We wrapped up our Yucatan trip with a relaxing week on Isla Holbox (pronounced hol-bosh). This tropical paradise features stunning blue shades in the sea, pristine white sandy beaches, and groups of flamingos wading in front of the coast (usually visible between April and October). There are no paved roads on the island – it is all sandy paths. Isla Holbox is perfect for relaxation. Don’t expect to see an undiscovered island, as tourists have certainly found their way here. Prices reflect this because it is not super cheap (especially organized tours and taxis). Nonetheless, I didn’t find the island too crowded and definitely felt that “bounty island” vibe. Read on to discover more about things to do on Isla Holbox, Mexico.
1. Go on a little street art hunt
I adore street art, and of all the places we visited during our trip to Yucatán, Isla Holbox had the most vibrant street art. The village walls are adorned with colorful artworks. Everything is within walking distance, so you won’t need a taxi (on Holbox, taxis are yellow buggy carts). You can just stroll around and see what you come across. For many, this is number one on the list of things to do in Holbox!
2. Walking along the sandbank to Punta Mosquito
Punta Mosquito is the northernmost tip of the island. Beyond that, it becomes a closed-off bird sanctuary. The tip itself isn’t very interesting, but the walk there is what makes it special. During low tide, a natural path forms over a brilliant white sandbank surrounded by crystal-clear water. You start on the beach and gradually walk deeper into the sea, though it doesn’t get very deep (maximum up to your knees), except for one part near the end where the water reached my waist. It’s a stunning walk, but the sun can be intense, so wear a UV shirt and a hat. We were also lucky enough to spot a group of flamingos in the distance.
How to start the Punta Mosquito sandbank walk: walk from the village to Hotel Las Nubes (about 30 minutes) or rent a bicycle to get there. Find the sandbank in the sea and begin your walk. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as the whole walk takes about 3 hours round-trip (1.5 hours each way), and walking on spongy sand is quite exhausting.
Update: I’ve read that it is no longer possible to walk all the way to Punta Mosquito. The last part is now a protected area for birds, rays, and flamingos.
3. Visit Punta de Coco
On the other side of the island is Punta de Coco, the southernmost point. This side is also beautiful, but for me, Punta Mosquito takes the crown. The water there was incredibly clear! At Punta de Coco, we did catch a stunning sunset with a beautiful pink sky. This side of the island is also known for its pretty sunsets. We were also lucky enough to spot a group of flamingos by the shore again. People need to keep their distance; otherwise, the flamingos may not return to overwinter in the future.
4. Boat tour to Cabo Catoche
On our final day, we joined a boat tour to Cabo Catoche, which is located beyond Punta Mosquito and is part of a protected biosphere reserve. Not cheap (1332 MXN per person) but worth it. The tour began with a boat ride along the coast and then out to the open sea for snorkeling. Good to know: take a seat in the front or middle of the boat to avoid getting splashed by the waves.
During the snorkeling, the guide said he spotted a turtle. Unfortunately, I missed it, but I did see a large stingray. We then passed through Yum Balam, a national protected area that shelters endangered species such as the jaguar and whale shark. Yum Balam also means ‘Lord Jaguar’ in Maya. While we were there, we saw a large group of pelicans on the coast, one of which curiously approached us. We ended the tour at Cabo Catoche with lunch before taking the boat back to Holbox village.
5. Renting a bicycle to explore Holbox
Holbox is a car-free island. Your transportation choices are buggies/golf carts and bicycles. I recommend renting a bike, a fun and quiet way to explore the island at your own pace. The ride can be a bit bumpy due to the sandy roads, so you need to stay alert while cycling. And if it rains, cycling is probably impossible because of the mud. During our visit in May, we were lucky to have sunny weather. With a bike, you can cycle to Punta de Coco or Hotel Las Nubes for the sandbank walk. Avoid cycling after sunset because once the sun goes down, it gets pitch dark outside the main town, and you can’t see the bumps or potholes ahead. Rent a bike via your hotel, or try Bikes Holbox. The price is about 200–250 MXN per bike for 24 hours.
6. Relax at one of the photogenic beach clubs
The last item on this list of Holbox things to do is relax. I mean, you’re on a paradise island, so why not take it easy? Read a book, listen to some music, or just catch a nap. Find a place in the shade on the beach or check out one of the pretty beach clubs. They usually ask for a minimum spend of 300–600 MXN per person for food and drinks. Seems like a lot, but after a few drinks and lunch, you’ll hit that amount easily. Plus, you can usually use their sunbeds, restrooms, and showers for free. We had a great day at La Playa de Ñaña.
By the way, the beach in Holbox isn’t white and pristine all year round. During the rainy season the coastline of Cancun experiences seaweed washing ashore from the Gulf of Mexico. I heard it can smell quite bad under the hot sun. I visited in May and didn’t have any issues, but keep this in mind when planning your trip.
Where to drink or eat on Isla Holbox
I’d suggest finding a hotel close to the village so you have plenty of restaurant options. Outside the village, there aren’t many dining options, so you’ll have to rely more on your hotel. In the village, I liked these spots: Painapol for breakfast or lunch, tacos at Barba Negra or Temoc, and coffee at Complemento, Another Clandestino, or Koko. If you’re in the mood for pizza, check out La Pinsa. And definitely try a mezcalito, the smoky-flavored spirit of Mexico. Don’t forget to put on mosquito repellent around sunset and in the evening, as the island is known for its mosquitoes, especially during the wet season. June is said to be the worst month.
Where to stay on Isla Holbox
Without a doubt, I highly recommend Casa Blanca. It’s conveniently situated in the village, just a stone’s throw away from the bustling center. The rooms are stunning, the staff is exceptional, and the breakfast is truly top-notch. This place is a serene oasis where you can escape without leaving the village. Tip: staying in Holbox town has the big advantage that you don’t need to pay for a taxi. Taxis are not cheap. They charge 200 MXN for a 10-minute ride to town or the port. If you choose a hotel close to Punta de Coco and you want to eat something in town every day, it can end up being quite expensive.
Money tips for Isla Holbox
ATMs are scarce on Holbox. According to most reports, there are only two, and they often run out of cash. We didn’t have any issues because we used our credit cards at most places (hotels, restaurants). However, it’s a bit more expensive as they often charge an additional 3–5%. We also had some cash on hand (withdrawn in Cancun and Mérida), as some places are cash-only, such as supermarkets or taxis. So, it’s best to withdraw cash in a larger city or at the airport before heading to Holbox.
One last thing: tipping is considered normal in Mexico. In general, it is voluntary but much appreciated. However, in Bacalar, Tulum, and Holbox I noticed restaurants automatically adding a 10% or 15% tip to the bill total. Upon payment, they ask if you want the total including the tip or without, but I also experienced at some places that they did not ask and charged with a compulsory tip already included. And they also put a tipping jar out at the payment counter.
Tips for the ferry to Isla Holbox
Two ferry companies operate between the village of Chiquilá and Holbox: 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express. Both companies take the same amount of time (25 minutes) and charge the same price. We paid 275 MXN per person for a single trip, but as I write this blog post, I see that the price has increased to 300 MXN. A boat leaves every half hour, with the two companies alternating turns. When you arrive at Chiquilá bus station with the red ADO bus, you can buy ferry tickets right at the station’s exit. Because of the frequent departures, it rarely sells out.
Have you been to Isla Holbox? What were your favorite things to do on Isla Holbox?
All prices mentioned in the blog post are from 2024 and are subject to change. This blog post contains affiliate links. If you book something through these links, I earn a small commission without you paying extra for it. You can read more about it in my disclaimer.
