Have you heard of the island of Holbox in Mexico? This magical island is not for party lovers or those looking for all-inclusive resorts — they’ll probably be disappointed.
The tourists who turned this small fishing village and the nearby nature reserves into a vacation destination were seeking a quiet Caribbean beach, far from the hustle and bustle of the Yucatán coast.
Yes, just to swim, stare at the changing colors of the sea, watch water birds, read a book, walk along the beach to the flamingo reserve (December–January), and enjoy a calm holiday with your loved ones.
Holbox is a stunning island on the Caribbean side of Mexico (in the Yucatán Peninsula). It is separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon that is home to thousands of birds like flamingos, pelicans, and other exotic species, and it also features a protected nature reserve (Yum Balam Reserve).
Fewer than 2,000 people live on the island, most of whom make a living from fishing. The beaches are pristine, with hypnotic turquoise water, and the houses are colorfully painted and decorated just as you’d expect in Mexico.
A true Mexican paradise!
How to get to Holbox Island
To get to Holbox, you first need to reach a town called Chiquilá, from where a short ferry departs to Holbox. To get to Chiquilá from Cancún or Playa, you can take an ADO bus that leaves once a day at a fixed time.
Note! You need to buy tickets in advance because there is only one bus in each direction per day, and once it fills up, that’s it.
The ride from Cancún takes about 2.5 to 3 hours and costs around 10 USD.
A more expensive option is to take a colectivo, which is a shared taxi.
Arrived in Chiquilá? Great! You’re just one short ferry ride — about 15 minutes — away from Holbox!
In Chiquilá, you’ll find two ferry companies going to Holbox: Holbox Express (red) and 9 Hermanos (blue), so there’s a ferry every half hour (from alternating companies).
From experience, Holbox Express has a bigger presence at the port and this can be misleading regarding ferry times — you might end up waiting unnecessarily. Look for the company with the schedule that suits you best. The ferry costs 330 pesos (about 15–20 USD).
When to visit Holbox
The best time to visit Holbox is during the dry season from December to April. I visited in February, and the weather was absolutely perfect for a tropical vacation — no rain, sunny skies, and bright blue Caribbean waters.
If you’re interested in seeing the bioluminescent plankton, it’s recommended to come between May and September — just be aware that this is the rainy season.
It’s important to check the weather forecast — once it starts raining, the island turns from a magical paradise into a muddy, flooded basin (the streets turn into slush), so plan your trip accordingly.
How many days to stay in Holbox
At least 3–4 days to soak in the island’s atmosphere and laid-back vibe. I noticed many people come for too short a stay.
True, the island is small, but Holbox has something you won’t find on other Mexican islands, especially not the commercialized Cozumel. The pace here is tranquil and relaxed.
I initially planned for three days, but I was so enchanted by Holbox’s chill vibe that I ended up staying a week. Not everyone has that kind of time, and it’s definitely worth visiting other places in the Yucatán, but do yourself a favor and try to spend at least three full days in Holbox — trust me, you won’t regret it.
Getting around Holbox
There are hardly any paved roads on Holbox. Getting around is mostly on foot, by bike, or by golf cart, so it’s not ideal during or right after heavy rain, as it can become quite unpleasant.
The island is very small, but I recommend renting a golf cart for a day (about 8 hours, from morning to evening) so you can explore the whole island from one end to the other.
You can rent golf carts from your hotel or from various stands around the island. We paid 1,200 pesos for 8 hours, including gas. Prices are usually much higher if you rent through a hotel or isolated stands, so it’s best to rent in central Holbox.
Things to do in Holbox
Holbox is quiet, relaxing, and fun. You can choose how to spend your time — sunbathing and chilling on the beach, boat tours, exploring the town, horseback riding at sunset, diving, and more.
Punta Mosquito
This beach is located in the Yum Balam Nature Reserve.
Unfortunately, we arrived right after a hurricane, so the water wasn’t clear and there were lots of seaweeds. But the further we walked, the more beautiful it became.
What’s special about this place is a kind of shallow-water path in the middle of the sea — it’s hard to explain how the water is so shallow. The walk is very long, so bring water and a waterproof bag.
Punta Cocos
Rent bikes and ride to Punta Cocos to catch the sunset, or just spend your day there. The beach is quiet and peaceful, and the waves get bigger the farther in you go. On the right side, you’ll see small lagoons.
When you get to Punta Cocos, you’ll also notice hammocks, two nice beach bars offering sunbeds. But the real magic here happens at night — the bioluminescent plankton! If you come during a new moon, you’ll see the sparkling water.
To see the plankton, bring a cloth — once you dip it in the water, you’ll see glowing dots on the fabric — a crazy phenomenon.
Playa Holbox
The main beach of Holbox — a huge stretch, perfect for biking along. You’ll find many stands, ice cream shops, and massages everywhere — highly recommended.
Recommended tours we wanted to do but couldn’t due to the weather:
- Three Islands Tour – visit the Yalahau Lagoon, Isla Pasión, and Punta Mosquito.
- Cabo Catoche Tour – starts with fishing, continues with snorkeling, and ends at stunning beaches.
Overall, we left Holbox feeling like we hadn’t even scratched the surface, and we know for sure we’ll be back!
Isla de la Pasión
A breathtaking island with crystal-clear water that flows into the ocean — a protected area for wildlife with flamingos and other animals in their natural habitat.
