Isla Holbox Cancún
A car-free island paradise in Mexico, known for its shallow turquoise waters, vibrant sunsets, and magical bioluminescence.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for bioluminescence
Isla Holbox Cancún
Best Time
Best for bioluminescence
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A car-free island paradise in Mexico, known for its shallow turquoise waters, vibrant sunsets, and magical bioluminescence.
"Holbox is the Maldives of Mexico! A must visit for anyone looking to experience the prettiest water in Mexico!"
🚗 Golf Carts & Bikes
Rent a golf cart or bike to explore the sandy streets. It's the main way to get around!
💰 Bring Cash!
ATMs are unreliable. Carry enough pesos for street food, taxis, and smaller purchases.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Walk on Water at Punta Mosquito
Punta Mosquito
Experience the surreal sensation of walking on a sandbar with ankle-deep water stretching out before you. A photographer's dream!
Bioluminescence Magic
Various shallow areas, best on moonless nights
Witness the ocean glow with ethereal blue light as tiny marine organisms illuminate the water. A truly magical natural phenomenon.
Spectacular Island Sunsets
Western-facing beaches, Zomay
Holbox offers breathtaking sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant colors. Perfect for a romantic evening or a moment of quiet reflection.
Car-Free Island Charm
Throughout the island
Embrace the laid-back vibe of this car-free paradise. Explore sandy streets by foot, bicycle, or golf cart.
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Holbox: Plan Your Journey
Cash is King on Holbox
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Golf Carts & Bikes
Rent a golf cart or bike to explore the sandy streets. It's the main way to get around!
💰 Bring Cash!
ATMs are unreliable. Carry enough pesos for street food, taxis, and smaller purchases. +1
🎒 Pack Light for Ferry
Consider a backpack over wheeled luggage due to sandy streets.
☀️ Sargassum-Free Beaches
Holbox often has less sargassum than mainland beaches. Great for swimming!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Golf Carts & Bikes
Rent a golf cart or bike to explore the sandy streets. It's the main way to get around!
💰 Bring Cash!
ATMs are unreliable. Carry enough pesos for street food, taxis, and smaller purchases. +1
🎒 Pack Light for Ferry
Consider a backpack over wheeled luggage due to sandy streets.
☀️ Sargassum-Free Beaches
Holbox often has less sargassum than mainland beaches. Great for swimming!
🦞 Lobster Pizza
Don't miss the famous lobster pizza at Roots! A must-try local delicacy.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Isla Holbox is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, particularly its unique sandbars, calm waters, and the magical bioluminescence. Visitors love the laid-back, car-free island vibe and the spectacular sunsets. However, some find it can be expensive and the service quality has declined due to its popularity.
"The island has some beautiful parts, I had an amazing two week stay, staying at 3 different hotels (all amazing) but your experience will depend on where you stay, the weather and in which season. I was planning a quiet/chill trip and Holbox was perfect for this. Research is essential, otherwise you’ll likely be disappointed.
Positives - Beaut island, small enough to get around by foot, or bike (if roads are not flooded), Casa Mech, Onda Maya and El Nido were great places to stay, beaches towards the East of the island are by far the best, loads of great places to eat, cafes etc, great place for solo travel, as its very safe. When the weather is good, the island is amazing.
Negatives - It’s a long way from the nearest airport, so I wouldn’t recommend for a short trip, as the island isnt cheap and a one way taxi from Cancun is near £200 and you’d still need to get the ferry and taxi once on the island. The holbox shuttle is awful (dont do it), I took the ADO bus back to Cancun which was far more pleasant and cheaper. The infrastructure on the island is poor and there is a major sewage issue, the island is very neglected in certain areas, beaches are not maintained on most of the island, so be really careful about where you stay. Water and power outages are common and the only phone network that works is telecel. Flooding is a huge issue and the West of the island is under water, despite there being numerous boutique hotels there. There are no shops and barely any restaurants on the West of the island. Due to a large amount of rainfall I would not suggest visiting the island during rainy season and be aware that hurricanes are common in this time (3 hurricanes hit the island in 2024, that I am aware of, there may have been more)"
Jody Shafton
"Isla Holbox is featured on almost every travel blog: a must go for anyone who is traveling in Mexico.
I think so too but please be sure to think about your money. It’s an expensive island. Everything is expensive even the cheapest rooms or restaurants.
The roads are sand, and sand only. When it rains: it’s mud! And this is actually super cool. Time stood still here. Most looks old and dusted but has its charms. There are some newly build locations. And ofcourse the 5* locations.
There is something for everybody but again: not cheap. But the island is super cool, easygoing, friendly and you can find honest and great food.
Is it a must go? That’s up to you. Island life can be great so is Isla Holbox."
Rudy Peters
"In my opinion Holbox is overrated, overpriced and over gentrified. The photos looked way nicer than reality - very loud golf cars passing by all the time, clouds of dusts in dry season, food is expensive, only tourists and no locals, not really a peaceful place as every beach bar is playing its own music. It’s a good place if you’re young, like to drink and party. Otherwise- go to Zipolite or Mazunte!"
Giedre Nalivaikaitė
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common route is to fly into Cancun International Airport (CUN). From there, take a bus (ADO is a popular option) or a private shuttle to Chiquilá, which takes about 2.5-3.5 hours. In Chiquilá, you'll catch a 30-minute ferry to Isla Holbox. +3
No, there is no direct ferry from Cancun to Isla Holbox. You must first travel to the port town of Chiquilá to catch the ferry. +1
Costs vary, but expect to pay around $15-25 USD for a one-way bus ticket from Cancun to Chiquilá. The ferry is typically around $10-15 USD round trip. Private shuttles will be more expensive. +2
No, Isla Holbox is a car-free island. You'll need to leave your car in a secure parking lot in Chiquilá before taking the ferry. Parking fees are usually around 100 pesos per day.
