Isla Holbox, Mexico: The Complete Guide To This Island Paradise

A small island off Cancun, Isla Holbox couldn’t be farther away from the noise and the crowds of the party city. With this ultimate guide to Isla Holbox, discover why the island is Yucatan’s best-kept secret + the best things to do in Holbox, how to get to Holbox and Holbox best restaurants and accommodations.

Isla Holbox is Paradise. You’ve never heard of it? Well, imagine a happy island with no roads, white beaches fringed by palms, flamingos, breathtaking sunsets and colorful cocktails sipped on a hammock. This is Holbox, Yucatan’s best-kept secret… that without a doubt, should be in your Yucatan road trip itinerary.

They say Isla Holbox is going to be the “next Tulum”, but I really hope they’re wrong. As much as I love the hippie-chic vibe of Tulum, what makes Holbox so special is the lack of crowds, of all-inclusive resorts, and that chill atmosphere that reminded me of beach towns in Southeast Asia.

But now I want to give you all the info you need to plan your own trip to Holbox… just sssshhhh! Keep it a secret!

HOW TO GET TO HOLBOX FROM CANCUN, PLAYA DEL CARMEN, AND OTHER DESTINATIONS

I’ve written full guides on how to get to Holbox! You can check the detailed posts below, or get some quick info on this post.

How To Get from Playa del Carmen to Holbox
How To Get from Cancun to Holbox
How To Get from Tulum to Holbox

Getting to Holbox Island: Isla Holbox Ferries + Bus / Shared Shuttle

If you want to travel independently and/or you are on a budget, your best option is taking a bus or shuttle to the Chiquilà port and then a 30-minute ferry to Holbox Island.

There are a few companies that offer a bus transfer to the Chiquilà port: ADO, Mayab, and Oriente. You can check out here a full timetable with all the bus options from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Merida, and Valladolid. I always recommend checking on the bus company’s website for the correct schedule, though, as the buses tend to change their schedule rather frequently.

➤ The shared shuttle is another great and cheap option. The ride takes about two hours from Cancun and there are multiple departures per day. Once you’re at Chiquila, take a short ride by ferry to Isla Holbox (cost: about 10 USD). There are two companies running the Holbox ferry to and from the island, Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos, and they are both fine.

➤ You can also buy the shuttle + ferry combo ticket which includes the transportation to Chiquila from Cancun, and also the ferry to Isla Holbox. It costs USD 44 and takes around 3 hours. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

If you need to go from Holbox to Cancun airport, you can easily transfer from Cancun city to another bus to the airport, they are rather frequent.

Private Transfer: Cancun to Holbox and Playa del Carmen to Holbox shuttle

If you’d rather go with a private driver and want a door-to-door transfer, you can get a private transfer. The transfer will pick you up at your hotel, bring you to the Chiquila ferry, and once you get off the ferry there will be a golf cart taxi waiting for you to bring you to your hotel.

This might be the most convenient way if you are coming from Mexico City to Cancun by plane, and want to transfer to Holbox directly from the airport.

There are several companies offering the service. I do NOT recommend going with MosquiTours, as they were two hours late for our transfer and gave us 3 different versions as an excuse.

➤ The best transfer option I found is this Private Luxury Transfer from Cancun Airport to Holbox, which costs 149 USD per group of up to 3 passengers. Considering that most companies I checked out offer the same service for 90-140 USD per person, this is by far the best rate. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Private Flights to Holbox from Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, and Cozumel

AeroSaab offers private flights to Holbox in case you don’t have much time or you want to combine the transfer with amazing aerial views of the island. A private plane will cost you 700 USD from Cancun or Playa del Carmen, which is not that bad if you are sharing it between 5 people.

However, I don’t recommend this option because we all try to be green, right? Let’s try and respect the environment!

ISLA HOLBOX TOURS FROM CANCUN, PLAYA DEL CARMEN AND RIVIERA MAYA

If you don’t have enough time to spend a few days on the island, you can still tour Holbox by joining a Holbox Island tour from Cancun or Riviera Maya.

➤ The Holbox Island Tour with Transfer Options is a super popular Isla Holbox tour from Playa del Carmen or Cancun as it takes you swimming at Yalahau Island, and also on a visit to Isla Pájaros and Isla Pasion. You’ll enjoy lunch at a beachside restaurant and a tour around the island in a golf cart before heading back. The tour includes transportation. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

HOW TO MOVE AROUND ISLA HOLBOX

The best part about Isla Holbox? There are no cars or paved roads. Transportation in Isla Holbox is limited to golf carts, the occasional ATV, or bicycles.

