Things to do in Holbox: The 10 Best Places to Visit

The island of Holbox is located on the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, where the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea meet.

Despite the poetic image that you might have walking along its fine sandy beaches, Holbox has never been an isolated and idyllic paradise.

It was a land of pirates in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries because of its strategic location, then a land of refuge for the survivors of the social rebellion of the Mayas in 1847, called the Caste War of Yucatan: it has had quite an eventful history!

Today it is a relaxed little paradise, with long beaches and colorful murals.

If you are looking for a quieter destination than the Riviera Maya, to swim in crystal clear waters, read a book in the shade of palm trees and sip a margarita in the sun, Holbox is for you.

In this Ultimate Guide to Holbox, I will share with you the best things to do and places to see, my recommendations for hotels and restaurants for all budgets, and the best beach clubs to enjoy the seaside.

I will also explain how to get to Holbox, how the ferry works and how to get around the island.

So, how can you visit Holbox?

Top 10 must-see places in Holbox

1. Discover the village of Holbox and its urban art

Don’t rush to the beach as soon as you get off the ferry. It’s better to take some time to wander around its streets that have a special charm.

By the way, only the western part of the island is accessible and you can easily explore it in an afternoon. You will see barefoot hippies, travelers looking for the perfect photo for Instagram and holboxeños sharing a small but friendly world.

Here, people get around on foot, by bike or golf cart because the roads are dirt and… not suitable for cars!

The main square is the heart of the town and around it there are cute little shops, cafes and restaurants, and lots of street art.

• On the main street Tiburones you will find pharmacies, small supermarkets, shops, ATMs (actually, I only saw one: from Bancomer)

2. Enjoying the beach at a beach club

There is no doubt that Isla Holbox is famous for its beaches and clear waters.

One of the most magical moments of my trip to Mexico was walking along Holbox beach with music in my ears and my feet in the sparkling waters.

The most pleasant option to enjoy it is, without a doubt, to go to a beach club and use its facilities on the beach, in exchange for consumption.

Here are some of the best beach clubs in Holbox:

• Mandarina Restaurant & Beach Club

On my first visit of 2018, I happened to stumble upon Mandarina Restaurant & Beach Club (not too hard because it‘s right in the middle😆) of the Casa Las Tortugas hotel.

It was already very nice back then, but after having gone back in 2022…. i confirm that it is even more beautiful with its new design!

Chic but relaxed ambiance, comfortable facilities, good cocktails, including the Peanut Colada (230 pesos) which was surprising, but well done.

The restaurant is open all day, from breakfast to dinner (salads, grills, sandwiches, etc.). If you are thinking of dining there, I suggest you make a reservation to secure a table on the beach, it’s a romantic place at night!

• Ñaña Beach

I’m a big fan of tiki culture, so I couldn’t resist checking out this beach club.

They have a tiki cocktail section. I tried:

• Koko Oko La (220 pesos) a cocktail with a spicy twist, because after all we are in Mexico 😉🌶️
• Uhane Uhane (220 pesos) with rum, banana, mango and coconut. A true beach cocktail, a bit sweet of course

They also have more traditional cocktails, and a menu with salads, ceviches, aguachiles and tacos.

I ordered the shrimp tacos. Honestly, at 3 tacos for 255 pesos, I thought it was a bit expensive considering the rather average quality.

On the bright side, it has a large beach with hammocks, lounge chairs and tables. So enjoy the facilities, order a cocktail, but if you’re hungry, go somewhere else.

• Punta Caliza and BarBarossa

I put them together because they both have a similar vibe: relatively small, so quite cozy, unpretentious, good music and reasonable prices. My kind of place.

• Barbarossa: the service was very friendly, they have interesting deals like 2 beers + guacamole for 200 pesos
• Punta Caliza: minimum consumption of 300 pesos (a cocktail costs 200 pesos), there seems to be a topless area (I mention it because I didn’t see it in other places in Holbox)

3. Visit Punta Mosquito

If you want to simply enjoy the beach without having to spend anything, Punta Mosquito is a must-see in Holbox.

