Isla Holbox

Travel Guide

Isla Holbox showing tropical scenes and a marina
Isla Holbox featuring tropical scenes, island views and landscape views
Isla Holbox which includes a sunset, a sandy beach and landscape views
Isla Holbox featuring landscape views, general coastal views and a sunset
Isla Holbox showing tropical scenes and a beach

Enjoy lazy days on white-sand beaches, superb wildlife spotting and varied watersports at this blissful and untamed island on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Discover the true essence of a Caribbean island dreamland at Isla Holbox. Swing in a hammock while watching ocean ripples on the shore, look for over 150 bird species and dabble in thrilling watersports. Isla Holbox lies where the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico meet. It forms part of the Yum-Balam Biosphere Reserve. Pristine beaches cover 22 of its 26 miles (36 of 42 kilometers) of length.

The island’s tourist center is Holbox, a small town characterized by sandy streets and colorful Caribbean architecture. Select from its abundance of guesthouses, hotels, seafood restaurants and tour operators. Nothing is far away in Holbox. It’s easy to get around by foot or rented bike or golf cart. Visit the Main Square, home to the Holbox Church, a kid’s playground and a basketball court.

A short walk northwest of the town is Holbox Beach. Its warm, shallow water is perfect for swimmers of all ages and abilities. Try kayaking, kitesurfing, stand-up paddle boarding and windsurfing. Join fishing trips and boating adventures to spot whale sharks from May to September.

Be amazed by the variety of birds inhabiting the coastline and Yalahau Lagoon, which separates the island from the mainland. See egrets, herons, ibis, flamingos and pelicans, among others. Spot crocodiles, dolphins, rays and turtles. Punta Mosquito Beach, at the island’s northernmost tip, is a great location for viewing flamingos.

Step aboard a boat and visit the islets scattered around the island. Come face-to-face with endangered birds via the walkways through Bird Island’s cacti and mangroves. Escape real-world stresses at the palm-fringed bays of Passion Island. Bathe in the freshwater spring of Yalahua Cenote.

Reach Isla Holbox by catching a bus from Cancún to Chiquilá then take a 15-minute ferry ride. Come prepared for year-round hot temperatures, with heavy rains and a large presence of mosquitoes from June to October.

Where to stay in Isla Holbox

Holbox😀

Downtown Holbox

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Downtown Holbox and surrounding area, you can visit Holbox Ferry and Holbox Beach.

Downtown Holbox
Villas HM Palapas del Mar

Villas HM Palapas del Mar

4 out of 5
Avenida Plutarco Elias S/N, Isla Holbox, QROO
$86 nightly
The price is $108 total per night from Oct 28 to Oct 29
$108 total
Oct 28 - Oct 29
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Isla Holbox. Enjoy free breakfast, 2 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Great place

Reviewed on Sep 25, 2025

Villas HM Palapas del Mar
Aldea Kuká, Luxury Eco Boutique Hotel

Aldea Kuká, Luxury Eco Boutique Hotel

5 out of 5
Calle Paseo Kuka S/N, Isla Holbox, QROO
$453 nightly
The price is $551 total per night from Oct 27 to Oct 28
$551 total
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury lodge in Isla Holbox. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (310 reviews)
The hotel is spectacular. The beach is stunning. The ambient super relaxing. Front desk was amazing. Chef and kitchen manager were excellent. The hotel sits a safe and quiet space were guest can relax and enjoy.

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2025

Aldea Kuká, Luxury Eco Boutique Hotel
AWA Holbox Hotel Boutique - Beach Front

AWA Holbox Hotel Boutique - Beach Front

4 out of 5
C. Charal, Isla Holbox, QROO
$136 nightly
The price is $167 total per night from Oct 27 to Oct 28
$167 total
Oct 27 - Oct 28
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Isla Holbox. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (352 reviews)
Daniela and Noel made our trip. Service was great. Poole could use some cleaning but everything else was great

Reviewed on Oct 8, 2025

AWA Holbox Hotel Boutique - Beach Front
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Macondo Raíz Holbox

Macondo Raíz Holbox

2 out of 5
C. Esmedregal, Isla Holbox, QROO
Stay at this aparthotel in Isla Holbox. Enjoy daily housekeeping, a garden, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Holbox Beach and Holbox Church are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (40 reviews)
You will love the charming hotel. Great little swimming pool and easy to walk to everywhere, the beach, restaurants, the port and all the nightlife. Great customer service. Exelente and helpful staff.

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Macondo Raíz Holbox
Ensueño Holbox and Beach Club

Ensueño Holbox and Beach Club

3.5 out of 5
Calle Cahuama con Calle Cherna s/n, Isla Holbox, QROO
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Isla Holbox. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (200 reviews)
Lovely staff, overall great hotel!!

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2025

Ensueño Holbox and Beach Club
LaFamilia Casa and Suites

LaFamilia Casa and Suites

3 out of 5
Calle Chalupa equina con Zargo, M00910 L09, Isla Holbox, QROO
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Isla Holbox. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Holbox Beach and Bioluminescence Beach ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Ok

Reviewed on Aug 27, 2025

LaFamilia Casa and Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Isla Holbox

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
142
5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
40
4 - Good 21%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

The island was much more populated than we thought it would be. We were very happy to stay at Deluxe Apartments since it was on the quieter side of town and close to a beautiful beach.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It was a great island we loved it. We went to see the sunset at playa punta cocos. There’s so many beautiful spots. It has amazing churos and tacos.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

This was our 2nd trip. We’ve saw a big change in 3 years. We hope that they limit growth here because what makes Holbox wonderful is it’s rustic small town feel

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Excellent customer service, holbox my favorite island

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Havent been there in 14 years. Alot has change but i loved it

5/5 - Excellent

Anni

Do some excursions to get out of the tourist area. We learned abt the animals and the fragile environment they inhabit. Bring cash. There are atms but they don’t have cash a lot. There’s also an exchange office and some restaurants do take cards.

Cities near Isla Holbox

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