Isla Holbox

Travel Guide

Isla Holbox showing tropical scenes and a marina
Isla Holbox which includes island images, tropical scenes and landscape views
Isla Holbox showing landscape views, a sandy beach and a sunset
Isla Holbox
Isla Holbox featuring tropical scenes and a sandy 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

Default Image

Downtown Holbox

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

Downtown Holbox
AWA Holbox Hotel Boutique - Beach Front

AWA Holbox Hotel Boutique - Beach Front

4 out of 5
C. Charal, Isla Holbox, QROO
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Isla Holbox. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (290 reviews)
"This property was hands-down, the most insanely relaxing spot we’ve ever been. It would be so easy just to never leave the property. The restaurant is incredible! It has a rooftop pool, swim up pool and cabanas that are available for any guests. There is a walk to a little market and it’s a very ..."

Reviewed on Aug 9, 2025

AWA Holbox Hotel Boutique - Beach Front
Villas HM Palapas del Mar

Villas HM Palapas del Mar

4 out of 5
Avenida Plutarco Elias S/N, Isla Holbox, QROO
The price is P7,135 per night from Aug 16 to Aug 17
P7,135
P8,787 total
Aug 16 - Aug 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Isla Holbox. Enjoy free breakfast, 2 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Me gustó todo, comida puede mejora"

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

Villas HM Palapas del Mar
Villas HM Paraiso del Mar

Villas HM Paraiso del Mar

4 out of 5
Avenida Plutarco Elias S/N, Isla Holbox, QROO
The price is P13,007 per night from Aug 23 to Aug 24
P13,007
P15,892 total
Aug 23 - Aug 24
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Isla Holbox. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"This property was great! Family friendly 2 pools snack bar a restaurant and very friendly and attentive staff! Special thanks to Erick from the bar/beach service he really went above and beyond to take care of all of our needs during our stay."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Villas HM Paraiso del Mar
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Macondo Raíz Holbox

Macondo Raíz Holbox

2 out of 5
C. Esmedregal, Isla Holbox, QROO
Stay at this aparthotel in Isla Holbox. Enjoy daily housekeeping, a garden, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Holbox Beach and Holbox Church are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (37 reviews)
"You will love the charming hotel. Great little swimming pool and easy to walk to everywhere, the beach, restaurants, the port and all the nightlife. Great customer service. Exelente and helpful staff."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Macondo Raíz Holbox
Ensueño Holbox and Beach Club

Ensueño Holbox and Beach Club

3.5 out of 5
Calle Cahuama con Calle Cherna s/n, Isla Holbox, QROO
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Isla Holbox. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (198 reviews)
Nice place
"Nice clean place near the beach. Access to the beach club is great. Most of the staff is helpful."

Reviewed on Feb 13, 2024

Ensueño Holbox and Beach Club
Aparthotel Onda Maya - Adults Only

Aparthotel Onda Maya - Adults Only

4 out of 5
S/N C. Lisa Isla, Isla Holbox, QROO
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Isla Holbox. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Holbox Beach and Holbox Baseball Park ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (18 reviews)
"The hotel was in the perfect location. The suite had a kitchenette which made for easy snacks and keeping our drinks cold. Quick walk to the beach, restaurants, and Hot Corner. Our service from the hotel staff was exceptional. MaJo was amazing! Would definitely recommend Onda Maya for an adults only ..."

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2025

Aparthotel Onda Maya - Adults Only
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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