Things to do in Holbox
Isla Holbox (hole-bosh) in Mexico is a paradise island full of sunshine, beaches, cocktails, tacos, and tranquility. Located at the very top of Quintana Roo, it’s an easy getaway from other destinations such as Valladolid or Tulum and a must-see on your Yucatán itinerary.
Discover soft white-sand beaches, relaxing hammocks perched in the turquoise waters, colorful alleys, and many other things to do in Holbox, Mexico. The bohemian beauty, perfect weather, and carefree (+ car-free) atmosphere make it well worth a visit for those looking to escape the larger crowds and wind down.
1. Punta Cocos
Isla Holbox’s long and narrow size, wedged between the sea and lagoon, provides some of the most stunning corners to explore. One of these, called Punta Cocos, on the western point of the island, lies edged by the brightest blue. At these tranquil shores, you’ll find powdery white sand and crystal-clear shallows, sometimes with flamingos sunbathing on the horizon.
Also discover Mexico’s Blue Lagoon: Bacalar.
Rent a bike or buggy in town and head west down the road till you reach the shore. Here, you can park your bike and walk the rest of the way to the water. Spend the day relaxing and soaking up the sun with your feet in the water. As the point lies on the western side, it’s the perfect place to catch the sunset, too!

Please note: Please be a sustainable traveler and don’t go too close to the flamingos. They’re very reserved animals and getting too close disrupts their natural behavior.
2. Holbox Street Murals
As you wander through the sandy alleys of Holbox, Mexico, you’ll quickly find yourself in a world of color. Especially in the heart of town, vibrant street art — created by international and local artists — tells the island’s stories in bold, colorful strokes.
Also read our 2-week Yucatan itinerary.
Gaze in wonder at the large, ocean-inspired murals that cover entire buildings or the intricate paintings of local plants and flowers. Each artwork blends environmental themes with Mayan heritage, adding to the region’s natural vibrant colors.
3. Sunset at Playa Holbox
At the end of the day, after exploring Holbox’s murals and discovering the different surrounding beaches, wind down in the center to watch the beautiful sunset. When the sun begins to sink behind the sea, people gather by the Holbox letters downtown, filling up the pier, rocks, and beach bars in front.
It’s also possible to watch this natural show if you’re staying in a Holbox hotel on the beach, though it’s worth making your way down to the pier!
4. Go Coffee Hopping
Amidst its vibrant, beachy charm, Holbox has some incredible coffee spots. Start your morning adventure by sipping on a tasty iced latte in one of the bohemian cafes that line the sandy streets. From rich espressos to unique coffee concoctions, often paired with delicious sandwiches, waffles, or fruit bowls, there are plenty of options.
Some of our favorite cafes in Holbox were:
- Mr. Happy
- Complemento Coffee Shop
- Kuxtal Market & Cafe
5. Punta Mosquitos and Sandbanks
The northernmost point that visitors can access on Isla Holbox is Punta Mosquitos. This vast area is made up of a large, pristine white sandbank and crystal-clear waters, sometimes dotted with sunbathing flamingos. Behind it begins the island’s off-limits animal reserve.
With only the sound of the surrounding waters and a quiet shore, it makes the perfect getaway for those seeking tranquility. Soak up the natural beauty as you wade through the shallow waters, walking across the sandbank to reach the point. From Holbox, it’s a challenging one-hour walk, so make sure to bring plenty of water and reef-safe sunscreen.
Note: If you’re walking to Punta Mosquito, remember that the water depth varies. Sometimes, you’ll have to wade through waist-deep water. Stingrays are common in this area, so pay attention so you don’t step on one.
Alternatively, you can also visit Punta Mosquito by boat, which costs 150 MXN (8.80 USD) per person per trip. Once there, relax in the simple, rural nature that Isla Holbox, Mexico, is known for.
6. Relax at a Beach Bar
At a beach bar in Holbox, Mexico, time slows down, allowing you to savor every sip of your tropical cocktail while you sway in a seafront hammock. The atmosphere blends laid-back luxury with soft background music and the sounds of the sea. It’s an experience that perfectly highlights the peaceful, easy-going spirit of island life.
These all have an open-air concept and sandy floors right on the beach. Most beach bars have a minimum consumption, but you can stay the whole day, feasting on delicious tacos, drinking mojitos, and reading a good book.
7. Refugio Animal Sanctuary Holbox
Refugio Animal Holbox is a heartwarming experience and one of the most interesting things to do in Holbox, Mexico. This sanctuary is passionately dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating abandoned and distressed animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and more.
