Holbox means Black Hole in Mayan – Don’t be surprised if you find it difficult to leave.

Isla Holbox, Mexico is an exquisite sand bar island situated at the north of the Yucatan Peninsula. It has streets  of the finest white sand and hammocks stretched between the palms.  The winds are reliable, the water is warm, the people are friendly and the fish are the freshest. That’s why we’re head back every year.

We’re based at Holbox Kiteboarding School, which is situated opposite Hotel Casa Las Tortugas a stunning hotel that is right on the main beach.

Holbox Kiteboarding School offers lessons catering to all levels beginners, advanced and Kitefoil riders alike.

Brand new equipment from slingshot and Axis Kiteboarding is available also for rent. They have their own passenger boat and rescue rib for excursions to other spots.

The conditions on Holbox are perfect for  Kite Foilboarding and Wing Foil.

Isla Holbox Kite Spots

Main Beach –Lagoon and sandbar near Las Nubes Hotel

• SW-ENE are the best directions for this spot.
• Normally Blows N-ENE
• Super Flat Water – chop
• Slightly tricky launch / Use the lagoon to launch its safer.
• Please note kiteboarding south of Las Nubes hotel is currently restricted.

  

Playa Ensenada – A short boat trip around to the next beach. Its pure white sand and palms stretch for over 25km with no-one else there. Not many people have kited the entire beach.

• NW – SE will work here
• Normally Blows N-SE
• Small chop – small waves
• Easy launch
• Some currents at La Punta Mosquito  can make the wind feel lighter than it is or vice versa.

El Bajo or Punta Caracol – sand bars off-shore that we sometimes access by boat

• wind direction SE-SW
• Only used when a special trip is organised and tides allow.

**Please note that their is a requirement to pay a 10usd fee for kiting in Holbox. This goes directly to the local community and is payable at HKS or in the mayors office. You will receive a copy of the island’s kite rules and a bracelet to wear on your harness. It is valid for one year.

**Kiting from the hotel zone, Punta Coco and Isla Passion is still prohibited please only kite in the zones given to us. They are huge and offer excellent conditions.

Wind Season

The winds run from November through until May. The winter tends to get winds from the North. El Norte – These tend to be quite strong and will see smaller kites 7m – 12m in the air and tend to last from 1-3 days. Then from end of January onwards the wind tends to change to a more easterly direction. Generally a little lighter but more consistent than the winter with my main kite being  12m and Cathy’s 10m.

See our post about the wind season on Holbox.

Places to stay

Casa Las Tortugas is a stunning hotel situated right on the main beach.  It has two restaurants of its own with spectacular views of the sunset. If you want a little luxury and relaxation in your stay then this is the place.

Hostel Tribu a beautifully designed buzzing & vibrant hostel. Full of folks from all over the world. We’ve spent a lot of time in hostels whilst travelling and this one is right up at the top of the list. It has one of the most lively bars on the island and so many things going on you can never get bored. Live music, Body-painting, Quiz nights, Parties and Jam sessions to name but a few.

If you’re on a tighter a budget or backpacking around then this is by far the best option in town.

Places to eat

Holbox is small in size but it has a superb ever growing selection of restaurants to choose from. Varying from the most basic right up to top class dining. Whether you want only a taco or fresh lobster you’ll be able to find it within a 3 block radius of the main square.

Dont’ miss:

• Painapol – Amazing breakfasts and lunches. You’ll meet Valerio, he’s a mad keen kiter.
• Tacoqueto – for when you need a good taco in a hurry.
• Mandarina – Situated in Casa Las Tortugas, delicious top notch food with great views. Lamb ribs are my recommendation or go up stairs to the incredible roof  for sunset sushi.
• Milpa – High class Mexican dining
• LUUMA – Super Stylish place, with food and coctktails to match
• Cerviche is one of my favourite dishes on the island. Fresh fish marinated in lime, onion, tomato, coriander with a little Salsa habanera – its unbeatable!
• Caguamas or cocktails on a rooftop/hamaca at sunset. A Caguama is a large 940ml beer. Cerveza is counted as one of the 5 a day in Mexico.

No wind activities

• SUP
• Kayak tours into the mangroves with Hostel Tribu
• Fishing – shore / boat / fly (the best lure fishing I’ve ever experienced from the shore)
• Chilling in a hammock
• Margarita’s or Tequila
• Boat trips to see dolphins, flamingos or your own deserted beach.
• Get off the island for a little while and visit the Mayan pyramids – Coba, Chichen Itza or Ek Balam
• Bird watching

If you are planning a trip or need further info please drop me a line: jonny@whenitswindy.com

or check El Holboxeno for a more up to date guide on food and festvities

We hope to see you there.