Ferries typically run every 30 minutes from Chiquilá to Isla Holbox, and vice versa, from early morning until around 9:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check the latest schedules upon arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You don't need to buy tickets to enter Isla Holbox itself. However, booking transportation (bus, shuttle) and ferry tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel times.
Most beaches on Isla Holbox are publicly accessible and free to enjoy. Some beach clubs may have a minimum consumption fee to use their facilities.
Ferries generally operate from around 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with departures every 30 minutes. Confirm the last departure time upon arrival in Chiquilá.
As of recent information, there isn't a specific 'tourist tax' for Isla Holbox itself, but transportation and accommodation costs are factored into your trip budget.
Yes, booking popular tours like bioluminescence or whale shark excursions in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Isla Holbox is a car-free island. The best ways to get around are by walking, renting a bicycle, or hiring a golf cart taxi.
Yes, Isla Holbox is known for its calm, shallow, and often clear waters, making it excellent for swimming and wading. +1
Don't miss Punta Mosquito for its unique sandbar, experiencing the bioluminescence, watching the spectacular sunsets, and simply enjoying the car-free island vibe. +2
Holbox can get busy, especially during peak seasons. However, it's generally less crowded than Cancun or Tulum and offers a more laid-back atmosphere. +1
You might spot flamingos, whale sharks (seasonal), iguanas, horseshoe crabs, and various bird species. The bioluminescence is also a unique wildlife experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Holbox is famous for its lobster pizza, fresh seafood, and delicious tacos. Many restaurants offer a variety of local and international cuisine.
While seafood is prevalent, many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan options. Look for places that highlight fresh produce and plant-based dishes.
Food prices can vary. While some nice meals can be around $15 USD, street tacos are very affordable. It's generally considered more expensive than mainland Mexico.
Many of the nicer sit-down restaurants and larger stores accept credit cards, but it's always wise to have cash for smaller eateries and street food vendors. +1
Popular spots include Roots for lobster pizza, Tacos Mokieras for al pastor tacos, Viva Zapata for great staff and tortillas, and Taqueria Mateo for pork and pineapple tacos. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Punta Mosquito's sandbar, the colorful streets, the iconic Holbox letters, and the stunning sunsets are all fantastic photo opportunities. Don't forget to capture the bioluminescence!
Yes, the natural beauty, unique landscapes, and vibrant colors make Isla Holbox incredibly photogenic. Golden hour for sunsets is particularly stunning.
Early mornings and late afternoons (golden hours) are ideal for soft light and beautiful colors. Evenings are perfect for capturing the bioluminescence. +1
The 'Holbox' sign on the beach is a popular spot. Also, capturing the golf carts navigating the sandy streets offers a unique island perspective.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone to ensure compliance and respect for privacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for accommodations that offer family-friendly amenities. Many beach clubs provide a relaxed atmosphere where kids can enjoy the sand and sea. While Holbox is known for its natural beauty, ensure you pack plenty of sun protection, snacks, and entertainment for younger travelers. The car-free nature of the island also means fewer traffic worries, making it a more peaceful experience for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
Eating at local taquerias and street food stalls is a great way to save money on meals. Bringing some non-perishable snacks from the mainland can also help cut down on costs. Utilizing public transportation like the ADO bus from Cancun to Chiquilá is significantly cheaper than private transfers. Walking and renting a bicycle are also cost-effective ways to explore the island.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider a sunset boat tour, perhaps even one that includes a chance to see the bioluminescence for a truly magical experience. Many boutique hotels and charming restaurants provide intimate settings for romantic dinners. The car-free environment adds to the tranquility, making it an ideal spot to reconnect and unwind together.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Isla Holbox: Transportation & Getting Around
When planning your journey to Holbox, remember that the island is accessible only by ferry from the small port town of Chiquilá. This requires an initial trip from Cancun International Airport (CUN) to Chiquilá, typically via ADO bus or a pre-booked private shuttle. The bus is a budget-friendly option, while private transfers offer more convenience and speed. Factor in the time for this multi-step journey when planning your arrival and departure.
The sandy nature of the streets is a defining characteristic of Holbox. While charming, it means that wheeled luggage can be cumbersome. Many travelers recommend bringing a backpack instead of a suitcase to make navigating from the ferry to your hotel much easier. This practical tip can significantly enhance your arrival experience on the island.
The Magic of Holbox's Bioluminescence
The best time to experience bioluminescence in Holbox is generally from May to September, particularly on nights with no moon. Local guides offer boat tours that take visitors to the darkest, most secluded areas of the island where the glow is most visible. Swimming in these illuminated waters under a starry sky is an unforgettable, almost surreal experience.
While the phenomenon is present year-round, its intensity can vary. It's a natural wonder that adds an extra layer of magic to a Holbox visit, offering a unique connection with the marine environment. Booking a guided tour is highly recommended to find the best spots and ensure a safe and memorable experience.
Culinary Delights of Isla Holbox
Street food is also a significant part of the Holbox dining experience. Tacos are a must-try, with local taquerias serving up authentic flavors. Taqueria Mateo and Tacos Mokieras are frequently recommended for their delicious and affordable tacos, especially the al pastor. Don't hesitate to explore the local eateries for a true taste of the island.
While Holbox is known for its seafood, vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly available. Many restaurants are adapting their menus to cater to diverse dietary needs. It's always a good idea to ask about plant-based dishes or inquire about modifications. Remember that cash is preferred by many smaller establishments, so having pesos on hand is essential for enjoying the full culinary spectrum of Holbox.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit