The Ultimate Isla Holbox Travel Guide: What to Do, Where to Stay, and Where to Eat

Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula is famous for many things. The turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, year-round high temperatures, and the tourist giants of Cancun and Tulum. But look behind the big names and you'll find a lesser-known gem that's well worth a visit – Isla Holbox.

This small island is a quirky blend of beachfront luxury and backpacker bohemia – home to more brunch places than you can count and a laid-back style of life that makes Tulum look fast-paced. Often overlooked for the nearby Isla Mujeres, Holbox is a hidden gem that allows you to escape the crowds of tourists, switch off, and enjoy the ultimate chilled-out Mexican vacation.

It's only a matter of time before everyone realizes just how amazing this small island is, so if you want to see Isla Holbox Mexico while it still has that laid-back edge, go now!

In this guide, I'll tell you everything you need to know about this island that punches well above its weight, from where to eat to how to get there and the best times of year to visit Isla Holbox.

What is Isla Holbox really like?

Before I got to Holbox Island, I'd soaked up all the Instagram pictures of the sandy streets, stylish beach clubs, and quirky brunch spots, but I was still pleasantly surprised that the beauty of the place exceeded my expectations.

This bohemian island doesn't boast impressive skyscrapers or slick streets of high-end stores. Instead, Holbox is home to a laid-back vibe and pace of life, which is reflected in the colorful streets and pared-down architecture.

Holbox is actually a car-free island – the sandy streets make it a poor terrain for cars so you can get around on foot or in a golf cart. Even the taxis are golf carts!

Be warned though – when it rains in Holbox the sandy streets turn to mud and sludge and you'll need some sturdy shoes that you don't mind getting dirty.

My friends and I found out the hard way when, after a night of light rain, one of our group slipped on the mud and fell, covering her fancy new dress in mud. Eek!

When it's not too muddy, the roads look like this…

Naturally, the island is home to beautiful beaches, as well as incredible natural sand banks that appear when the tide is low. Home to sea turtles, flamingos, and pelicans, Holbox Isla also boasts plenty of wildlife and it is part of the Yum Balam Nature Reserve.

It's not a place for getting up early to go sightseeing, rather Holbox offers a slower pace of life, with days that consist of drinking smoothies, practicing your favorite water sports, and hanging out at your local beach club overlooking the stunning Holbox beaches. This beautiful island encourages you to slow down and relax.

How to get to Isla Holbox

Admittedly, one of the reasons why Isla Mujeres is more popular than Holbox is that Holbox is trickier to get to. Holbox isn't challenging to reach, just a little further up the North Coast from Cancun than Mujeres.

While there is a tiny airport in Holbox for a few flights (mostly private) the easiest way is to get the Holbox ferry from Chiquila, a nearby fishing town on the mainland. Chiquila is between two and three hours from Cancun by car, depending on traffic.

Minibus, rental car or bus to Chilquila

When I visited Holbox, I opted for a semi-private transfer from the center of Cancun – it was a minibus with around eight other passengers. Such private transfers tend to cost around US$20 per person.

Of course, there's the option of taking a private transfer in a regular car with just you and those in your group, but that will set you back closer to US$100.

If you're on a budget, the ADO buses are the cheapest way to get there and tend to take about three hours. If you've rented a car for your trip to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Tulum, you can drive yourself to Chiquila, but you'll need to park your car and leave it in or around Chiquila since there are no cars allowed on Isla Holbox.

Taking the Holbox ferry

Once you get to Chiquila, there are two ferry companies you can take – Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos. Everything about the service is essentially the same, but the timetables are different.

The timetables run so that each company runs a service once an hour, half an hour after each other, so you'll never have to wait more than 30 minutes for the next ferry. Once you're on the ferry, the journey takes between 15 and 25 minutes and the Holbox ferry terminal is right near the downtown, so you can walk to the island's center or grab a golf cart taxi to your hotel!

Things to do in Isla Holbox

While Holbox doesn't offer the sights of a big city like Cancun, it's certainly not lacking in things to do.

Here are the best activities to try during your trip to Holbox Island.

The Three Islands Boat Tour

One of the most popular Holbox activities is the three islands tour, which takes you to Yalahua Lagoon, Isla Pajaros, and Passion Island by boat. It takes between 20 and 30 minutes to reach each point on the tour, and the tour usually lasts around three hours.

On our trip, the water was a little choppy, so if you get seasick, pick up some seasickness tablets beforehand. My friend used the brand ‘Vomisin'. Other known motion sickness pills include dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) and meclizine (Bonine), which you can get over the counter and I suggest getting them on mainland Mexico beforehand.

Yalahua Lagoon boasts a gorgeous cenote, the perfect spot for swimming and discovering the island's underwater wildlife. Parajos means birds in Spanish, so the Isla de Parajos is home to a diversity of bird species you can spot as part of the tour.

The secluded Passion Island is a paradise-like spot, perfect for soaking up the sun or going for a dip.

Hire a golf cart

Since there are no cars or paved roads on the island, Holbox visitors and residents alike drive long distances using golf carts.