There are turquoise waters and fine sandy beaches, full of small shells. It is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico, and besides, you can see pink flamingos!

How to get to Punta Mosquito:

The best way to get to Punta Mosquito is to go through the beach of the Palapas del Sol hotel and walk straight along the long sandbank.

If you go along the island’s roads by golf cart or bicycle, you will have to leave it at the end of the path, just after the hotel Las Nubes where you will see the sign below.

From this point you can only go on foot. After a few meters on the beach, you will see another sign that says no trespassing (bird conservation area), so you will have to continue along the sandbank.

4. Kitesurfing

Because of its geographical location, Holbox is a pretty windy island during the winter months.

With shallow waters and a wide beach (safe for sailing), it is a perfect destination to learn kitesurfing in Mexico.

Even advanced kitesurfers can have fun, as the wind can sometimes reach up to +25 knots.

Honestly, I’ve never tried it myself, but while walking towards the entrance of Punta Mosquito (just past the beautiful Las Nubes hotel) I saw a group of kitesurfers who were gliding on the water.

It’s hard not to be impressed by this image that inspires freedom 😍

• When to kitesurf in Holbox: from November to May
• There are several kitesurfing schools in Holbox with equipment rental.

5. Try Holbox’s craft beer

Holbox has its own beer: Holboxeña.

I was surprised to find out that they only have one style of beer, and not just any beer: a coconut porter.

It was the first time I tasted a porter with a tropical twist, and honestly the product is good.

It’s a classic porter with a nice roasted cocoa flavor, not too sweet, and coconutty aroma. It’s light, perfect for the beach.

• There is not much information on their website, but you can see the places where they sell it in a story on the brewery’s instagram account.

6. See the bioluminescence show at Punta Cocos

At the other end of the island, you will find Punta Cocos, a heavenly and quiet beach, full of shells.

It looks a bit like Punta Mosquito but the advantage is that you can get there by golf cart or bicycle.

Its main attraction is the night show of bioluminescence. You can see it all year round, but the best time is from June to October (when it is warmer).

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7. Enjoy a boat tour

Beaches are wonderful, but there are some amazing sights in Holbox that you don’t want to miss.

The best way to explore them is to take a boat tour to visit Isla Pájaros (Birds Island), Yalahau Water Eye and Isla de la Pasión (Passion Island)

• Birds Island: home to 35 species of birds! You can’t walk on the island to protect them, but there is a lookout that offers a nice view. If you love birds, bring your binoculars.
• Cenote Yalahau: this is a must-do in Holbox. You can swim in this small freshwater lagoon surrounded by greenery or just relax in the sun. You have to pay an extra 100 pesos to help with the upkeep of the place. We stayed there for an hour, so bring your swimsuit!
• Passion Island: they say that people used to get married in Holbox and then come to spend their honeymoon on this island. Then it became a party place, with restaurants and clubs. Hurricane Wilma (2005) wiped out everything and today very little remains of the island. Now, there are many species of birds, including flamingos, and you can walk in the shallow waters around the island.

8. Try some water activities

Of course, Holbox is the perfect place for those who love water activities.

Here are some of the best things you can do in Holbox:

• Scuba diving: you can take a tour to Cabo Catoche (43 km east of the island), ideal for fishing and diving, with pristine landscapes and beautiful beaches. There are all kinds of fish and corals, the nurse shark (or cat shark), and maybe you will also see hawksbill turtles, octopus and lobsters. Also, on the way to Cabo Catoche you might spot dolphins. The excursion lasts about 6 hours and includes a lunch break on the beach for fresh ceviche.
• Kayaking: you can paddle through the mangroves and see various species of seabirds, crocodiles and flamingos that hide there. It is also a unique opportunity to see Holbox from another perspective, in a peaceful place, away from tourists.
• Fishing: Holbox is a fishing village and you can fish here all year round (in spots of various levels).

