Holbox is a tropical paradise that has no shortage of fine stretches of beach, bright street art and trendy hotspots. Here’s my guide to the idyllic island of Holbox, featuring the best things to do in Isla Holbox, where to stay, my favourite restaurants, as well as the best day trips on the island.


Only 20 minutes north of Yucatan Peninsula’s coastline lies Isla Holbox, Mexico’s pristine tropical island, and easily one of the most paradisiac islands we’ve ever set foot on.

After our touchdown in Cancun, we had one clear mission – to make our way to Holbox as quickly as possible. And once we eventually arrived, our body and mind felt at ease spontaneously.

Holbox provides relaxed island vibes in the finest possible way, mainly since it’s largely untouched by upscale tourism.

However, it isn’t just the tranquil atmosphere, pearl white stretches of beach, and the serenity of the Caribbean sea that defines the charm of the island.

No, Holbox’s real charm is that it’s recognized as one of the few places on Earth where you can actually swim with whale sharks.

It is, in fact, the tropical island you have always dreamed of, and for that reason an excellent stop throughout your road trip through Yucatan, Mexico.

Here’s my guide to Isla Holbox, including the best things to do in Isla Holbox, where to stay, how to get there, and all the essentials to fully enjoy this amazing island.


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Where is Isla Holbox Mexico

Where is Isla Holbox

Where to stay in Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox has no shortage of excellent accommodations, catering to both the likings and budgets of all sorts of travellers and their preferences.

Whether you’re looking for a luxury boutique hotel directly on the beach, a budget-friendly hostel, or something in between, the options here are aplenty, meaning you will easily find something that suits your needs.

I do advise you to search for your dream stay a little in advance, given Isla Holbox has become quite a popular travel destination of lately, especially during the peak season.

To get you started, I’ve listed some of my favourite options below, one of which is marked – this is the one I stayed at during my time on the island.

Spirit Holbox | Securing a private stretch of beach, offering enchanting ocean-view suites, as well as a stunning rooftop pool overlooking the vast ocean, Spirit Holbox is a great pick for those looking for comfort at a decent price. Deluxe doubles start at €98,- a night.

+ Alcobas Del Mar | Alcobas Del Mar is everything you expect a boutique hotel to be. The interior is made of concrete and wood, which is absolutely charming if you ask us. The overall atmosphere is extraordinarily calm and all rooms are spacious, air-conditioned and equipped with a comfortable bed and free toiletries. Ooh, and they have a serene indoor pool.

Spirit Holbox | Spirit Holbox secured a private stretch of Holbox’s secluded beach and offers enchanting decorated ocean-view suites. The hotel comes with a cosy terrace, a rooftop pool and a garden of calm. If your specifically looking for a beachfront hotel, look no further.

Hotel El Pueblito | A beloved hotel that has a great rustic interior and a large appealing swimming pool. The rooms are clean, spacious and most importantly, comfortable. The hotel houses a great atmosphere and has several common areas that are pleasing and inviting. It is also surprisingly close to the beach and Holbox’s main town.

• • •

If the above accommodations do not resonate with your travel preferences,
search accommodations in Tulum on booking.com.

Things to do in Isla Holbox
What to do in Holbox
Where to stay in Isla Holbox

9 Incredible things to do in Isla Holbox, Mexico


1. Cruise around the island on a bike

Biking along the tropical shorelines of Holbox was in many ways one of my favourite things to do in Isla Holbox, which might not come as a surprise given I’m Dutch, meaning biking is basically imprinted in my DNA.

Isla Holbox is a car-free island that, regardless of the fact that everything is within walking distance, is perfect for two-wheeled adventures.

At only a 10-minute bike away from the sleepy town, you’ll discover fine stretches of beach, with nobody there to enjoy it, but you.

A bicycle comes in extremely handy if you plan to, visit the marvellous sandbar at Punta Mosquito, admire Holbox’s superb street art or just want to use it around the town and beach.

For us, the joy and freedom that comes with renting a bike, add up to Mexico’s tranquil island life and the vibe that accompanies it.


