A calm island with white-sand beaches and protected mangroves, where whale sharks feed seasonally. Visitors can spot sea turtles, flamingos and explore unpaved streets.
Holbox, a 26-mile-long island off Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, runs on island time with golf carts instead of cars and sand instead of paved roads. Walk past pink flamingos at Punta Mosquito, swim alongside 40-foot whale sharks in summer, or watch the water glow with bioluminescent plankton at night. Local fishermen still head out each morning while artists paint murals on the walls, and restaurants serve fresh seafood caught the same day.
Getting to Holbox
The journey to Holbox starts at Cancun International Airport, followed by a two-hour drive or bus ride to the port town of Chiquila. From there, ferries depart every 30 minutes for a 25-minute crossing to the island. The ADO bus service runs daily from Cancun to Chiquila for around 350 pesos, while the ferry costs approximately 300 pesos per person.
Moving Around the Car-Free Island
You'll find golf carts and bicycles as your transportation options on Holbox. Rent a golf cart for 60-minute tours or full days to reach the island's distant beaches and nature spots. Bicycles work well for trips around the town center and nearby beaches. Many visitors walk, as the main town spans just a few blocks and beaches sit within a 10-15 minute walk.
Beaches and Swimming
The sea floor slopes gradually here, creating shallow waters that extend hundreds of feet from shore - ideal for swimming and wading. Walk the long sandbar at Punta Mosquito, where the water rarely rises above your knees. Along Playa Holbox, the main beach, you'll find beach bars and restaurants every few hundred feet. The water stays calm most days due to the island's protected position.
Wildlife Encounters
Book a whale shark tour between June and September to swim near these 40-foot fish. Tours last 4-6 hours with guides who maintain safe distances from the sharks. Look for flamingos at Punta Mosquito and Punta Cocos before 9 AM when they're most active. In the Yum Balam Nature Reserve's mangroves, you might spot brown pelicans, frigatebirds, and herons.
Local Food Scene
Fresh seafood fills most menus, including the island's signature lobster pizza. At Raices, eat grilled fish and ceviche at tables set in the sand. Painapol serves fresh fruit juices, açai bowls, and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch. Most restaurants in the town center only accept cash, with prices from 100 pesos for tacos to 350 pesos for main courses.
Where to Stay
Casa Las Tortugas sits beachfront with rooms decorated in local textiles and wooden furniture, plus an on-site restaurant serving Mexican dishes. Punta Caliza, at the quiet end of town, has concrete rooms surrounding a swimming pool. Wi-Fi works intermittently across the island. Book rooms 2-3 months ahead for stays between December and April.
Practical Information
Bring Mexican pesos - ATMs often run empty and many places don't accept cards. Temperatures stay around 83°F (28°C) year-round. Plan your visit between December and April for dry, mild weather and avoid the hurricane season from May to November. Most businesses prefer pesos over US dollars.
