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 spending some time in Downtown Holbox, Main Square and Holbox Church are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown Holbox

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.

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