Taxi in Holbox

When you get off the ferry, you’ll probably need a golf cart taxi ride to your hotel; the ride shouldn’t cost more than 40-60 MXN depending on the location of your hotel. The golf cart taxis are always readily available around the town center in case you need a ride somewhere; most rides cost 50 MXN.

Rent a bike in Isla Holbox

Renting a bike in Isla Holbox is one of the best ways to get around Isla Holbox, as the island is small enough that you’ll be able to go everywhere by bike. Renting a bike is easy; most hotels provide guests with bikes, or go around the main square and ask around. Renting a bike will cost you around 20-40 MXN an hour (1-2 USD) or 150-200 MXN for a whole day (7-10 USD).

Holbox golf cart rental

Look, a bike can be fun, but a golf cart? Insanely fun to drive around for one day. Ask your guesthouse or any rental place in the center for one; there’s plenty of them, so you won’t miss them.

A rental for 12 hours (8 AM-8 PM) costs approximately 1600 MXN (80 USD), but you can also rent it by the hour or haggle a price. You don’t need to have a license and it’s very easy to drive, so anyone can do it!

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN HOLBOX, MEXICO

Holbox isn’t a big island, but there are quite a few things to do in Isla Holbox. Here are the most popular ones.

Walk to the flamingos in Holbox

Part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve, this place is as Caribbean as it gets in Mexico. An idyllic white sandbank in the middle of the ocean brings you right to Punta Mosquito, where if you’re lucky you’ll be able to spot the beautiful flamingos.

Don’t expect anything like Aruba’s flamingos though – these are wild animals, and won’t let you get very close to them. Locals say you can find some all year round, but officially the Holbox flamingo season is between April and October.

Getting to the flamingos in Holbox isn’t super easy, but the walk is beautiful. Park your bike or golf cart at Las Nubes de Holbox hotel (you can’t go any further) and get ready for a 1-hour walk. From the beach, walk towards the sandbank which is easily visible, and just keep following the sandbank till you get to the tip. You will walk through water but it’s usually ankle- or knee-deep – it’s a good workout!

Just beware that the tide goes up in the early afternoon. You won’t drown if you stay longer but if you have electronics with you it might not be the smartest idea. We did indeed get stranded with the drone and had to cross a crocodile-infested lagoon… but that’s a story for another day. Don’t be like us!

Relax at the beach in Holbox

Duh! What did you come to Isla Holbox for? Wherever you are staying, you’ll have easy access to the beach (max a 5-minute walk). Any spot on Playa Holbox is pretty nice, but most of the beach is private-owned and you’ll have to get a drink/food in order to use the facilities.

A great example of this is Dream Beach, a hotel’s private beach and one of the most visited ones on the island for its incredible beauty but also for the facilities it provides. You can rent a bed or buy a drink at the hotel’s beach club and enjoy your day under the sun.

One of the most gorgeous beaches in Holbox is Playa Holbox, sometimes also referred to as Playa Grande. It’s one of the easiest beaches to access, it boasts incredibly white sand and turquoise waters (don’t they all!) and is very shallow, so you could walk quite a bit into the sea and still be only covered up to the knees. You can even go for a stroll on the sandbanks!

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, drive your bike or golf cart to Punta Cocos. Bring beers and stay for sunset, you won’t regret it!

Experience the bioluminescence in Holbox at night

Bioluminescence is a natural phenomenon that lights up the sea at night by the emission of light of an organism. This light is produced by the chemical reactions in the bioluminescent organism, and creates a sight to behold. As rare as this event may seem, it’s actually pretty common in certain places, Holbox being one of them.

Knowing when and where to catch sight of the bioluminescence is not as easy, however, and that’s why I recommend joining a tour.

➤ The Bioluminescence Experience in Holbox takes you to see this phenomenon in the best location, accompanied by a certified guide and full equipment for your immersion in the sea. Transportation is included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ For a more active experience choose the Kayak and Swim with Bioluminescence, which will gear you up to go kayaking and swimming in the midst of this natural spectacle. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Look for Isla Holbox street art

Photo by Raphael of Journey Wonders

Isla Holbox is small but packs lots of cool street art. I loved the street art in Mexico City and Puebla, and murals in Isla Holbox are everywhere! Just walk around the town and find your favorite. Probably the most famous is the one of a kid so expressive that it almost looks like a photograph (photo above).

