How To Visit Isla Holbox In Mexico (and what to do in 2024)

Exploring Cancun isn’t complete without a visit to Isla Holbox in Mexico. It’s undeniably one of the most breathtaking islands, but ensuring a seamless trip involves following some key tips.

Regardless of whether it’s a day trip or a longer stay, strategic planning and booking ahead are crucial. Our last experience taught us the value of better preparation and packing.

To ensure your visit is a breeze, we’ve compiled all our insights on reaching Isla Holbox and maximizing your time there. This way, you can dedicate your vacation entirely to enjoying the island without the hassle of delays or extensive research. Wishing you an incredible time!

How to visit Isla Holbox in Mexico

To reach the town of Chiquilá, the main departure point for Isla Holbox, consider boarding the Holbox Express if you’re planning an independent trip. These boats operate hourly between 6:30 am and 9:30 pm, offering a relatively swift journey for a little over 200 pesos. The added convenience of accepting cards simplifies the process.

Staying in Cancun? Consider booking the Isla Holbox tour, which handles all transfers from your hotel, coordinating boat schedules, and timings. This tour is fantastic for a day trip, though be ready for an early morning departure.

Secure your tour reservation before reaching Cancun, especially during peak times when spaces fill quickly. Avoid the hassle of negotiating prices with local vendors by booking in advance. Ensure you carry both cash and a debit/credit card; the Balam Reserve Tax (around 500 pesos) is typically covered within the tour cost.

Best things to do on Isla Holbox

1.) Sunrise kayak the mangroves

For those early birds staying overnight on Isla Holbox, consider booking the guided sunrise kayak experience. Paddling through serene mangroves, you’ll encounter the local residents – flamingos, pelicans, and perhaps even some osprey.

This tour ensures seamless logistics by picking you up from your Isla Holbox hotel via a convenient golf cart ride directly to your waterside kayak. It’s a hassle-free and stunning experience. Additionally, the knowledgeable guides are fluent in both Spanish and English, ensuring a smooth and informative journey.

2.) Isla Holbox beaches

Exploring Isla Holbox’s protected shoreline is a must during your visit to Mexico. Playa Holbox stands out as the most renowned stretch, boasting stunning white sandy beaches.

Adjacent to the sand, you’ll discover numerous charming beach bars, sun lounger rentals, and inviting pools.

When hunger strikes, consider a stop at La Playa De Ñaña. Their ceviche is exceptional, and their tacos are unparalleled. Note that, like many beachfront clubs offering loungers, there’s usually a minimum spend requirement, typically around 500 pesos. However, this fee is deducted from any food and drinks you purchase.

3.) Whale shark tours

Among the renowned inhabitants near Isla Holbox in Mexico are the majestic whale sharks that grace the waters around the Yucatan Peninsula. Witnessing these gentle giants in their natural habitat along the coastline is a breathtaking experience.

Ensure you book the Isla Holbox whale shark tour to observe these magnificent creatures in the wild. This guided excursion not only provides thorough safety briefings but also includes snorkeling at Cabo Catoche, all within a day trip. The opportunity to witness these creatures in their natural environment makes it an immensely worthwhile experience.

“If you’re eager to plan this incredible tour, give us a call at +91 981-150-2655 to discuss your dream adventure: Talk to us!” 

4.) Rent a golf cart 

When you travel to Isla Holbox in Mexico, you’ll notice the absence of cars or trucks, creating an incredibly unique exploration atmosphere across the entire island.

If you aim to traverse the island extensively, consider renting a golf cart or buggy. These vehicles offer a convenient means to explore.

You’ll find numerous vendors offering rentals upon arrival, and while haggling is an option, there’s usually little flexibility in pricing. However, bargaining might yield better results for you than it did for us – we’re admittedly not the best at negotiating!

5.) Playa de Punta Coco

Another idyllic beach to explore on Isla Holbox in Mexico is Playa de Punta Coco. It boasts a more natural ambiance with minimal development along the shoreline, offering a serene escape from the peak beach crowds.

Moreover, this beach is renowned for showcasing the mesmerizing spectacle of bioluminescent plankton illuminating the waves and the sea. If this intrigues you, consider booking the bioluminescent tour directly from Isla Holbox. When conditions align, it’s an incredible sight to behold. However, do note that there’s a chance you might not witness it at all.

6.) Sroll the harbour area 

Once the sea air has stirred your appetite, consider strolling to the harbor area (where you likely arrived on the ferry) on Isla Holbox. From here, you can leisurely explore the vibrant streets, dotted with charming eateries and bars in the town.

The town is incredibly visitor-friendly and offers a safe environment for walking around and exploring.

For delightful dining experiences, consider Arte Sano for a scrumptious breakfast, Roots for their renowned lobster pizza, and Viva Zapata for their delectable grilled fish and fresh tacos. These stops will surely leave you feeling happily satiated.

7.) Mantarraya Beach Club

For a beach club atmosphere on your Isla Holbox trip in Mexico, Mantarraya Beach Club is worth a visit. It’s not the upscale Ibiza-style beach club; instead, it offers a laid-back setting with plastic chairs against a beautiful shoreline. But don’t be deterred—the rustic charm adds to its appeal, especially for a casual seafront dining experience.

Their grilled fish is a standout dish, and the refreshing salads are perfect for the warm weather.

Similar to most beachfront spots, there’s usually a “holding fee” for seating or lounging, typically deducted from your food bill.

It’s important to note that while most places accept cards on Isla Holbox, they often impose a 5% fee (or something similar) for card transactions. If that’s a concern, having some Pesos on hand is advisable.