of Cocalitos which all have shallow waters and sandy bottoms.
Don’t hesitate to contact our travel coaches, to know all our excursions and our more personalized advices to discover Holbox Island and/or Bacalar.
Holbox and Bacalar are two incredible destinations to visit in Mexico.
If you are looking to relax in a peaceful setting, Holbox is the place for you.
If you are looking to explore the natural wonders of the area and learn about the local history and cuisine, Bacalar is the destination to choose.
Either way, you won’t be disappointed by the beauty and authenticity of these two wonderful places.
You can also discover the 16 must-see places in the Mayan River, in the Quintana Roo region of Mexico, by clicking here.
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