Cost | Bike rental, 150 MXN, ($8) for 24 hours

Things to do on Isla Holbox

2. Explore the stunning sandbanks of Punta Mosquito

When we imagined what Mexico would be like, a tropical paradise with idyllic beaches and absurdly clear water repeatedly came to mind.

Punta Mosquito was exactly that.

The splendour that characterizes Punta Mosquito is acquired by a pristine, secluded sandbar that stretches out along the idyllic shoreline of Isla Holbox.

The shallow turquoise water awaits under the bright Carribean sun, inviting you to take a peaceful walk on the widely stretched sandbar.

If you’re fortunate, you might even spot flamingos around Punta Mosquito.

For safety purposes, we’d highly recommend visiting Punta Mosquito during ebb tide, meaning you should go well before noon. Once the water level rises you may not be able to walk on the sandbar. We’d also suggest being extra careful regarding your electronic equipment.

Ooh, and don’t forget to bring enough bug repellent, it is named ‘Punta Mosquito’ after all, and that’s for a good reason.


Punta Mosquito Holbox | What to do on Holbox

3. Take an amazing 3 island tour in Isla Holbox

Imagine a short and relaxing private boat tour that takes you along the appealing nature that surrounds Holbox, that’s what this 3 Island Tour from Isla Holbox is all about.

The 3-hour tour is a calming experience and brings you, as the name might suggest, to 3 distinct islands, which are all extremely charming in their own way.

The 3 islands include:

Yalahau Cenote | The Yalahau Cenote is a crystal clear freshwater cenote, that invites you to jump in straight away. The cenote is fueled by groundwater, making it distinctly colder than the sea.

Isla Pajaros | A small deserted island that owes its name ‘Bird Island’ to the 35 bird species that house here throughout the year. It’s quite a spectacle to see so many different species of birds in their natural habitat.

Isla de la Pasion | Once you set foot on Isla de la Pasion, there’s a good chance you’ll see flamingos and Pelicans. It’s an unspoilt paradise, one you’ll obviously admire, especially if you’re a birdwatcher.

Punta Mosquito | In some cases, you’ll head to Punta Mosquito instead of Isla Pajaros, which is a great bonus, given it’s already in this list of things to do in Isla Holbox. This often depends on the number of flamingos you spot at Isla de la Pasion during the tour.


Book | This incredible 3-hour boat tour with VIP Holbox
Cost | 682 MXN, ($35) per person
Duration | Roughly 3 hours

What to do on Holbox
Things to do in Isla Holbox Mexico
Boat tour | Things to do in Isla Holbox

3. Have lunch at Painapol

Painapol is a trendy vegan-friendly café that combines a laidback vibe with healthy and delicious food, which if you ask us is perfect for breakfast and lunch.

We pulled up here for a late afternoon lunch and treated ourselves to a true health feast, consisting of a large nourishing smoothie bowl, freshly made avocado toast, and two delicious smoothie jars.

Besides the aforementioned options, they serve plenty of other great healthy dishes, including a wide variety of vegan options, all for a reasonable price.

The café houses an artistic interior with swings, comfortable corners and a large colourful mural, making it a cosy place to hang out while enjoying a great cup of coffee or fresh-pressed juice.

Painapol has a good reputation on the island, and we truly believe that you should visit at least once.


Where | Painapol Holbox
Opening hours | Tuesday to Friday 08:00 – 17:00, Monday closed

Painapol | Things to do on Holbox
Painapol | What to do on Holbox
Things to do in Holbox

4. Marvel at Isla Holbox’s phenomenal street art scene

It makes great sense that Holbox makes you think only of paradisiac stretches of beach and the calming sound of waves that break on the shore, but there is more to the island.

The charm of the island is not only caused by the tropical palms that pop up on about every corner but foremostly by the bright-coloured murals that illuminate the cosy little island town.

Isla Holbox is in fact, well-known for its booming street art culture, which we find undeniably charming.

