A guide to Isla Holbox, Mexico

Isla Holbox (pronounced “holl-bosh”) still retains the feel of the Yucatán Peninsula’s coastline before the arrival of mass tourism in the 1970s. Until a couple of decades ago, only a handful of local fishing families inhabited the island. And while there has been a noticeable rash of development in recent years, it remains a sandy streets, palm trees and golf carts kind of place.

Sure, you can now find yoga studios, vegan-friendly restaurants and trendy bars here. But the town’s proximity to wilderness and laid-back aesthetic set it apart from other destinations in the region. The star attractions in Holbox are the natural setting and gently shelving beach lined with chaise-filled bars.

Perched at the tip of a promontory of forest-covered, fractured islands in the northeast corner of the Yucatán, Isla Holbox is still only accessible by boat. This relative isolation has preserved much of its charm. See for yourself with our guide to when to go, how to get there and what to see in Isla Holbox.

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When should I go to Isla Holbox?

November through March are cooler, less humid months to visit Holbox. During this time, the region sees little rain and calmer seas, although accommodation prices peak around Christmas and during spring break for US students.

Lower prices attract visitors to resorts along the Quintana Roo coastline during the hurricane season, between June and November, when there’s often more rainfall, and temperatures climb to a balmy 30°C (86°F). Holbox is a riskier destination at this time, since the buildings on the island lack the sturdiness of the bigger hotels, and there’s a genuine risk of getting stranded during a hurricane, given that the only way to and from the town is by boat.

Nonetheless, nature is at its best during this time. The bioluminescence is resplendent during the summer months (June through September) on either side of a new moon, and the tiny organisms responsible for the phenomenon are what attract whale sharks to the region between May and September.

How much time should I spend in Isla Holbox?

It depends on your desired pace because Isla Holbox a place to slow down and mellow out. The ideal spell is a weekend break of 2 or 3 nights, which factors in the travel time to get here and allows room for a spot of snorkeling, a boat tour around Punta Mosquito and plenty of lounging on the beach.

Is it easy to get in and around Isla Holbox?

It takes a bit of planning to get to and from this isolated spot. The ADO bus company runs multiple daily services between the main bus stations in downtown Cancún and Mérida to the dusty town of Chiquilá, on the mainland.

From there, you’ll take either the Holbox Express or the 9Hermanos ferry from the pier one block north of Chiquilá's bus station to Isla Holbox (ticket booths for both are located right outside the bus station). Holbox Express runs hourly departures on the half hour from 6:30am–9:30pm, while 9Hermanos runs hourly on the hour from 6am–9pm.

Once on the island, it’s only about 1km from the ferry terminal to the main beach, passing through the heart of Holbox town on the way. If you’re staying away from the center, the main way to get around is by golf cart, which come in taxi or rental form.

Top things to do in Isla Holbox

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Spot wildlife in mangroves and lagoons

While you might not realize it in Holbox town, the island is still one of the wildest stretches of Quintana Roo’s coastline. To discover why, join a wildlife boat tour.

Trips to Tres Islas balance nature and snorkeling, with stops at a cenote, a remote island beach lapped by clear water and a mangrove forest fringing the Yalahau Lagoon.

An alternative tour to Punta Mosquito focuses on seeking out wildlife in the nearby channels and lagoons, such as snakes, crocodiles and flamingos.

Swim with whale sharks

Sharing this slice of the gulf with the world’s biggest fish is one of the most memorable experiences in Mexico. Whale sharks return to these shores every year between May and September to feed on the plentiful plankton, hoovering up and filtering vast quantities through their gaping mouths.

But don’t let their name put you off: these are true gentle marine giants, some reaching lengths of 10m (the largest on record topped a whopping 18.6m) yet posing no danger whatsoever.

On your excursion, it’s important to avoid wearing sunscreen in the water and to keep a respectful distance (be sure to seek out tour operators who uphold this practice). Follow these rules and you’ll find that snorkeling in the waters provides one of travel’s finest interactions with nature.

Bask on the beach

Looking out over the gulf, the north shore of Isla Holbox is fringed with sugar-fine sand, which gives way to the gently shelving azure Caribbean Sea.

This is all the enticement needed for a lazy day soaking up the natural beauty of it all. Like the whale sharks in the water, hundreds of seabirds flock here to feast: lie back in a hammock with a cocktail to watch the pelicans dive-bombing for fish.

Take a golf cart as far east as you can go for quieter stretches of sand – just watch out for crocodiles in the brackish lagoons nearby.

Take in the mellow nightlife

Nights on Isla Holbox are as laid-back as the days. Although you’re not going to find the pulsating club nights and rowdy bars common to places like Cancún, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, there is still a fun nightlife scene on the island.

The beach clubs usually stay open until late, while there’s live music at bars around town and occasionally in Parque Central, two blocks south of the main beach. Places to check out include the bar at Tribu Hostel and Capitán Capitán Beach Lounge.

My favorite thing to do in Isla Holbox

If you’re like me, you might occasionally be looking for a calming activity in the evening; this is the time when I’ll head to the shoreline in the hopes of seeing a very different light show.

One of nature’s most beguiling spectacles, bioluminescence is the ghostly glow of phytoplankton when disturbed by fish or waves along the shoreline, and it happens regularly off the shores of Holbox. The best time to experience it is when the moon is in the dimmest phases of its cycle, particularly from June to August.

How much money do I need for Isla Holbox?

Costs really depend on when you plan to visit Mexico. In general, prices in Isla Holbox are lower than major resort cities such as Cancún and Tulum, but increasing popularity means bargain accommodations are getting harder to find. Averaging all costs over a 3-night stay, including transportation and a boat tour, you can expect to pay at least 1500 Mexican pesos (M$) per day, up to M$2100 during peak season.

• Transportation per person: M$1800, including M$600 for a bus ticket to Chiquilá; M$600 for a round-trip ferry ticket; and M$600 for an onward bus ticket

• Night in a hotel with a double room: M$1000–3000

• Night in a hostel in a dorm bed: M$550

• Boat tour to Punta Mosquito: M$1050

• Full-day whale shark swimming tour: M$3500

• Coffee: M$70

• Dinner for two: M$700

• Beer at a bar: M$60

Is Isla Holbox safe?

Like the rest of the Yucatán Peninsula, the crime rate in Isla Holbox is significantly lower than the rest of Mexico. Since the community is primarily devoted to and dependent on tourism, and given its calmer nightlife, crime rates are low. Nevertheless, you should take the usual precautions, especially when drinking alcohol.

Are there hurricanes in Isla Holbox?

When traveling during hurricane season (June to November), keep a close eye on hurricane trackers ahead of and during your trip, to stay apprised of weather systems. (Zoom Earth is particularly accurate.)

Can I speak English in Isla Holbox?

English is widely spoken on Isla Holbox, but learning and using a couple of friendly words of Spanish is a great way to show respect for residents.

Can I use US dollars in Isla Holbox?

US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Yet it’s worth considering that when you pay using dollars, you’re unlikely to be getting a favorable exchange rate. Wherever possible, pay in cash, with Mexican pesos.

Where should I stay in Isla Holbox?

Tribu Hostel is a funky, fun hostel with a full schedule of activities. Natural materials and blooming gardens set the scene at Hotel Para Ti – a romantic five-star stay at three-star prices.