History of Holbox Island

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Written by: Conrad Alvarado · Updated 12 September, 2025 · 2 min reading

The history of Holbox island is short but powerful. From pirates to refugees had occupied this beautiful spot in the Riviera Maya. Discover about them! 

When does the history of isla holbox begins?

In most of the documents found on the history of Holbox this dates from the end of the 19th century, however, to know the history of Holbox Island, we have to go back to the time when the Mayans inhabited these lands. Holbox was never uninhabited, this island was part of the chiefdom of Ekab, the Mayans came to settle on the island for the fishing season, after the arrival of the Spanish to Mayan lands, there was also the presence of European pirates and corsairs prowling the area as part of the reality of those times, and because of the strategic position that Holbox represented at that historical point.

First settlers in holbox history

Fast-forward a few more years, in July 1847, the most important peasant revolution of the 19th century in Latin America arose, called The Caste War, this detonated the refuge of the inhabitants of the continental mass These refugees began to colonize the different islands, and The first settlers date back to 1852, when the Yucatecan government found out about this occupation, it forced the eviction, but the inhabitants of the island refused, two years later they are recognized as “neighbors of Holbox” and the city was located in what is known today as the old Holbox.

Holbox history in the 20th century.

 
When the Caste War ends, two large companies settle in Holbox, causing thousands of immigrants to decide to live on the island, but in 1886 a hurricane destroys the island so the city moves to where it is today.

In 1902, when the state of Quintana Roo was created, Holbox was added to this federation.

Now, it has turn into an alternative touristic spot for its calm waters and bohemian lifestyle. Discover the Holbox Real Estate Opportunities!


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