Throughout the entire town, you’ll find artistically designed murals, making it a joy to explore the island again and again. Every time we wandered along the streets, we ran into a piece of street art that we hadn’t seen before.

Speaking of which, some of Holbox’s best street art is found on the beach.

Street art | Things to do in Isla Holbox
Street art Holbox Beach
Grafitti | Things to do in Isla Holbox

5. Swim with whale sharks

Isla Holbox is acknowledged as one of the few places on Earth where you can actually get up close and personal with whale sharks.

So if you had a long-time desire to swim with whale sharks in a responsible and ethical manner, Holbox might be the perfect destination for your next adventure.

Despite their somewhat frightening name, these majestic creatures are known to be completely harmless to people. Fortunately for us, their diet consists only of plankton, krill and other aquatic microorganisms.

It is said that swimming around whale sharks is one of the most thrilling and exceptional experiences ever. However, please keep in mind that the well-being of these creatures is far more important than your personal bucket-list experience.

If you’re considering joining a whale shark tour, we’d sincerely recommend putting significant importance on finding a tour operator who specialises in ethical tourism practices and nature conservation.


Where | VIP Holbox is well educated and places great value on the ethical side. More details here
Cost | Whale Shark Tours cost around 2,200 – 2,800 MXN, ($120 – 150) per person.
When | Whale Shark Season in Isla Holbox runs from late May till early September.

Whale watching | Things to do on Holbox

6. Unwind on Isla Holbox best beaches

Very often, the best things in life are quite straightforward and if we had the drawback of using only one word to describe Holbox, it would definitely be: easygoing.

As soon as we had set foot on Holbox, the tranquil atmosphere that prevails on the island, made sure that life slowed down a pace or two.

The island houses a bunch of laidback beach clubs, of which we’d guarantee, you’ll stay longer than initially planned.

Which is exactly what we did.

We spent numerous hours with our feet dimpled in the sand, occasionally reading a book or taking a dip in the clear water – we were even caught napping away the afternoon.

And why not, it is a tropical holiday after all.


Holbox Beach | Things to do in Isla Holbox
Holbox Island Mexico
Best things to do on Holbox Island

8. Have dinner at Luuma Holbox

Even though Holbox is home to a broad selection of restaurants, I Believe it’s Luuma that stands out above the rest.

Luuma is a trendy restaurant that provides a tranquil ambience in a secluded outdoor garden, which is accomplished by a fine sand floor, illuminating lanterns, and an abundance of verdant palms.

But it isn’t just the admirable atmosphere that makes Luuma so sensational.

No, it is their eclectic menu of delicate bite-sized tapas and appetizing signature cocktails that get the job done.

Besides their amazing tapas, they serve unique worldly dishes based on fresh Mexican sourced ingredients – plus a handful of vegetarian and vegan options.

Eating here has a relaxing, yet sophisticated feel to it, and in our opinion, there is no other restaurant like this on the island.


Where | Luuma Isla Holbox
Opening hours | Daily 17:00 – 23:00

Restaurants on Holbox | Luuma

9. Sit down on a dock and watch the sunset

Sunsets on Isla Holbox are absolutely glorious, and not an afternoon on the island should pass by without admiring them.

Punta Coco and Playa Holbox’s pier are clearly the places where you want to be when the sun slowly drops below the horizon.

Alongside the aforementioned spots, any spot on the island’s north shore, will be great to see the last rays of sunshine illuminate the sky.

Probably the best tip we can give, is to sit back, relax and take in nature’s daily show.


Punta Coco Holbox | Holbox sunset

Where to eat in Isla Holbox | My favourite restaurants


Holbox has no shortage of excellent cafés and restaurants, by any means.

Some of my favourite restaurants on Holbox include:

Naay Salad Bar

Naay is a cosy cafe that serves ‘feel-good’ food, among which you’ll find salad bowls, fruit bowls and other vegan alternatives. Their biggest asset is a salad bar where you could create your own salad bowl by selecting from a list of vegetables, proteins and toppings, including falafel and tofu.


