10 Magical Things To Do in Holbox, Mexico’s Paradise Island

(Last Updated On: April 29, 2022)

Isla Holbox or Holbox island, located at the top of the Yucatan peninsula and just 2.5 hours from Cancun might just be the newest dream beach paradise island you’ve been waiting for. Leave the uninspiring, overdeveloped Cancun resorts behind and head straight to Isla Holbox (pronounced Hol-bosh) or even Tulum for some white sand beaches, rustic charm and boho vibes.  Keep reading for the ultimate Isla Holbox travel guide and for all the useful tips for visiting this slice of paradise.

Imagine fine, white sand beaches, clear blue water with few waves, hammocks and swings in the water, healthy meals and cocktails on the beach as well as an abundance of nature and wildlife- that’s just some of the experiences awaiting you on this paradise island. You should consider, however, that there isn’t much authentically Mexican about this island apart from the local people and the few places selling authentic Mexican cuisine. You really could be anywhere in the world, but for those looking for some relaxation, island vibes and wellness, it’s the perfect stop on your travels.

*This things to do in Holbox post contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book using them at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with free, quality content.

HOW TO GET THERE

From wherever you are on the Yucatán peninsula you’ll have to make your way to the village of Chiquilá.  ADO, the Quintana Roo bus company has services arriving from Cancun and Cancun Airport, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Valladolid and Merida among others. There are also other, slightly cheaper buses you can take such as Oriente and Mayab.  Buses will drop you off right at the ferry terminal.

If you’ve rented a car for your entire trip, there are many parking spaces in Chiquila that charge 50 pesos per 12 hours. This makes it really easy to have somewhere to store your rental car while you head off to Holbox for a few days. Note that you can’t take your car to the island. Officially private cars aren’t allowed and transport on the island is by golf buggy.

There are two ferry services to choose from; 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express and which one you choose will probably be based on which one leaves first. 9 Hermanos leaves on the hour while the Holbox Express leaves on the half an hour. Make sure you walk to the ticket booths right at the end of the pier to see which one is departing first. The first service of the day is at 5 am (9 Hermanos) and the last 20.30 pm (Holbox Express) and tickets will set you back 210 pesos ($11) each way.

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WHERE TO STAY ON ISLA HOLBOX

Holbox Island has a variety of accommodations for every budget, from camping grounds to hostels, budget hotels to luxury boutique hotels. All options are small and quaint and you won’t find any huge resorts here. Here are my absolute favourite places to stay that you simply can’t miss checking out.

ALDEA KUKÁ

If luxury travel is the name of your game then this idyllic, beautifully boho hotel with a private beach is a must. Beautiful boho cabins, luxury infinity pool and private beach – need I say more? This is the place to be on the island.

Check rates and availability booking.com | hotels.com

EL CORAZON

As this name suggests, this tasteful love themed hotel is located right on the beach and has some truly amazing sunsets from their terrace. Not only that, this hotel has a 0% plastic consumption policy and all the products used on site are eco-friendly and biodegradable.

Check rates and availability booking.com | Hotels.com

VILLAS FLAMINGOS

Located on the other side of Holbox beach near the Yum Balam reserve this is the hotel to go to if you’re looking for peace, quiet and tranquillity. The beach here is simply stunning and the hotel is gorgeous; white-washed walls, with natural finishings made from local materials and with a minimalist touch.

Check rates and availability | booking.com | Hotels.com

TIERRA DEL MAR

This adults-only hotel is perfect for those wanting to relax and unwind. It’s a beautifully decorated, eco-friendly hotel with a swimming pool, terrace and bar. Rooms are spacious with a luxury island vibe.

Check rates and availability booking.com

VILLAS MARGARITAS HOLBOX

For a decent yet budget option, I’d happily recommend Villas Margaritas, their rooms are large, clean and spacious and all have en-suite bathrooms and are all fitted with a fan and air conditioning. Some rooms also have balconies for blue sky views of the island. They also rent bikes- handy for cycling to places like Punta Cocos. Everything you’ll need for a budget stay. 

Check availability and rates | booking.com | Hotels.com

For all the great deals on hotels on Holbox Island check out:

TOP THINGS TO DO IN HOLBOX:

RELAX ON THE BEACH

This is probably what this island was made for and there is nothing better than grabbing a hammock or a deck chair, placing yourself on the white sand for a few hours and indulging in a good book while listening to the waves rolling in. Order yourself a refreshing coconut and simply relax and spend the day on the beach. Holbox Beach has no shortage of lovely beach clubs to relax, drink and eat at for those looking for more than just to lay their towel on the sand.