My friends and I hired a golf cart for the day to drive from downtown Holbox to Punta Mosquito (which takes about 20 minutes) and we had a blast. Some terrain is trickier than others and I'm sure it's much harder to drive in rainy season, but you needn't be an expert driver to navigate the island's roads.

Whale shark spotting

The sea surrounding Isla Holbox is famously home to whale sharks, but they're mostly seen from June to August, so if you're coming during the dry season, you might not have the opportunity to sign up for a tour with these gentle giants.

There are plenty of tours offered during whale shark season – simply ask one of the tour companies in downtown Holbox or sign up in advance online.

Visit Punta Mosquito

Let me start by saying Punta Mosquito is less terrifying than it sounds. As somebody who seems to attract more mosquito bites than my travel buddies, I was apprehensive about visiting this part of the island, which is literally named after the blood-sucking pests.

Luckily, with a generous application of DEET, I was absolutely fine and didn't get bitten by the critters during our visit. Side note: Isla Holbox does tend to attract a lot of mosquitoes, so you'll need a spray with DEET of 20% or above to avoid getting bitten.

But what exactly is Punta Mosquito? It's an incredible sandbank that looks exactly how you'd imagine paradise. The sand bank element means you can walk through the water (before the tide gets high) for hundreds of meters and it only reaches your ankles.

This white sand beach is well worth a visit for sun-seekers and you can get there by hiring your own golf cart or taking a golf cart taxi. You might even see some flamingos!

Do a Bioluminescence Tour

One of the coolest things to see on Isla Holbox is the bioluminescent plankton. By night, these plankton glow in the dark, making the sea appear as though shimmering with color. It's an incredible experience and a must-do for your trip to Holbox.

I booked onto a tour during which we waded waist-deep into the water and used multiple techniques to make the plankton glow, resulting in a natural phenomenon you need to see to believe. The best time to see the plankton is under a new moon, so time your trip accordingly.

See Playa Punta Cocos

Punta Cocos is another beach that's a little further away than the downtown (the nearest beach to Holbox center is Playa Holbox) but well worth a visit on a golf buggy or taxi if you want to escape the crowds.

On the Eastern point of the island, as well as providing a space to catch some rays and enjoy a dip in the sea, there are plenty of seafood restaurants lining the shore where you can devour a catch of the day that's fresh from the sea.

Spend a day at Playa Holbox

Playa Holbox (as the name suggests) is the island's main beach. With white sand and water that allows you to wade in for a long time before it gets too deep, this beach isn't Mexico's best, but it will certainly tempt you to spend a day on one of its sun loungers.

If you haven't brought your beach towel don't worry – there are plenty of beach clubs lining the shore where you can hire a sunbed and towels for a reasonable price. Most are attached to a restaurant or bar so you'll have somewhere to order drinks and food, too.

Watch the sunset at Bar Zomay

Like all of the Yucatan Peninsula, Holbox experiences incredible sunsets over its pristine beaches. One of the best spots to watch the sunset is Bar Zomay Holbox at the Hotel Zomay.

This spot gives you access to one of the best and most uninterrupted views of that world-famous Mexican sunset. And, as this cute picture of two of my friends proves, infinitely Instagrammable.

Where to stay in Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox is relatively small, so in terms of neighbourhoods, there aren't many distinct areas to choose from.

Having said that, there's a downtown area which is home to the majority of bars and restaurants then more remote areas a short (golf cart) drive away, where you'll find larger luxury hotels with beach clubs.

If you stay in Holbox center, you'll enjoy proximity to most of the island's entertainment. Stay further afield, and you'll benefit from more luxurious beach clubs and peace and quiet.

A large portion of the island is barely inhibited, so you'll only find accommodation in the downtown and surrounding area.

Here are three of Holbox's best hotels, with one for every budget:

($) Tribu Hotel

This hostel is ideal for backpackers and travelers on a tight budget, with a colourful common area and clean cozy rooms.

($$) Hotel Boutique Naj Casa Holbox

I stayed in this hotel and found it to be modern, chic, and affordable, with an on-site pool that's much needed in the Holbox heat.

($$$) Casa Blanca

Located right near the beach, this accommodation boasts Bali vibes and stylish rooms.

($$$$) El Corazon Boutique Hotel

This adults-only hotel comes with its own beach club and exudes luxury throughout the property.

Where to eat in Isla Holbox

I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the food in Isla Holbox – I actually ate some of the best meals I had in the entirety of Mexico!

There were plenty of veggie and vegan options, too. One of my favorite things about the island was the sheer quantity of brunch places. If you're also a brunch lover, you'll be thrilled with the abundance of avocado toast, poached eggs, and creative smoothies.

Here are some of my favorite places I ate during my time in Holbox:

Painapol

There are few lunch spots more perfect than this one. Ideal for fruit and smoothie bowl lovers, Painapol offers a range of delicious dishes (including plenty of vegan options) without compromising on health.

