Holbox Island
Holbox Island
4
About
This island is one of Mexico’s best-kept secrets, known for its car-free roads, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Other than relaxing on the beach, you can snorkel with whale sharks, go kitesurfing, and kayak through mangroves. Stay till nightfall to experience the magical bioluminescent waters—best experienced on nights of a new moon during summer. Holbox Island is a great day trip destination from Cancun, Riviera Maya, or Playa Del Carmen—many full-day tours include boat tours on the island, on top of ferry transport and meals. Going on the Three Islands tour of Yalahua Lagoon, Isla Pajaros, and Passion Island is also great to see unique wildlife and nature. – Tripadvisor
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  • Deborah D
    79 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beware the Holbox Puddles!
    I have mixed feelings about Holbox Island. We stayed in a lovely hotel (Tierra Del Mar) and ate some delicious meals (particularly at La Barracuda). The beaches are beautiful and can be accessed from anywhere on the island. The water was warm, shallow, and gentle like a pool. We enjoyed kayaking out to the mangroves and seeing the flamingos. But I was expecting a peaceful, car-free island. Instead, there are lots of gas-powered, noisy ATVs and bars playing loud music at all times. It was also expensive for Mexico. The largest drawback is the huge pools of water that form in the road, sometimes covering the whole block. They are much larger than puddles. We rented bikes to ride to Punta Cocos, but had to walk them through the water on the roads often up to our thighs. The standing water can smell like sewage and breeds lots of mosquitoes. I am glad we visited Holbox, but I am not sure that I would return.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 31, 2023
  • Nelly L
    15 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    An Overrated Island
    Holbox is definitely overrated. It is beautiful but so far away from being the "Maldives in the Yucatan." We stayed for 10 days and below is our honest feedback. The good -- beautiful beach, amazing sandbar/sand, blue water, bioluminescent tour was definitely worth it. The bad: 1. Price is sooo expensive. So many tourist traps for restaurants and clothes are more expensive than NYC and more generic than Amazon. You aren't getting a cheap vacation. 2. Unbelievably awful infrastructure. During the 10 days, it had daily outage of water and electricity. So definitely do NOT work there remotely. You would be so stressed out daily. And there is flooding... 3. No car? Oh no, there are soo many golf cars and gas ATVs. I even saw real sedans a couple times. Whenever rained, it would flood the entire city, and there are barely any sidewalks. You have to be careful not to be splashed by these cars. When it's sunny, you have to walk carefully on the streets too. Also when it rains, it doesn't dry for 10 days as the roads are uneven and have a lot of holes. 4. Doesn't feel authentic at all. In summary, I think this island is being destroyed by tourism. It is beautiful but didn't invest in infrastructure to support the flood of people. It is overly priced. I wouldn't go back.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 3, 2023
  • Amber O
    9 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Just do your research and look at google maps during the rainy season
    The island itself is not as the pictures appear. It is rainy season now and all the streets are flooded and walking through them is perilous. There are potholes that make the driving dangerous much less the walking. Taxis are side by sides if that tells you anything. The nice areas are good!!! The food is great! But it is trashed up beyond belief. Do not expect to find a toilet seat in public places. They simply aren’t there. The street lights are few and far between so bring a flashlight. Their growth has over run the current infrastructure so many things Americans take for granted are difficult. Walking around is the hardest. Bring water shoes!!! Or better yet muck boots. Expect to Wade knee deep water in the roads to get where you are going. All that being said, I felt safe here. The locals are helpful and some speak English so that is helpful. Would I come here again? No. But for what it is, it has pretty areas and the offered activities were nice. There are little stores on every block, that is NICE! Prices are on the higher side but hey, it is an island. If you have mobility issues, this isn’t a good choice. Consider a resort if you come here so you aren’t needing to walk around town to get places.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 17, 2023
  • Lewis W
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing Island
    This Island is pure unspoilt magic. The beaches are long and on some days we walked without seeing anyone for hours. The wildlife is amazing, so many different species we’d never seen before, birds, fish and lizards. Roosting flamingoes were one sight we will never forget. As there are no cars it means that the walk into town is a strange one as the golf buggies go by and the independent small bars and stores are so interesting. We will definitely be back, it has renewed our faith in all that is real.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 20, 2023
  • joseph l
    Novato, California8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Holbox is Paradise