9. Swim with whale sharks

This is a must-do activity in Holbox if you are there between June and September.

After a 2-hour trip by speedboat (maximum 10 people) – going through the Yum Balam reserve, which is home to pink flamingos, pelicans and herons – we arrive at an observation point where we will stay for about 2 hours.

The whale sharks are huge (6 meters long!) and swimming next to them is an unforgettable experience. Don’t be afraid, it ‘s not dangerous and everything is very regulated (1 guide for 2 swimmers).

• You can also leave from Playa del Carmen or Cancun. You can book here the whale shark tour, which includes pick up at your hotel in the Riviera Maya and lunch:

10. Relax in a spa

There’s no place more relaxing than the island of Holbox. If you want to treat yourself, you can visit the Agua Spa and Yoga Center at Hotel Casa Las Tortugas, which offers massages and treatments inspired by Mayan traditions, with all-natural and local products.

You can also join yoga classes by the sea, as well as meditation sessions.

• If you prefer a massage on the beach, prices are around 400 pesos for a back massage, 600 pesos for a full body massage and 700 pesos for a Swedish massage.

11. Visit the animal refuge

This is not a typical tourist activity, but it will be unforgettable! ❤️

It is an animal refuge founded in 2009 that takes in mainly puppies that have been abused or neglected.

They are cared for at the refuge and once they are healthy and happy, they are ready to be adopted.

You can visit the refuge to chat with Morelia, the founder, and even walk the dogs. They are always looking for volunteers for their non-profit organization.

I encourage you to check out their facebook page to learn more.

Where to stay in Holbox?

There are many hotels in Holbox that cater to all budgets. Here are some of my suggestions for lodging in Holbox:

• Kin Camping: This is the best place to sleep cheap in Holbox! They are tents (camping) with double beds, hot water, a good atmosphere, hammocks, and a bar. They also propose several fun activities, from only 28 $usd  per night!

• Casa Chujuk: A hotel offering excellent value for money, which is becoming increasingly difficult to find in Holbox! Very clean and bright rooms, with comfortable mattresses, a small pool to cool off, and good wifi, from 50 $usd per night!

• Ensueño Holbox & Beach Club: Suites and flats with kitchenette for up to 5 people. Roof terrace, two swimming pools, a beach club with good food and music! Breakfast is included, from 130 $usd per night!

• Beachfront Hotel La Palapa – Adults only: A nice hotel very well located near the centre, with a beachfront, and a quiet beach that has excellent cocktails at the bar. Spacious rooms and very good service. Excellent breakfast included, from 250 $usd per night!

• Villas Flamingos: Located on a private beach on Isla Holbox, this 4-star hotel offers cozy and colorful bungalows with private terrace and hammock. From 387 $usd per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the stunning sea view, the relaxing atmosphere, the friendly staff, the delicious food. This is my suggestion for a peaceful and charming stay in Holbox!

Where to eat in Holbox?

There is a great variety of restaurants in Holbox whether you want a small local place or a fancy spot on the beach.

For breakfast, I first tried Arte Sano after reading good reviews. The green terrace is nice, the omelette quite big (140 pesos), but the service was not very friendly or fast. Sadly, this happens on the island.

I had a completely different experience at Naranjas! Super attentive and friendly staff, good music (reggae, salsa, cumbia), casual, very tasty omelette (120 pesos), huge smoothie bowls with fruit (I recommend the Green Life at 150 pesos). I went back several times.

For lunch, my 2 recommendations are also my two favorite places in Holbox: El Colibrí and Nereida.

El Colibrí is both a small and cozy cafe-restaurant and a craft store (clothes, bowls, etc.) that has recently opened its doors. It is run by a French couple who live between Holbox and Morocco, and the service is very friendly.

It stands out from the rest of Holbox because it is a small oasis of calm, ideal for sitting down to read a book and have a coffee, as well as to try the menu (breakfast, fresh pasta, salads, pancakes, desserts). Everything here is homemade.