EXPLORE TOWN AND ITS STREET ART

Holbox town is small and compact, with a range of restaurants, cafes and services. Explore and people watch and don’t forget to check out the amazing street art located on every corner. The works are bright, positive and the artists here are extremely talented.

BIRDWATCH AT PUNTO MOSQUITO

Further north along the coast is the idyllic Punta Mosquito, a sandbank where you can relax for a few hours and do some birdwatching. Flamingos, cormorants, pelicans, egrets, ibises and frigatebirds can all be seen from this point and if you venture towards the mainland a little you’ll be able to find even more birds.

Getting to Punta Mosquito is a little tricky. First, you have to wait for low tide, so check the time of that online. Then walk or cycle to the Hotel las Nubes, the last hotel on the beach strip and leave your bike there. Get into the water and walk to Punta Mosquito along the sandbank running along the coast. The walk takes about one hour and keep an eye out on the rising tide- if you wait too long to come back you’ll risk soaking all your belongings. Alternatively, you can take a boat tour that includes a stop at Punta Mosquito. I highly recommend this tour of the islands around Holbox by boat.

TAKE A BOAT TOUR TO ISLA PÁJARO

You’ll see many tour operators all over town offering similar boat tours to Isla Pájaro plus Isla Pasión and Punta Mosquito. These islands can only be accessed by boat and because they are uninhabited, you’ll find the best birdwatching here. Expect to see flamingos (in season), cormorants, herons, pelicans as well as frigatebirds, herons and even storks.

Check out this highly rated Holbox Day Tour for a trip to Isla Pajaro and Isla de la Pasion.

CATCH THE SUNSET

Holbox island really does have the best sunsets unlike Cancun, Playa and Tulum which face eastwards. Catching the sunset is like an island ritual. Grab a cold coconut or some cold beers and head to the beach or the main pier to watch the incredible sunset.

VISIT PUNTA COCOS

Punta Cocos is one of the best beaches on the island and also one of the most magical places to watch the sunset after a long day of lounging. The best way to visit Punta Cocos is just to walk or by taking a golf cart taxi. If you walk the best way to do it is along the beach as it takes no more than thirty minutes.

Here you can visit the lagoon to check for flamingoes and there are some basic beach bars selling snacks and drinks. Bring a towel, some beers and snacks, a bottle of mosquito repellent and you’re all set for a relaxing afternoon and breathtaking sunset. 

It’s also a great place to watch the stars and bioluminescence at night, due to the lack of light pollution.

VOLUNTEER AT THE ANIMAL SHELTER

The animal shelter here is a blessing for the islands animal population. They take in sick and abandoned animals and nurse them back to health with the idea of releasing them back into the wild.

They have many dogs and cats and even racoons. Many of the dogs and cats are also ready for adoption. They are more than welcome for you to visit, play with the animals and help out in any way. Volunteer to feed them, bathe them, cuddle them and even take them out for walks- whatever you’re comfortable with.

You can also make a donation, which will help towards buying medicines, food etc for all the animals. If you’re looking for a way to give back and you’re an animal lover- this is an excellent idea.

SWIMMING WITH WHALE SHARKS

In season (June-September), the chance to swim with whale sharks is the biggest draw to the island. I have listed this last however because I’m not too sure how ethical it really is. I was unable to see it in action as when I visited there were no whale sharks.

I have heard moreover, that even though only two people per boat are allowed in the water at one time, there are so many boats that this just doesn’t make a difference. Others have informed me that some of the sharks even have scars where boats have steered into them.

If you are planning to swim with the whale sharks, please do your research and try to do it as ethically as possible if not at all. Try to also go with a tour that takes the fewest amount of people as this will maximise your time in the water.

SEE THE BIOLUMINESCENSE

Holbox is one of the best places in Mexico to see this incredible nocturnal phenomenon. It’s essentially the production and emission of light by marine vertebrates and invertebrates. As these organisms float in the shallow waters around Holbox, they light up the water like a blanket of light. It’s an incredible phenomenon and one I highly recommend seeing at least once.

You can try to head to the darkest beaches alone in the middle of the night to see it, just make sure to do so when there is no moon. You can also book a tour where knowledgeable guides will take you to the best beaches. I highly recommend this tour for the best bioluminescence tour in Holbox.

WATCH THE SUNRISE

If you’re a morning person I highly recommend getting up, making yourself a coffee and getting to the beach for sunrise. There’s almost nobody around and the sounds of the waves lapping at your feet as the sky turns pink is just magical. Just remember to put on bug spray as the mosquitoes will have you for breakfast.

