What NOT to do on ISLA HOLBOX, MEXICO

One of Mexico's best-kept secrets is Isla Holbox, a dreamy Caribbean island near Cancun. These are the scams, tourist traps, and mistakes you should avoid when visiting.

Isla Holbox (Holbox Island) has been on our Mexico travel bucket list for a while now. We finally had the chance to visit for a week and quickly encountered some tourist traps, scams, and vacation-ruiners that we want to help others avoid. These are some of the things we'll be sharing in this Holbox, Mexico travel guide:

- Internet speed and cell reception at Isla Holbox
- How the sun can sabotage your trip
- Isla Holbox weather and the best time of year to visit Holbox
- Is Holbox expensive? (How to avoid overpaying at Isla Holbox)
- How to get to Isla Holbox
- Are credit cards accepted on the island?
- How long should you stay on Holbox?
- Tips on paying with USD and pesos
- Transportation on Isla Holbox
- How to get the best price for tours at Holbox
- Advice on dealing with mosquitoes and bugs on the island
- Things you shouldn't miss on Isla Holbox

Stay tuned for next week's video, a Holbox vlog where we see bioluminescence, watch sunsets from Punta Cocos, dine at some of the awesome restaurants on the island, visit a beach club, and more!

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[angiemylius]

So I’m sitting on the beach in Holbox last week and I here this voice that I recognized. I looked up and it was Maddie and Jordan walking down the beach. I said, hey I know you guys from YouTube and my husband and I ended up having dinner with world! Anyway, this is our fourth trip to Holbox in 5 years and this place is magical! We’ve traveled all over Mexico and around the globe and Holbox just has this amazing chill old school Mexican vibe that we love! Yes, it is hot and humid July, August, and September and the bugs can be intense; however, in February and March the weather is dry and cooler with no bugs. The sunsets here are to die for and the people are extremely friendly. It’s a no short and no shoes kinda place. Keep watching Maddie and Jordan’s videos because I think the next video may tell you just how much they loved this place. Peace from Michelangelo 😜

[dominiquetheeasyminimalist]

I was there for four nights last February as the last stop on my Yucatan region trip, and LOVED it! I walked everywhere, and rented a bike for one day. I was located at the end of the island in Punta Coco, where I had rented a newly renovated cabana. Bug spray is a must! That island is a perfect example of beach life, relax, disconnected, slow walking, and it’s possible to find almost empty beaches and nooks to nap, read and listen to the birds. It is pricey, but not like « luxury » pricey, and there are amazing restaurants.Totally worth it! Cheers from Montreal!

[BobdePlayas]

My wife and I really enjoy watching your travels through Mexico. We are in our mid-70"s and have done much of what you two are doing but without a YouTube channel. You make us young again and wish we could give you some hints that may make your journeys more interesting. My wife is from a town near San Blas, Nayarit, but we learned to go to Tepic during summer. We even owned a house there. You have a huge job to counter the anti-Mexican media from the US. All power to you, . With your enthusiasm, you can do it. We are from San Diego and spend lots of time in Baja and even have a house on the beach in Playas de Tijuana, only 15 minutes from our San Diego house. Keep it up. I wish they had AirB&B when we traveled. Now, health keeps us closer to the US. Have you been to Patzcuaro, and you have to drive through Michoacan. Sixty years driving through Mexico. And still lots to see. My the way, I didn't know any Spanish when I took my first trip when I was single. My first words were, "llena el tanque con rojo". I progressed to a beautiful Mexicana and two beautiful kids. Now all dual citizens. Adios Viajes Manderinas.