PS: I’ve noticed that there are many wall sockets, and they will soon have wifi, so it will be a good place to work with laptop too 😉

• Instagram El Colibrí Holbox

Nereida

A mix of food truck and terrace, Nereida is a little gem in Holbox.

I’ve lived in Mexico City for a few years and as a chilanga, I take tacos very seriously. So I started with 2 cochinita tacos (30 pesos each) and they were so good I ordered more.

A taste of real Mexican food: the meat is tender, you can tell it has been cooked for a long time and prepared with love – what a delight to finally find this authenticity in Holbox!

With the relaxed atmosphere, the service, the wifi, salsa and cumbia (if you know the classics you will enjoy it a lot 😁), I could have stayed there all day. My only regret is finding it the day before I left.

• Instagram Nereida Cantina de Mar
• From 9am to 3pm, there are options with cochinita (chilaquiles, tacos, tamale, gordita, etc). After 3pm, the regular menu starts with ceviches, aguachiles, etc. I recommend the guacamole with shrimp.

Eating on a budget in Holbox

Holbox Island is quite pricey, not only because it’s a tourist destination in Quintana Roo, but also simply because it’s an island!

If you are traveling on a budget and want to save money, your best option is probably to go to the Holbox Municipal Market.

There is not much variety and, as far as I remember, several stalls close at 2pm, but you can eat there and also do some shopping which will be a bit cheaper than elsewhere.

• I recommend you always ask prices before eating, I have noticed that prices are unstable in Holbox 🙃

Of course, it’s also a good idea to book a hostel with kitchen access, such as Mapache Hostel & Camping.

The specialty of Holbox

Finally, Holbox’s specialty is lobster pizza, but it costs about 500-600 pesos.

Where to have a drink in Holbox

By day, there are plenty of beach clubs in Holbox.

At night, there are several cool bars in Holbox. Personally I am not a party animal, but there are a couple of places I liked:

Salma: I have been following this bar for a while on Instagram, and it did not disappoint!

Good vibe, very good service, good cocktails. I recommend the Crater cocktail (180 pesos) and, for a special experience, the Chimera (210 pesos) with Sechuan flowers… which have a slightly electrifying effect on the tongue! Good tuna tartar.

Basico: I think it’s safe to say that this is the nicest bar in Holbox. Boho-chic ambiance, with a nice tiki influence, and of course you pay $ for the decor and ambiance. Be sure to make a reservation.

Wi-fi in Holbox

Wi-fi is sometimes unreliable, sometimes unavailable in Holbox. It can be frustrating, especially if you need it (for work, for example), but that’s the reality of the island and you have to accept it.

Even with my phone from Mexico, which has worked perfectly for years, I didn’t always have signal on the island, even in the center.

And if you connect to a wifi (restaurant, cafe, hotel), it will be the same since the problem is the coverage of the island in general.

Even so, if you are looking for a place to work in Holbox, with wifi, I suggest you Clandestino Cafe which has two locations. The problem is that being the only cafe of its kind in Holbox, and also with brunch, it gets very busy!

How to get to Holbox?

1. Taking a tour to Holbox (1 day)

If you are short on time, the best option is to take a tour to Holbox from Cancun or the Riviera Maya (ex: Playa del Carmen) with pick up at your hotel, guide, water and lunch.

It also includes the boat tour to Bird Island, Passion Island, Yalahau Lagoon, with free time.

You can book the tour to Holbox by clicking on the green button:

From Cancun:

From Riviera Maya:

2. Visiting Holbox on your own

If you want to get to Holbox on your own, first you have to go to the port of Chiquilá and take the ferry to Holbox.

Stage 1: Getting to Chiquilá

From Cancun (downtown)

• There is a direct ADO bus from downtown Cancun to Chiquilá every day at 8.15, 9 and 10 am (2.5 hours trip, 316 pesos).
• Other bus companies that do the Cancún-Chiquilá route include Oriente and Mayab. They are not direct routes.
• By car: 2h10, take the 180D and then the QROO 5.