WHERE TO EAT

Painapol – The place to eat on the island for healthy, fresh and satisfying food. It was always packed every time I went and for good reason. They serve acai bowls, green juices and fruit smoothies, sandwiches, salads and coffee. They have many choices to fit every dietary requirement, including plenty of plant-based options.

Roots Pizza – After having heard great things about this place, and to satisfy the ever-growing pizza withdrawal symptoms, I had to try this place out and I recommend you do too. They have quite a few pizzas to choose from including their famous lobster one. I stuck with the veggie pizza and it certainly hit the spot.

Arte Sano – a delicious vegetarian/vegan restaurant in town serving a variety of Mexican style dishes like tacos, tostadas and burgers. They also have a nice range of juices and smoothies. Highly recommended.

Mojito at Ser Cassandra – The perfect place for some golden hour or sunset mojitos right on the beach.

The local market – The local market is the best way to sample some of the local food on the island. Open only in the morning, this is a great breakfast-brunch option. I mean who doesn’t like tacos for breakfast!? There are a few eateries serving tacos, tortas, sopas, and fresh fruit juices. Located on the corner of Av Damero with Calle Tintorera.

The Beach– No this isn’t the name of a restaurant, I really mean the beach is a great place for local snacks. Vendors make their way up and down the beach with carts of ‘cocos frios’ (cold coconuts) and mangos or whatever other fruit is in season. Make sure not to miss out on the perfect beach snack when they pass you buy. Try the skewered mango with ‘tajin’, a mix of lime, salt and chilli- a to-die-for combination with mango.

WHERE TO MOVE

Go for a run – Holbox island is one the best places to go for a beach run, this is because the sand is so compact, it feels like no extra effort to run on it. A great route would be to just run down the beach or the road that runs by it, taking you all the way to Las Nubes hotel and the start of Yuk Balam reserve and back again. Just remember to try to get your run in before the weather heats up. I highly recommend a sunrise run. 

Yoga – There are quite a few places/hotels in Holbox to do yoga. Ser Casasandra is a beautifully serene space that has yoga classes twice daily as well as retreats, spa treatments meditation, breathwork and coaching. Hotel Casa Las Tortugas offers daily yoga as well as many different spa treatments in their Aqua Spa and Yoga Centre. The best thing to do is to check out the brilliant The Holboxeño guide for daily activities including yoga on the island.

Hotel room workout – Why not workout right in the air-conditioned comfort of your hotel room? With plenty of bodyweight workouts available, simply select one, treat your body to some conditioning and be ready to hit the beach in no time. Click here for my no-equipment bodyweight workouts perfect for hotel rooms or the beach.

I would normally recommend a beach workout too, however on Holbox, I found the number of mosquitoes in the early morning just too much and in the middle of the day, when they’ve gone, it’s just too hot. Stick to workouts in the comfort of your hotel room. 

TOP TIPS FOR VISITING

↠ Bring cash from the mainland– Holbox has a couple of cash machines but they aren’t always working and they frequently run out of bills. Many businesses also don’t take credit cards or add an extra processing fee. It’s best to bring cash to cover your entire stay. 

↠ Don’t leave home without insect repellent – I found that the generic repellent sold in Mexican pharmacies just didn’t cut it. The mosquitoes here are vicious, especially during the rainy seasons. I’d highly recommend bringing the best quality, eco and most effective repellent you can find from home. And, bring lots, you’ll be re-applying it constantly. 

↠ Bring a book- wifi here isn’t the best and it’s the perfect opportunity to disconnect yourself for a while and drive into that book you’ve been meaning to read for a while. 

↠ Visit in the dry season (if possible)– due to the lack of basic infrastructure such as paved road with drainage it gets a little chaotic in the wet season. I arrived to flooded roads and so much mud everywhere. I also couldn’t get to certain points of the island due to roads being blocked by floods. Also, I’m sure there are more mosquitos in the rainy season. The rainy season runs from June- November.  

↠ Wifi is unpredictable but 4G works well. If you need to be connected buy a Mexican SIM with lots of data or activate roaming for all the internet you might need. Apps which I used a lot were Happy Cow and TripAdvisor for restaurants, Google Maps, Social Media apps and of course the Roam & Thrive blog. 

↠ When arriving in Chiquilá and using public transport buy your bus ticket out as soon as you arrive, especially during high season. Bus services are limited and fill up fast, so chances are tickets will be sold out for the service you want when you arrive back from Holbox. It’s best to already have your bus ticket to avoid expensive colectivos or taxis to get to your next destination.  If you do find the buses to be full there are shared transfers available for 350 pesos per person.

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Planning a visit to Holbox island and have some comments and questions? Leave them below, I’d love to hear from you!

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