Visitors are welcome to learn about the animals, as well as engage and play with them. You can even go for a walk with the incredible dogs on the beach – a memorable experience!
Walking the dogs, bathing or playing with them, cleaning, and donating to the sanctuary are all ways to contribute to this meaningful cause. Refugio Animal Sanctuary is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
8. Bioluminescence Tour at Night
One of the best things to do in Holbox is to experience the magical bioluminescent plankton light. As night falls, the waters around Isla Holbox transform into a spectacle of glowing blue, created by millions of microorganisms. These tiny beings emit light when moved, turning the sea into a beautiful glowing canvas.
You can book a tour to witness the bioluminescence, which typically involves a journey through the island’s clear waters, either by kayak or golf buggy. As you glide through the glowing waters, your guide will tell you all about this fascinating phenomenon. Skies here also rarely see any light pollution, allowing you to gaze at the constellations in the clear night sky.
The best time to experience bioluminescence is during the summer months, from May to August. However, if you visit outside of this period, it’s still a magical experience! Tours can be booked all around town and cost about 600 MXN (35 USD) per person. They’ll pick you up from your hotel and bring you to Punta Cocos for about two hours.
Another option to experience bioluminescence is to kayak in Punta Mosquitos at night (700 MXN per person). Book your kayak tour here
Best Restaurants & Cafes in Holbox
There’s much food to try on Isla Holbox, Mexico; discover many bohemian cafes, delicious taco shacks, pizza on the beach, or cool gelato shops. You’ll find most of the restaurants in the center of town. A few of our favorites are:
- Painapol
- La Barracuda
- Alma (great lookout!)
- Luuma
- Mr. Happy (amazing coffee)
- Complemento Coffee Shop (brunch)
- Tuch (tacos)
Where to Stay
Paradise Isla Holbox in Mexico is a great destination to visit on a day trip when traveling through the Yucatán. However, the peaceful atmosphere and simple beach living make it worth staying a night. From luxe eco-lodges to chill hostels with hammocks on the beach, there’s a Holbox hotel for every traveler.
How to Get to Holbox, Mexico
Isla Holbox is an island off the north coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, about 13 kilometers from the mainland. The closest international airport is Cancun, which is about a 2-hour drive away.
To get to Holbox, Mexico, you first have to travel to the port town of Chiquilá, from where you hop on a ferry towards the island.
Two ferry companies operate between Chiquilá and Holbox, offering the same service. Ferries leave every 30 minutes all day long, and the journey takes only 15 minutes. A roundtrip to Holbox costs 400 MXN (23 USD).
Getting to Chiquilá by Bus
If you don’t have your own transportation, the easiest way to get to Holbox is to hop on the ADO bus to Chiquilá. From Cancun, the journey takes around 3,5 hours, and tickets cost 180 – 300 MXN (10.50 – 17.50 USD), depending on the date and time. The bus station is in Chiquila right next to the ferry port.
By Car
If you have a rental car in Mexico, you can drive up to Chiquilá by yourself. You’ll have to park your car in one of the small car parks in town, which costs 200 MXN (11.50 USD) per 24 hours. This is a great option if you’re visiting Isla Holbox on a day trip!
Tip: Though it’s usually not a problem, it’s recommended to remove all valuables from the car.
We recommend to rent a car in Mexico through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
Getting Around
Once you get to Holbox, you’ll notice that there are no cars on the island. Instead, you’ll be greeted by a row of golf buggies ready to drive you around. To get from the pier to the center costs about 150 MXN (8.70 USD), but you can also walk (10 minutes) if you don’t have much luggage.
Isla Holbox is only 1.5 km wide but quite long, with no paved streets. To reach further locations and the most beautiful beaches, you can rent a bike, ATV, motorbike, or golf cart. Bikes cost about 100-150 MXN (6 – 9 USD) per day, and carts cost 1500 – 2500 MXN (87 – 150 USD). But you can also rent by the hour!
Travel Insurance
Don't forget a travel insurance for your Mexico trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here
How Much Does Holbox Cost?
Although Holbox in Mexico is growing in popularity, it’s not touristic in the same way as many other beach towns are. Food and accommodations are reasonably priced, with many different budget options.
Best Time to Visit
Similar to the rest of the Riviera Maya, the best time to visit Holbox, Mexico, is when it’s dry. The dry season runs from late November to February, with warm, sunny weather, clear skies, and an average temperature of 29 degrees Celcius.
By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost.
Thank you for your support. ♥️
- Find Hotels via Booking.com
- Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
- Find Flights to Holbox via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.