Holbox in 2014 participated in the first ever Festival Internacional de Arte Publico (FIAP) or, International Public Art Festival, and a group of international artists came to the island to paint all these beautiful murals.

Kayak in the mangroves

Isla Holbox personally made me lazy, but if you are wondering what to do in Isla Holbox that doesn’t involve laying down at the beach and soaking up the sun, consider kayaking in the mangroves.

I didn’t personally have the time to try this, but it’s possible to either join a tour or simply rent a kayak and kayak through the mangroves in Isla Holbox. Most hotels have kayaks for guests but will also rent them to non-guests.

➤ With the Kayaking Tour Through the Mangroves you’ll get double kayaks and a professional guide to take you through the mangroves in search of flamingos, crocodiles, and wading birds. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Go horseback riding or learn kitesurfing

Holbox Island has plenty of activities to offer if you look for them, so your days can be as fun and active as you choose! Some of the best things to do include going horseback riding on the beach, and learning how to kitesurf.

➤ The Holbox Horseback Riding Experience takes you on a leisurely ride on the beach so you can enjoy the scenery and relax as the horses take the lead. You’ll be accompanied by a guide throughout the ride. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ Kitesurfing caught your interest? Join a 3-hour Kitesurfing Lesson in a safe environment to learn all the techniques required to get you sliding in the water. It’s perfect for both beginners and advanced looking to sharpen their skills. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Enjoy a cocktail and a dip in the pool

Hipster and trendy bars that remind me a bit of the boho-chic ones in Tulum are springing up overnight, and they provide a nice alternative to the beach clubs if you feel like something different. My favorite one was Alma Bar, which boasts great cocktails and a nice pool with hammocks and a view of the ocean. It’s located on the terrace of Hotel Villas Tiburon.

Other popular bars include Hotel Arena Lounge (on the 7th floor, it’s the highest point in Holbox where to admire the sunset too), Mandarina Rooftop Bar at Casa Las Tortugas, and Maiz Pool Bar at Ser Casasandra.

Take some Instagram shots in the water hammocks

People lounging on the colorful water hammocks is probably the most famous photo of Isla Holbox. If you are on Instagram, I’m sure you’ve seen it in your feed at some point.

You can find the hammocks in front of Villas Flamingos hotel. I was afraid they would always be busy but I went in the middle of the day and had no problem having them all for me. You can also find water hammocks in front of Villas Tiburon.

Another super instagrammable spot you need to take a photo at, are the water swings located in front of Ensueño Holbox  [at the corner of Calle Caguama and Calle Charal] or Carolinda Beach Club [Calle Charal]

Swim with whale sharks in Holbox

Isla Holbox is considered one of the best places in the world to see and swim with whale sharks, together with La Paz in Mexico. Despite their name, these giant animals are harmless and I’ve been told that swimming with them is a humbling experience. Unfortunately, when I visited Holbox in December it wasn’t the right season to swim with the whale sharks.

Now, let’s talk about the ethical side of the experience. Is swimming with whale sharks in Holbox ethical? I will say right away that there is not a univocal answer. I’d like to tell you it’s black or white, but most ethical dilemmas aren’t such.

When I visited the Philippines, it was the right season to swim with whale sharks in Cebu. However, after much research, I decided not to do it. Tour operators feed the animals in order to attract them, making the scene look like a zoo more than the animals’ natural habitat, and the spot is overcrowded with boats and tourists.

I’ve repeatedly seen photos of tourists touching the sharks, and I’ve read that the migration patterns of the animals have been changed by the existence of this tourist attraction. Don’t get me wrong, I would have LOVED to go, but it just didn’t feel right.

In Holbox, it’s a little different. There are stricter regulations regarding the number of people who can visit every day, and the rules regarding the encounters are strictly enforced. Only two people are allowed in the water with a guide at the same time, and there is no feeding the whale sharks. The animals are there because they would naturally be there.

At the same time, though, swimming with whale sharks in Holbox is becoming more and more of a popular day trip from Cancun. The increase in the number of tourists visiting the animals every day is becoming alarming, and I sure hope that this won’t become a case of over-exploitation. Swimming with these giants is a dream for many, but please let’s remember that the well-being of the whale sharks comes first.

Do your own research before going, and decide if it’s right or not for you. If you decide to go, make sure the tour operator you are going with adheres to the official rules which include maintaining a certain distance from the animals, a maximum number of people in the water, and so on. Don’t be afraid of asking the details to the tour operator you are looking at, any reputable business will give you all the answers you need.