Mr Happy

This was one of my favorite spots in the whole of Holbox. Offering a laid-back vibe with jungle-style decor and some of the best brunch dishes you'll find on the island, Mr Happy will leave you feeling very happy indeed.

Bah Bah Holbox

This place does the best eggs on Holbox – I said it and I meant it! Serving up tasty coffee and inventive cocktails too, Bah Bah is a must-visit spot on the island. I only visited for breakfast, but I heard it's equally as delicious for dinner.

Arte Sano

Arte Sano is a vegan restaurant, but it's got enough variety that non-vegans with love it too. Serving up burgers alongside traditional Mexican dishes, it's a great place to visit for a healthy take on the classics.

LUUMA

Offering a fine dining vibe, this open-air eatery is perfect for capping off a long day of lounging by the beach with a nourishing dinner.

Nightlife in Isla Holbox

Let's be honest, Holbox isn't Ibiza. If you're looking for multi-story nightclubs that open all night, a trip to Holbox isn't for you. Having said that, there are plenty of places to enjoy a laid-back night out on Isla Holbox, including a nightclub on the beach.

Tribu Hostel is a popular backpackers spot with a gorgeous bar on-site, serving up tasty cocktails to guests and non-guests alike. It's a great spot for a chilled-out drink and there's often live music playing.

In downtown Holbox just a couple of streets from the beach you'll find The Hot Corner, the most iconic nightlife spot on the island. It opens until at least midnight most nights, and you'll find groups of friends sipping cocktails and dancing salsa.

If you want something resembling a more traditional nightclub, head to Bikini Bottom, a bar on the beach that transforms into a club by night, playing Latino pop until the early hours of the morning.

Isla Holbox Travel Guide – Frequently Asked Questions

💸 Is Isla Holbox expensive?

The Yucatan Peninsula area is one of (if not the) most expensive parts of Mexico thanks to its popularity with tourists. I found some parts of Cancun as expensive as US cities, but Isla Holbox was cheaper, possibly due to the fact it's still relatively unknown compared to the likes of Tulum.

It's relatively easy to find affordable accommodation and there are budget-friendly food and drink options, too. If you opt for Mexican beer, you can find a tipple for only around US$2, while main meals will set you back between US$7 and US$12, depending on the restaurant. Tips are optional but generally expected and the standard rate is between 15 and 20%.

It's worth noting that there are regular power cuts on the island, during which time Wi-Fi won't work so you won't be able to pay by card on restaurants and hotels. To avoid ending up unable to pay, take plenty of cash out before you arrive – there are very few ATMs on the island so come with as many Mexican pesos as you'll need for your trip.

💻 Can you work online from Isla Holbox?

Any quick Google search about Wi-Fi in Isla Holbox will tell you that connectivity is poor. Wi-Fi drops in and out and there's barely any mobile service on the island. I actually nearly didn't visit Holbox for this reason – while switching off from time to time is always a good thing, I wanted the option to check my work emails and keep in touch with home.

My experience was actually pretty positive. The hotel I stayed in, Naj Casa Boutique, had great Wi-Fi, which I was able to use for streaming, replying to emails, and more. The mobile service on the island is patchy, but I'd bought a Telcel SIM card which did give me 4G and texting data in some parts of the island. I read that there are regular power shortages on Holbox and we were lucky enough not to experience any during our stay, but it does happen.

All in all, while remote working from Isla Holbox is definitely a possibility, it's not somewhere to head when you've got a ton of upcoming deadlines. Instead, take your visit to Holbox as an opportunity to switch off or reduce your workload since power shortages can disrupt your Wi-Fi access at any time.

🌤️ When to visit Isla Holbox?

When to visit Holbox is a double-edged sword. I visited in the dry season in January and the weather was ideal – minimal rain and dry with manageable temperatures.

From around May to September, the weather is much hotter and stickier and it's the rainy season, which means a TON of flooding on Holbox. If you visited during this time I'd imagine it would be really difficult to get around on foot.

So why is it a double-edged sword? Well, the worst time for weather is also the best time to see whale sharks and bioluminescent plankton.

For most people, the prospect of seeing whale sharks won't outweigh the inconvenience of getting around a flooded island, but if you're interested in the natural phenomenon of this island, it's worth considering visiting in the summer months.

⭐ Is it worth visiting Isla Holbox?

It's absolutely worth visiting this quirky Mexican island! If you're on the fence about Isla Holbox, it's time to jump off (metaphorically) and book your ticket (non-metaphorically).

In all seriousness though, Holbox isn't for travelers seeking back-to-back sightseeing, museums, or skyscrapers. But if you're interested in leaving the mainland crowds behind and enjoying a laid-back beach-filled holiday with plenty of nature, Holbox should be the best destination on your list.

Island Holbox Travel Guide – Final Words

Yes, the island is a real dream destination despite its limited infrastructure. And with some careful planning, even remote workers should be fine.

Remember, Holbox does have a rainy season and the island does experience flooding, so plan carefully to make sure you visit at the best time of year for your needs.

From enjoying some of the best brunches in Mexico to discovering the natural beauty of the Yucatan Peninsula, I know you'll have a great time.