One of the island’s most famous attractions is swimming with whale sharks — the largest fish in the world that also come to vacation here between May and September.
Whale sharks can grow over 14 meters long. They visit Holbox every year from May to September, with the best chances of spotting them between June and August. They are drawn by the warm Caribbean waters and the plankton in the Gulf, which is their food source.
Whale sharks feed by filtering water containing various types of plankton and nekton, as well as small creatures like sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and sometimes even larger prey like small tuna and squid.
Tips:
- Practice snorkeling a bit so it’s not your first time.
- Every moment you’re not in the water with the whale sharks is a moment you’ll regret.
- Don’t worry — these are very gentle animals and not dangerous.
- Remember, you’re not allowed to touch whale sharks. Keep a 2-meter distance.
Bioluminescent plankton – on moonless nights, go into the water up to your knees and you’ll see the glowing plankton with the stars above you. Just ask a local driver to take you to the best beach for it.
Rent a golf cart or bike and go exploring — you’ll discover magical spots and beautiful, secluded beaches a bit farther from the center.
Volunteer at Refugio Animal Holbox Sanctuary
You must stop by this amazing dog and cat shelter that does incredible work. Animals from all over Mexico are sent here, treated, rehabilitated, and adopted out to loving homes around the world. Go give the dogs some love — it’s good karma.
Some other things to do:
- Take a boat ride in the reserve and see flamingos, pelicans, and cormorants — this is their home, with warm shallow waters and mangrove forests.
- Go kayaking in the calm waters near the island.
- Join a yoga class with a view of the beach.
- Go fishing with the locals.
- Don’t miss the iconic Holbox sunset — perfect for photos.
Where to stay in Holbox
Hostel Tribu – Tribu is one of, if not the best, hostels I’ve ever stayed in.
Perfect location next to the beach. Very social with cool people. Rooms have lockers, and each bed has a charging station. Everything was clean. You can join yoga classes and hang out at the bar. Highly recommended for solo travelers or couples on a budget.
Villas HM Palapas del Mar –
Tropical-style beach cabanas on one of Holbox’s most beautiful beaches! From the moment you enter, you’ll feel the beach vibe — sandy paths and décor in beachy tones set the mood. The hotel is designed like jungle huts. The lower rooms have private pools, and the upper huts have spacious balconies with hammocks and sea views. Just what you need in a place like this.
Hotel Casa Las Tortugas –
One of the most “Instagrammable” hotels on the island — a boutique hotel with enchanting design in every corner. The hotel was built with Holbox’s unique ecological values in mind, perfect for a relaxing and disconnecting holiday.
It’s located right at the edge of the town center, close to many restaurants and bars. On the other hand, the hotel’s beach is closer to the central beach and more crowded.
Where to eat in Holbox
With fewer than 2,000 residents, most of whom work in fishing, it’s no surprise that fresh seafood is the main highlight in most restaurants here.
Basico Holbox – One of the coolest and most stylish spots in town, located centrally and hard to miss. The front is decorated with an enormous macramé curtain that gives off a luxurious boho vibe. The menu features tapas and great drinks.
Roots Pizza – If you’ve done any research on Holbox, you’ve definitely seen pictures of their lobster pizza — the restaurant’s signature dish. The place has a reggae style and offers great food and live music.
Note: there’s usually a long line every evening.
Luuma – One of Holbox’s trendiest and busiest bars. It belongs to Casa Las Tortugas (where we stayed part of the time) and is located right next to the hotel. It’s a “gathering bar” with tapas, creative cocktails, and great vibes.
Reservation recommended.
Santos Fuegos Holbox – Probably the best spot for meat lovers. Beautiful locally sourced ingredients expertly grilled over a wood fire. Excellent menu with high-quality, local produce.
Al Sazon Jarocho – If you want to get away from the typical tourist restaurants, this is your spot! Simple but flavorful food. The space is small, so you might end up sharing a table with locals — and that’s a good thing.
Some Tips for Holbox
- Bring a waterproof camera — highly recommended!
- Don’t eat anything before the boat ride to avoid seasickness, and consider taking anti-nausea pills if you’re sensitive.
- Take enough cash with you, most businesses only accept cash, except, of course, hotels or tourist restaurants. Don’t rely on the ATM on the island, as they are often out of order or run out of money.
- Seaweed on Caribbean Beaches – Seaweed arrives on Caribbean beaches mainly between April and August, and it varies from year to year, as does the amount. It can start in mid-March and continue into October. It usually peaks from April to June inclusive. The seaweed disfigures the most beautiful beaches, so it’s worth checking before you arrive which beaches have it, and making sure your visit to the Caribbean side is free of or with a minimum of seaweed. You can follow updates about the presence of seaweed here.
Conclusion
If you haven’t figured it out by now, Holbox is a must-visit island when traveling in the Yucatán Peninsula. It’s far from being Cancún. Sure, it’s getting more touristy every year, but it still manages to keep its special charm.
If you want a true piece of paradise. Without roads, cut off from the world, and chill vibes, put Holbox to your bucket list.
Thank you for reading!
If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer and help.
My Travel Resources
Here are some websites I use whenever preparing for my next journey anywhere around the world.
- Book affordable flights on Skyscanner, a great website that shows the best routes and flight deals to your destination.
- Find a budget-friendly deal on all sorts of accommodation types on Booking.com.
- Buy the most flexible and budget-friendly travel insurance at SafteyWing.
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