➤ The Whale Shark and Snorkeling Adventure takes you to snorkel with these gentle giants, allowing only two people at a time in the water and accompanied by an expert guide. You’ll get to see other marine life on the way, and enjoy breakfast and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Watch the sunset in Holbox

The sunsets in Isla Holbox are something really special. One day the sky becomes as pink as cotton candy, and the next day it’s on fire and all shades of red and orange. The most popular places for sunset in Isla Holbox are Punta Cocos and the pier. Bring some beer and a snack and be ready with your camera out.

Swim in the Yalahu Cenote and visit the 3 Islands

Cenotes are amazing! With over 6000 cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula (my favorites ones are the Tulum cenotes and the Playa del Carmen cenotes), it isn’t strange that there is one close to Holbox. Yalahau Cenote is a fresh-water cenote surrounded by a lagoon with the same name.

The cenote is only accessible by boat (30 minutes boat ride), which makes it hard (and expensive) to go there on your own. Most tours that visit Isla Pasion and Isla Pajaros, however, also include a stop at Yalahau cenote, so joining one of them is your best option to get there.

Isla Pasion and Isla Pajaros are two islands located near Holbox that make a great half-day excursion. Isla Pajaros, which means Birds Island in Spanish, is home to over a hundred different bird species while Isla Pasion (Passion Island) boasts paradisiac beaches that rival those at Holbox.

➤ The Private 3-Island Tour takes you to Isla Pajaros and Isla Pasion, and also to Yalahau Lagoon where you’ll get to swim in the fresh-water cenote. You’ll learn about the native flora and fauna and meet the pelicans and flamingos. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

WHERE TO EAT IN ISLA HOLBOX: ISLA HOLBOX RESTAURANTS

Isla Holbox is pretty small, but this doesn’t mean finding a good variety of food is difficult! New places are opening up every month, and you can find anything from fancy dining options to street food and budget eateries. I wrote a whole post about the best Holbox restaurants, but here are some of my favorites.

Taco Queto

Great tacos, quesadillas, and tortas at cheap prices. If you are looking for traditional Mexican food without any fancy touches, don’t miss this spot. The specialty is tacos al pastor.

ROOTS Pizza a Leña

Famous for its lobster pizza but not only for that, they say this is where you can find the best pizza in Holbox. The crust is thin and crunchy and the pizza is cooked in a wood oven. There is often live music too. [Calle Porfirio Diaz]

Mandarina Restaurant & Beach Club

One of the best locations in Holbox, the setting is quite fairytale-like at night. You eat right on the beach, and the gourmet dishes are good and well presented. The prices are higher than most other places in Holbox, but you pay for the location. [Casa Las Tortugas, Av. Damero 310]

NIGHTLIFE IN ISLA HOLBOX

Holbox is small and quite chill, but it doesn’t mean you can’t have some crazy fun. Now, if you want to party like crazy till the wee hours, you should probably stay in Cancun (check out here what to do in Cancun!), but if you’re looking for a relaxed vibe and cocktails on the beach, this is the right place.

Start your night at The Hot Corner [Av. Pedro Joaquin Coldwell], a palapa, Caribbean-style bar; the cocktails are good and judging from the crowds it looks like this is THE place to be. If you’re a girl and in Holbox on a Thursday night, lucky you! All the mixed cocktails are free for girls from 8 PM to 10 PM.

Bar Tribu Hostel [Av. Pedro Joaquin Coldwell] has something going on every night, and cocktails are as cheap as they get on Holbox. They also often have a promoter going around the town center who gives out 2×1 cocktails voucher, look out for him/her! Also, shots are free for girls on Thursday night from 7 PM to 10 PM.

WHERE TO STAY IN ISLA HOLBOX

Isla Holbox might be small, but surely you won’t run out of choices when it comes to deciding where to stay in Holbox. Check out my favorite choices and book your accommodation in the map below ⬇

Boutique & Design Hotels

Hotel Puerto Holbox: I fell in love with this ocean-front, colorful boutique hotel. Keep scrolling for a full review! Check out prices and availability for Hotel Puerto Holbox.

Casasandra Boutique Hotel: A private beach with cabanas, delightfully decorated rooms, and bathtubs to dream of. Check out prices and availability for Casa Sandra Boutique Hotel.

Villas Caracol: Beachfront accommodation with stylish suites and a fantastic outdoor pool. Check out prices and availability for Villas Caracol.