[Otips]

I respect and value the work of Tangerine Travels, but it's important to point out that not everybody is as sensitive to walking and exploring during the summer heat. I traveled to Isla Holbox in August of 2016 and enjoyed a very relaxing adventure backpacking through the Yucatan Peninsula including Isla Holbox. The water was very warm - too warm, but that was only a small inconvenience to the wonderful time I had listening to music, riding the golf carts, and eating good food and learning from the locals. The sand flies at the beach at night are a killer - be forewarn! The power goes out periodically but you get used to it and the ATMs are non-reliable and often times are out of cash so definitely bring Pesos. The vibe was very international - there were travelers from Europe and all around Latin America. Biggest tip I have is: remember you're on Island time - there's no rush, so crack open an adult refreshment and enjoy nature's beauty. Also, ADO (first class bus) from Cancun takes you to the drop off point where you take the ferry to Isla Holbox. Safe travels!

[detzerkcetz]

I really love how you are addopting the mexican habilities to avoid scams, and learning how to face them. As a mexican i'm really proud about how much you have learned about here and i really consider you more mexican than other people that i know. ❤️

[scottsmith]

I had never even heard of this place until about a month ago. Then I get a notice that the Tangerines are there! Thanks for posting! And yes I would love to see more videos on the Riviera Maya, especially from places lesser known (like Isla Holbox).

[kensjanafehr]

once again a video with alot of needed information, hope you were able to relax and unwind between all your filming!!

[Hellcat-deyq]

I've been seeing your videos and now I feel like taking a trip to Mexico because I'm tried of going to my home island of Puerto rico I need a change.

[boblindner]

Another thing not to do in Holbox is pronounce it "Whole Box" like a gringo, instead of "Whole Bosch" like a native. Full disclosure: up until this video I was pronouncing it wrong!

[joshzinn]

Just wanted to send you both a quick thank you for this channel. My husband and I (we're in Seattle) only recently decided to make our way down south, perhaps permanently (hey, we'll see where the day takes us!), and between the two of us we've been CONSUMING your videos. Alas and alack, I don't really have anything more profound or witty to say, but thank you both for being A: entertaining B: super informative and C: so dang nice. Seriously, it's so nice to see folks approach new experiences with a smile and kindness. Take care and have fun!

[amluy]

I’ve been to this island. THE BEST Mexican vacation I’ve ever had . Not the easiest place to get to but worth the journey . I noticed some comments from discouraged viewers... I kinda like that. I’d love to see this island keep a quaint and paradisal vibe with just enough tourists to keep it going.

[MyTrishAdvisor]

Man you guys give SO MUCH info it's amazing! Yeah take your own advice wear sunscreen!! Jajaja. These troubles in paradise seem like a great place to disconnect and relax. I normally like 3 nights there. It's just perfect! Love you guys!

[LuciaNicholson]

We love Holbox as the perfect place for us to really unplug from life and relax. The people of the island have always been amazing. I can’t say enough good things about the place.

[meridadiane]

I agree with everything you said 💯‼️ I'm still recovering from my no-see-ums bites from a month ago 😢 But the island is sooo charming‼️🏝️

[yvonneacosta]

Thank you for the education on Isla Holbox. I've learned alot about Mexico thanks to your channel. Stay safe.

[melissahurtado]

I think I understand why some people say 2-3 days is enough. I have a hard time just “doing nothing”. I wish I could just chill! 😂 Heading to one of your favorite spots, Vegas, tomorrow! 😍

[sandralee]

my honey and I been here for 12 days now and we have experienced all and more that you say !! every. single. point. i appreciate your viewpoint, so spot on and useful ! we are enjoying ourselves immensely - and know Mexico will always be all these pros and cons - and that’s the beauty of the paradise known as Mexico- if you choose to be a visitor to this country -don’t expect the over- comfort that the Americans and Europeans have come to take for granted ... and btw, the pronunciation is OOL Bosh ... the H is silent 🇲🇽 Viva Mexico !! 🇲🇽 🇲🇽

[dznutz]

Thanks for the tips. Isla Holbox is one of my desired vacation spots.

[kovalskibethyname]

you guys do a superb job in teaching people about all the little things in Mexico that can make you lose money without being aware. thank you ! good job guys :)

[MrSgtau]

Interesting. I hadn't heard of Isla Holbox until this video, but will have to check it out sometime. I was in Isla Mujeres a week ago, and enjoyed it. No bug problem there, at least for me.