Isla Holbox is a paradise in the Caribbean Sea, off the coast of Mexico. This tropical island is everything you’d expect: white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and endless palm trees. Bicycles and golf carts are the main modes of transport, as cars are almost nonexistent. While Isla Holbox is perfect for relaxing, it also offers incredible opportunities to explore its stunning natural surroundings.
Isla Holbox is an island, so you’ll need to take a ferry from the town of Chiquilá to get there. Ferries depart regularly from Chiquilá, and you don’t need to book a ticket in advance. The ferry ride takes about 15 minutes. Once on the island, you can reach your accommodation on foot or by golf cart.
From Valladolid, Tulum, and Cancún, it’s easy to take a bus to Chiquilá and then catch the ferry to Isla Holbox.
If you’re traveling by rental car, you can’t bring it onto the island. Instead, you can park your car at a lot near the Chiquilá harbor, which costs about $5 per day.
Isla Holbox is a tropical island with an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius (79°F). The dry season runs from late November to February. The weather is generally sunny, but occasional refreshing rain showers can occur. The rainy season lasts from June to October, and hurricanes can occur from June to November.
Isla Holbox is a small island, and most accommodations are located around the center. You’ll find a variety of options, from expensive eco-lodges to more affordable hostels.
Isla Holbox is a beautiful destination, and many people know it. In the center, you’ll see many tourists, and the island is highly geared toward tourism. Nonetheless, it’s a lovely place to stay for a few nights, but if you’re not a fan of crowded tourist spots, it might be better to skip Isla Holbox.
Isla Holbox is a small island, meaning there are only a few ATMs, which don’t always work. It’s a good idea to bring enough cash with you to the island.
Isla Holbox is an island where you can enjoy a few days of relaxation and adventure. We’ve put together a list of great tips for you!
Cycling is a popular activity on the island. There are no cars allowed, and the island is not very large, so biking is a great way to get around. On a bike, you can easily reach more secluded and unique spots, where it's less touristy. If you bike a little out of the center, you’ll have the beach all to yourself. In the center, you'll find several bike rental shops, where you can easily rent a bike.
In the center of Isla Holbox, it's quite touristy, and the largest and most popular beach is located near the center. When you bike out of the center, you'll encounter fewer people. For example, you can bike towards this area, park your bike by the road, and walk a bit towards the sea, passing through the bushes, where you'll find more secluded parts of the beach. The beach at Playa Punta Cocos is also much quieter compared to the one near the center.
Punta Mosquito is a special spot on the island. In addition to the stunning views, you can also spot flamingos if you're lucky. The route to this point is also spectacular, as you walk along white sandbars in a shallow layer of clear turquoise water.
It takes about an hour to reach this point. At the end, there is a sign and fence indicating that you cannot go further. You may need to walk through a shallow layer of water on the way. At Punta Mosquito, you can also relax on the beach when the tide is out. Be sure to bring enough food, drinks, and sunscreen!
On Isla Holbox, you'll encounter a lot of street art, which adds to the island's vibrant and colorful atmosphere. It gives the island a joyful vibe. You'll find many colorful and meaningful murals, especially in the center. Just walk or bike around, and you'll come across the street art naturally!
The Refugio Holbox Animal Sanctuary is another unique place on the island. This shelter helps animals in difficult circumstances. Some animals have been abused or abandoned, while others have had accidents or are sick. The veterinarians at the shelter examine and treat the animals. The animals receive temporary care at the shelter until a new home is found for them. The animals that are taken in include dogs, cats, birds, and raccoons. You can visit the animals and even play with the dogs and cats. It’s also possible to take a dog for a walk, offering a unique experience! After your visit, consider donating some money to contribute to the care of the animals!
Isla Holbox is not only a paradise for people but also for animals. The flamingos are the most striking residents of the island, as their bright pink bodies contrast with the azure waters. You can also spot other amazing birds on the island, such as pelicans and ibises. The waters are teeming with life, including tropical fish and impressive sea turtles. The whale shark also attracts many visitors. The average whale shark is about 8 meters (26 feet) long, but they can grow up to 18 meters (59 feet). Don’t worry, though; the whale shark only feeds on plankton and small fish. The best season to spot the whale shark is between June and September, as they gather in the area to feed on plankton.