Holbox, the unhurried island
Sand streets, golf carts instead of cars and warm, shallow water inside the Yum Balam reserve on Quintana Roo's northern tip.
Plan your Holbox getaway
Take advantage of exclusive offers and enjoy more for less.
Holbox hotels to unplug
3 nights for 2 adults at guesthouses, cabanas and beachfront hotels.
Holbox highlights
Sandbars, birdlife and sunsets: the best of the island is explored on foot, by bike or by boat.
- Nov–AprDry season
- Jun–SepWhale shark season
- ≈ 20 minFerry from Chiquilá
- ≈ 2–2.5 hDrive from Cancún to Chiquilá
Life on Holbox
Shallow water, hammocks over the sea and a coastline that still feels wild.
- Holbox's over-the-water hammocks · Bruno Rijsman (CC BY-SA 2.0)
- Holbox's natural shoreline · Bruno Rijsman (CC BY-SA 2.0)
- A walk along the main beach · Bruno Rijsman (CC BY-SA 2.0)
- Punta Mosquito · Šarūnas Burdulis from USA (CC BY-SA 2.0)
- Bird Island boardwalk · eurimaco (CC BY-SA 3.0)
- Palapa by the water · Joe Richaud (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Holbox FAQ
How to get there, when to go and what to expect on a car-free island.
How do I get to Holbox from Cancún airport?
Fly into Cancún International Airport (CUN). From there it is 2 to 2.5 hours by road to the port of Chiquilá, by rental car, bus or private transfer. In Chiquilá you catch the ferry, which crosses in about 20 minutes and runs frequently during the day. If you drive, leave the car in a Chiquilá parking lot, since visitor cars are not used on the island.
When is the best time to visit Holbox?
November to April is the dry season, with sunny days and cooler nights. June to September is whale shark season, though it is hotter, wetter and buggier. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, and sargassum seaweed can reach some beaches in spring and summer.
When can I swim with whale sharks?
The season usually runs June through September, peaking in July and August. Official dates are set each year by the environmental authorities, so book with a licensed operator. It is a full-day boat trip; you swim in small groups wearing a life vest and follow strict no-touch rules.
How do I get around the island?
Holbox is explored on foot, by bicycle or by golf cart, which you can rent or hail as a taxi. The streets are sand and can flood after rain. The town is small, and almost everything is a few minutes' walk away.
Where should I stay on Holbox?
Downtown is practical and budget-friendly, close to restaurants and the ferry pier. Hotels on the main beach just north of town are ideal for couples. Toward Punta Cocos on the west side you'll find quieter, more secluded stays with great sunset views.
What is there to do on Holbox?
Wade out to the sandbars at Punta Mosquito, take the three-island boat tour (Bird Island, Isla Pasión and the Yalahau spring), kayak through the mangroves, watch the sunset at Punta Cocos and, on moonless nights, look for bioluminescence along the shore.
How many days do I need on Holbox?
Given the transfer from Cancún, three nights is a sensible minimum. Four or five nights leaves time for the island tour, a lazy beach day and, in season, the whale shark trip.
Should I bring cash to Holbox?
Yes, bring Mexican pesos in cash. There are only a few ATMs on the island and they sometimes run out, and not every small business takes cards. Golf cart rentals and some tours are often paid in cash too.
What dish should I try on Holbox?
Lobster pizza is the island's signature treat. Also try ceviche, fried whole fish, seafood tacos and fresh fruit aguas frescas from the stalls around the main square.
What documents do I need?
US citizens need a valid passport to enter Mexico through Cancún. Travelers flying from elsewhere in Mexico only need a valid official photo ID.
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