Luxury For Less: <$100 a night

Tierra Mia Boutique Hotel: Beautiful rooms with a mix of a traditional Mexican feel and design accents. One minute to the beach. Check out prices and availability for Tierra Mia Boutique Hotel.

Holbox Dream Beachfront by Xperience Hotels: Hammocks everywhere and a beautiful swimming pool. Check out prices and availability for Holbox Dream Beachfront Hotel.

On a Budget

Hotelito Villas Holbox: Features a terrace and a garden, and rooms with air-conditioning, a private bathroom and free toiletries. Check out prices and availability for Hotelito Villas Holbox.

Mapache Hostel: Traveling solo? This hostel is cozy and a great place to meet fellow travelers. Check out prices and availability for Mapache Hostel.

Not what you were looking for? Find the best prices for hotels in Isla Holbox.

HOTEL PUERTO HOLBOX: A FULL REVIEW

Months ago, when my friend Raphael and I were planning the itinerary for our Mexico trip, I had already spotted photos of the water hammocks and the tropical paradise that is Isla Holbox. Just a  few days later, Hotel Puerto Holbox invited us to the island to stay at their property. Could we ever say no? It was destiny!

Located right on the beach, just a 5-minutes walk to all the main restaurants and cafès, Hotel Puerto Holbox can boast an enviable location. The rooms are large and comfortable, and  I loved the bright colors of the interiors. I stayed in one of the Deluxe Double Rooms with Sea View, which features two double beds and a private terrace where it’s nice to sip a cocktail and lounge. From there, it’s no more than 30 steps to the ocean, which to me is a special bonus.

If you want some extra space, book one of the junior suites that feature a spacious living room and kitchen and sleep up to 5 people.

Puerto Holbox Hotel was recently acquired by the same group that owns Villas Flamingos hotel, and is being renovated with new features added. El Velero Beach Club for example is a super new addition (opened in November 2017), and it’s beautiful with the white tents and the loungers.

Hotel Puerto Holbox also features a restaurant that’s open from breakfast until 6.30 PM every day. The food is very good (you definitely need to try either the lobster sandwich or the lobster cooked with butter!! Yummy!), albeit the service is a little slow so bring some patience with you…after all, you didn’t come to Holbox to be in a rush, right?

If the weather isn’t the best and it’s too windy to swim in the ocean, you can relax at the pool. I had some fun times with my inflatable swan!

Looks quite good, doesn’t it? Check out prices and availability for Hotel Puerto Holbox here.

WHAT TO PACK FOR ISLA HOLBOX

Bikinis, beach coverups, flip flops, and a dress for the night are all you’re going to need for your stay. The vibe in the island is very informal, and lots of people go barefoot even at night, so don’t worry about packing fancy clothing.

Bring a hat – it will protect you from the strong, Caribbean sun and add an extra touch to any outfit. Try this Palma Wide Fedora hat (which I adore!).

I love this one-piece swimsuit from CUPSHE, which I pair with my favorite Havaianas (they have come with me to 4 continents by now!) and a few silver bangles.

There are a few things you should bring with you though: sunscreen and mosquito repellent are way more expensive on the island than on the mainland, so pack those. You’ll need a lot of mosquito repellent all year long because of the unspoiled vegetation (one of the downsides of paradise!), and it gets even worse during mosquito season (May-June).

Bring with you all the money you’ll need and email your hotel in advance to ask if they accept payment by card. There are 5-6 ATMs in town, but everyone will tell you not to rely on them because they don’t work more often than not.

BEST TIME TO VISIT HOLBOX ISLAND / HOLBOX WEATHER

January through March are the best months to visit Holbox: the temperature is nice and it’s usually dry, although this is the highest season and prices will be higher.

November and December are great months too and a bit cooler, but as this is the end of the rainy season, you might get a little wet during your stay. I was there at the beginning of December and while there were a couple of showers at night, the weather was great in general.

Try and avoid the summer months: it’s not the best time to visit Holbox Island, it’s hot and very humid, and the mosquitos are especially hungry. However, if you are coming to Holbox for the whale sharks, keep in mind that the whale shark season lasts between June and mid-September.

And there you go! Now you have all the information you need for your trip. I’m so jealous you are heading to Isla Holbox! This island is one of my favorite places in Mexico, and I’m sure you’ll love it too!

Things To Do in Isla Holbox FAQ 

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you book something through one of my links I might get a commission, at absolutely no extra cost to you

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