Why Go to Isla Holbox
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Isla Holbox is a small, car-free island off the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula, inside the Yum Balam nature reserve. The streets are sand, people get around by golf cart and bike, and the pace is slow in the best way.
Holbox is known for wildlife and shallow, turquoise water. Walk out to sandbars where flamingos feed, take a boat to Isla Pasión and Isla de los Pájaros, and in summer, swim with whale sharks or see the water glow with bioluminescence at night. The colorful town is full of street art, small restaurants and beach bars.
Getting to Holbox takes some planning: a drive of about two to two and a half hours from Cancun to the port of Chiquilá, then a short ferry. It's worth it. I'll set up your transfer, ferry and a boutique hotel so the trip is easy from start to finish.
BEST FOR
Couples, nature lovers, return visitors to Mexico and travelers who want to unplug
BEST MONTHS
November–May
EXPLORE
The town sits in the middle of the island near the ferry dock, with the north beach in front of it. Punta Mosquito is to the east and Punta Cocos is to the west.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Isla Holbox
North America › Caribbean Coast & Yucatán › Mexico › Quintana Roo
Sandy streets, flamingos and a barefoot island escape
Island
Beach
Nature
Wildlife
Romance
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Stay at least three nights. Holbox takes a day to reach, and the island is best once you slow down to its pace. Bring cash, since ATMs can run out.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Wear water shoes and keep a respectful distance from the birds.
Punta Mosquito Sandbar
Long sandbar on the island's eastern tip where flamingos often feed in the shallows.
Go in the morning for calmer water and better wildlife.
Three Islands Boat Tour
Visit Isla Pasión, Isla de los Pájaros and the Yalahau freshwater spring.
Season runs about June through September; book ahead.
Whale Shark Tours
Snorkel alongside whale sharks in the open water off the island.
Go on a moonless night with a local guide.
Bioluminescence at Punta Cocos
On dark summer nights, the water near Punta Cocos can glow when you move through it.
Walk the streets in the late afternoon for the best light.
Holbox Town Street Art
Colorful murals cover buildings throughout the small town.
An iconic boho-chic boutique hotel on the beach, close to town; ages 12 and up.
Casa Las Tortugas Petit Beach Hotel & Spa
Beachfront, near town
Boutique · Luxury · Beach
A polished beachfront resort with a pool and spa, a good choice for families.
Mystique Holbox by Royalton
Beachfront, west of town
Luxury · Family · Beach
A wellness-focused boutique hotel from the Tulum brand, set on a quiet beach.
Nômade Holbox
Northwest coast
Boutique · Wellness · Beach
An artistic, wellness-focused boutique hotel right on the north beach.
Ser Casasandra
Beachfront, near town
Boutique · Luxury · Beach
An adults-only eco-luxury hotel with overwater-style villas on the lagoon.
Aldea Kuká
Lagoon side
Adults-Only · Boutique · Luxury
A secluded beachfront hotel on the quiet end of the island.
Las Nubes de Holbox
Eastern tip, near Punta Mosquito
Boutique · Beach
Palapa-style villas on the beach with a pool and a resort feel.
Hotel Villas Flamingos
Beachfront, east of town
Family · Beach
A stylish beachfront boutique hotel with strong value.
AWA Holbox Hotel Boutique
Beachfront
Boutique · Beach
A small, highly rated adults-only hotel.
Hotel Casa HX
Near town
Adults-Only · Boutique
A quiet, relaxed boutique hotel on the beach.
Hotel Mawimbi
Beachfront, near town
Boutique · Value · Beach
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Isla Holbox
High 85°F · Low 70°F · Rain 4.3 in
Day of the Dead celebrations, and the dry season returns.
November through May is dry with calm water. June through September brings whale sharks and bioluminescence but also heat, mosquitoes and hurricane season.
Best Times to Visit Isla Holbox
WHEN TO GO
06
Walking
Town and the nearby beaches are easy to explore on foot.
05
Bikes
Easy to rent and great for the flat, sandy streets.
04
Golf Carts
The main way to get around; many hotels arrange golf-cart taxis from the dock.
03
Small Plane Flights
Charter flights from Cancun or Playa del Carmen take about 30 minutes and land on the island.
02
Ferries from Chiquilá
Passenger ferries make the short crossing to Holbox throughout the day.
01
Cancun to Chiquilá
The port of Chiquilá is about two to two and a half hours from Cancun by private transfer, bus or rental car.
There are no rental cars on Holbox. Walk, bike or take a golf-cart taxi; most hotels can arrange pickup at the ferry dock.
Getting Around Isla Holbox
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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