From Cancun airport

• By public transportation: take one of the ADO buses to downtown Cancun that leave regularly during the day from 8h am (30 min trip, 98 pesos) and then another bus to Chiquilá. Good news, for the return trip there is a direct ADO bus from Chiquilá to Cancun airport (416 pesos, departure 2.30pm).
• By car: 2h10, take Cancun – Chetumal/Carr. Tulum – Cancun/Mexico 307, then QROO 180 and QROO 5
• By private cab: for more comfort, you can take this private transfer service in a Mercedes Benz, book it directly here:

From Playa del Carmen

• By bus: with Mayab (outbound 9.10am, return 5pm, 180 pesos direct trip), Riviera (outbound 9.45am-return 4.15pm) and ADO (outbound 9.25am-return 4.15pm, 226 pesos)
• A private service (cab) from Playa del Carmen to Chiquilá will cost you between 80$usd and 100$usd each way, which is not too bad if you go with several people. I share with you my contact, very reliable and friendly: Lalo, tel+52 1 (984) 104 0704
• By car: 1h50 drive, merge onto the 305D, then to QROO 5

From Tulum

• By car: 2h30 – take the road QROO 109 and Kantunilkin – Chiquilá
• By bus: 3h30 – only one bus per day with ADO, departure at 8.10am and arrival at 11.30am

Stage 2: Taking the ferry to Holbox

Once you arrive in Chiquilá, you have to take the ferry to Holbox. There are two companies that offer this service: 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express. They have the same price (150 pesos one way, 300 pesos round trip) and the same schedule (every half hour from 6 am to 9.30 pm). The trip takes about 25 minutes.

You can buy your ticket directly at the port or online on their websites:

• Holbox Express
• 9 Hermanos

If you have a car, you can park it in one of the many parking lots near the port. The price is around 100 pesos per day.

Once you arrive at the port of Holbox, you will see the taxi stand on the left and it works on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are posted prices, but in my experience they are not accurate (how convenient for them!😆). As prices vary depending on the area where your hotel is located – I advise you to know where it is located to avoid fare scams. This has helped me a lot.

For the return trip

In Holbox, you will find several signs of colectivos (shared vans) for your return from the port of Chiquilá to the Cancun airport, downtown Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Valladolid. Prices usually range from 350 pesos to 390 pesos (first departure at 7:30 am), not including the ferry.

If you prefer to take the bus: all buses leave from the ADO terminal in Chiquilá, 2 minutes walk from the ferry, where you will find the published schedules with prices.

In any case, I recommend that you check the Chiquilá ADO Facebook page and its website.

PS: while waiting for the bus, there is a coffee shop with wifi right next to the station.

How to get to Holbox by car?

It is not possible to take your car on the ferry from Chiquilá to Holbox.

When you arrive at the port you will see several secure parking lots, which offer the same price: 12 hours 50 pesos, 24 hours 100 pesos.

How to move around Holbox?

Of course you can walk but the distances are quite long, especially if you want to go to Punta Cocos or Punta Mosquito.

To explore Holbox more easily, it is best to rent a bike or a golf cart.

Rent a golf cart in Holbox

Normally, in the rainy season it is not possible to rent golf carts because the roads are not paved and can get muddy.

But even outside the rainy season, there can be large puddles blocking some streets, not so much because of the amount of rain, but because the water evaporates very slowly.

How much does the golf cart cost in Holbox: I paid 800 pesos for 4 hours (up to 4 passengers). You can also rent by the hour (300 pesos), 2h (550 pesos), 3h (700 pesos), etc., 12h (1500 pesos from 8h to 20h) or 24h 2000 pesos.

Rent a bike in Holbox

This is the cheapest and most convenient way to get around Holbox! Bikes are everywhere, and they all cost about the same.

I suggest you test it before you leave to see if it works well because the roads in Holbox are pretty rough.

How much does a bike cost in Holbox: 50 pesos per hour, all day 150 pesos (9am to 7pm) or 200 pesos for 24 hours.

How long to visit Holbox?

On my first trip to Mexico, I spent only one day in Holbox, but it seemed too short, especially considering that you have to take the ferry and that the port is 2 hours from the Riviera Maya.

The second time, I spent 3 days in Holbox, and it was more than enough to see and enjoy everything.

This is what I suggest as a plan to see the most in 1,2 or 3 days in Holbox:

Visit Holbox in 1 day

If like me you only have one day in Holbox, it is enough to see a lot of things, but you will have to maximize your time, taking into account transportation (2 hours from Playa del Carmen or Cancun + 30 minutes ferry ride one way).

• In the morning (9 or 10 am), take the ferry to Holbox from Chiquilá
• Stroll through the village, observe the local life and the beautiful colorful murals
• Head to the beach to enjoy the fine sand and clear water. There are several great places to have breakfast or lunch with margaritas 😎
• In the afternoon rent a bike (or golf cart) to explore Punta Cocos
• Admire the sunset at Punta Cocos, it’s one of the most beautiful in Mexico!
• Take the ferry back to Chiquilá. The last ferry leaves at 8:30 pm, so it’s best to arrive early.

Visit Holbox in 2 days

Here is my suggestion of things to do in two days in Holbox:

• The first day, follow the same plan
• If you sleep in Holbox, you will be able to see the bioluminescence at Punta Cocos (from July to January)
• On the 2nd day, take the boat tour to Bird Island and Passion Island and swim in Yalahau Lagoon
• Go to Punta Mosquito to see the other side of the island
• You can also go kayaking, kite surfing or fishing

Visit Holbox in 3 days

If you are lucky enough to spend three days in Holbox, follow the plan above and then:

• Swim with whale sharks: it is an unforgettable experience! The excursion takes almost the whole day, so it is best to do it only if you stay several days on the island.

Money in Holbox

Some restaurants in Holbox accept credit cards, but as the internet is very unreliable on the island, it doesn’t always work! That’s why I recommend you bring cash.

There are several ATMs in Holbox, but honestly I never trust independent ATMs.

The safest thing to do is to go to the ATM on the second floor of the Holbox’s town hall in the main plaza (although it is sometimes empty), or, better yet, go to the ATM of Cibanco , the bank that has recently opened.

When to go to Holbox?

• November to February: it is winter, so it can be a bit chilly and some days are cloudy. It is a good idea to bring a sweater and closed shoes, plus sandals and a t-shirt, just in case. Personally, I went in early January and I found the temperature to be perfect, with beautiful sunshine but…no sweat! For me, that’s the ideal weather. 😁
• March to June: they say it’s the best time to visit Isla Holbox, with warm weather and little rain. From May to June, prices are usually more reasonable.
• July to October: it’s the rainy and hurricane season, so it’s best to avoid it (sometimes they even close the island for safety reasons). But every year is different so if you plan to travel to Holbox during the rainy season, it is best to check a few days before you go.

Book your plane ticket at the best price

Cancun airport receives many international flights from Europe and North America (ex: Iberia, Aeromexico, Interjet, KLM, etc.).

To find the cheapest flight ticket to Cancun, you can use our flight comparison service with Skyscanner: best price guaranteed!

You’re traveling in Mexico? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Mexico: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Mexico are listed there.

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• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Mexico – Best itinerary to discover the Yucatan Peninsula and Chiapas!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Mexico – Mexico City, Puebla, Oaxaca, Chiapas, Campeche, Yucatán and Riviera Maya
• Itinerary: 1 month in Mexico – My Epic 30-31 Days Itinerary from Mexico City to Cancun
• Road trip in Mexico: The best itineraries for 10, 15, 21 days and a month

• Itinerary: 1 week in Yucatan – The Ultimate 6, 7 or 8 days Itinerary
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• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Yucatan – Epic Itinerary + All my Best Tips!
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Yucatan – Best things to do in 20-21 days
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• Road trip in Yucatan: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 days and 1 month

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