Where | Naay Holbox
Opening hours  | Monday to Saturday 13:30 – 21:00, Sunday closed

Roots Pizza’s

If you’re craving for pizza while on Holbox, head over to Roots. The pizzeria is often considered the best on the island, and that’s for a good reason. Roots is well-known for its famous lobster pizza and also offers the opportunity to be creative by putting together your own pizza.


Where | Roots Pizza’s
Opening hours | Daily 12:00 – 23:30

Rosa Mexicano

A charming outdoor restaurant at the heart of Holbox’s spirited main square. Serves a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes with a modern touch and is the perfect spot for a few late-night cocktails.


Where | Rosa Mexicano
Opening hours | Daily 08:30 – 22:30

Restaurante & Beach Club Mandarina

What’s a tropical holiday without dining directly at the beach while watching the sunset. Mandarina is a seaside restaurant that combines Mediterranean, South American and Caribbean flavours to create excellent and unique dishes. The sea view and use of local and homemade ingredients ensure that it’s one of the top restaurants on Holbox.


Where | Restaurante & Beach Club Mandarina
Opening hours | Daily 07:00 – 11:00, 12:00 – 17:00, 18:00 – 22:00

Things to do in Isla Holbox | The essentials


The best time to visit Isla Holbox

Even though the tropics are quite unpredictable when it comes to the weather, there is a travel period that is referred to as the high season.

The best time to visit Holbox is during the dry season that runs from December till May, with May being the hottest month.

The tropical climate that prevails on the island, provides high temperates throughout the year, but expect more rainfall during the rain and hurricane season that runs from May till October.

Like at most tropical destinations, the rainfall usually comes in heavy showers that go by reasonably quickly.

We ourselves visited Holbox in October and had good weather throughout our entire stay. One huge downside of visiting during this period is the number of mosquitoes you’ll encounter. But maybe that’s year-round though, we don’t know.

How to get to Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox is a tropical island north of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and therefore best reached by boat. However, you’ll first need to journey to a small coastal town named Chiquilá, before you can take the ferry to the island.

Bus to Chiquilà | Chiquilá is easily reached by making use of the comfortable and punctual ADO buses. For up-to-date information, departure times and online reservations, visit the ADO website.

Ferry to Isla Holbox | The ferry from Chiquilà to Holbox is operated by 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express, running every 30 minutes, starting at 05:00 until 20:40.

Cost | A one-way ticket is 150 MXN, ($8) per person

Below you see two of the most common itineraries, both work vice versa.

From Cancun to Isla Holbox

Itinerary | Cancun – Chiquilà – Isla Holbox
Cost | Bus 286 MXN, ($15.40) per person – Ferry 150 MXN, ($8) per person
Travel time | Bus 2.20 hours – Ferry  20 minutes
Bus departure time | Cancun to Chiquilà – 08:15, 10:30 and 14:15 – Chiquilà to Cancun – 11:15, 12:40, 13:45 and 18:15

From Valladolid to Isla Holbox

Itinerary | Valladolid – Chiquilà – Isla Holbox
Cost | Bus 214 MXN, ($11.50) per person | Ferry 150 MXN, ($8) per person
Travel time | Bus 2.25 hours – Ferry 20 minutes
Bus departure time | Only once a day – Valladolid to Chiquilà – 09:50 – Chiquilà to Valladolid – 16:45

How to get to Isla Holbox Mexico

Stay safe in Mexico | Travel insurance

While Mexico is perfectly safe for travellers, I always strive to sort out my travel insurance before arriving in a foreign country, and I highly advise anyone else to do the same.

Where we prefer that everything goes smoothly during our travels, something unfortunate can happen at any moment, whether it’s an injury or an accident on the road. When that happens, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Heymondo | Whether you’re going on a 3-week backpacking trip, or planning a long stay somewhere abroad, Heymondo has excellent insurance options either way – plus full COVID-19 coverage and a handy app with 24-hour medical assistance. Readers of WTSW receive 5% off any insurance policy, more information here.

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