    OMG. This was the best trip we could have imagined. Holbox is a sandbar. Yes its not modern and that's the point. The streets are dirt. No cars, but people have to get around so, yes, there are small utility vehicles and golf carts. If you go in the summer it's very hot.(Duh!) The beach beds were $50 US for two beds under a canopy and the $50 is applied to food and drink purchases. There are few tourists compared to most resort areas in Mexico. The beaches are beautiful where you can walk out 1/4 of a mile out and sit down on the sand. It might be a tad more expensive than other areas but it's well worth it. I never heard loud partying while I was there. Absolutely beautiful.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 29, 2023
  • CCanada
    Toronto, Canada38 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful island if only Sargassum is properly managed
    Getting to the island- not too difficult from playa del Carmen . it’s around 2hours and a 30min ferry ride available every half hour. Taxis from the pier to the furthest hotel is around 200 pesos (350 pesos if raining). Early morning 6am price is (300 pesos, not raining ) The island - very basic and un commercialized yet, although we saw the first SUBWAY downtown. Major constructions all around, 2ft sidewalks are new and being built around downtown. walk in a single file as the dirt roads themselves are for the taxis and lots of pot holes. Beware not stepping on any wet clay as it can be slippery. NO above shoes period. You may have trouble with golf carts if it rains and floods. Better to take their jeep taxis. It’s for some people who prefer the rustic environment and vibe but not for others who prefer more modern infrastructure. There are a few chic and trendy restaurants in town namely, Luuma, Carmita raw bar etc etc. The beaches are awful. Stacked with sargassum seaweed in front of resorts. Our resort is at the end of the stretch and they cleaned up so it wasn’t as bad, most resorts have them and it smells awful. Some resorts are also separated by the main thoroughfare so you will be having jeeps back and forth while you are sunbathing or just hang on the beach lounges. Check with your resort if their beach front is by the road / separated by a road. Plan in advance. Our taxi did not arrive on-time even though we booked it for 5:50am . We almost missed our 6:30am ferry to catch our flight in Cancun.
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 5, 2024
  • Sightsee31332458959
    13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing place
    Amazing island. So beautiful. Better beaches than Barbados. So blue long and wide. Not for everyone so do your research before you go. Can’t believe negative reviews. Not my experience at all. We did a two centre holiday with a five star hotel for the second part so was a nice contrast. Loved the vibe in town. Live music spilling out into the streets
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 12, 2024
  • Richard B
    Edinburgh, United Kingdom5,239 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Holbox Island
    Great place for those looking to hide for a while. Equally a great day out from Cancun, Playa Del Carmen or Puerto Morelos. A laid back island with nature, beaches, bars and restaurants. Plenty to do for a day or likewise a bit longer.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 9, 2024
  • Maria O
    Bethesda, Maryland713 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Hidden Gem that Europeans and South Americans Have Discovered
    I had not heard of Holbox Island before my friends told me about it. I was blown away by the beautiful beaches, nice shops, amiable locals and visitors, good food and more. Really enjoyed a horseback riding tour through the mangroves and along the beach. The lounges along the beach are fantastic, as was a beachside Mayan massage. I stayed about a 20-minute walk to town, at a pretty hotel (Villas Tiburon) with an excellent rooftop pool overlooking the beach. Enjoyed being away from the downtown and walking to and from town either along the sandy road or along the beach. The Island does not allow cars (only motorbikes, motorcycles and golf cart-like vehicles) and has some water drainage problems on the streets following rainstorms. That, however, did not decrease my enjoyment of this gorgeous, laid-back place. Feels like a throwback to the 70s, in some ways, because of its hippy vibe. Felt safe to walk alone at night. I met such wonderful people while visiting, most of whom were locals or European (and many Argentinians). I think that most travelers from the U.S. have not yet found out about this hidden gem!
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written February 14, 2024
  • Budget Build Buy
    New York City, New York25 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Holbox is an adult island worth exploring
    We had an amazing time despite the water problems. We arrived first week of December. Used the Ado bus service from airport to Chiquila. Comfortable ride took some drinks and snacks. We would return probably not with kids. Enjoyed some adult time with my wife. Nice restaurants in the heart of the city and transportation was easy. We stayed on the western edge of the island at an amazing hotel Casa HX highly recommended. I don’t think it was cheap but not high end expensive either.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 10, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles1,134 reviews
Excellent
652
Very good
171
Average
108
Poor
87
Terrible
116

Matthew K
New York City, NY80 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
I decided to take my partner to Hotbox after hearing about it over the past couple of years as one of the new 'it' spots of the Yucatan. It's definitely a cool and very laid back place with some decent restaurants and beautiful beaches. I don't really understand the 'it' spot, though. The buildings are all very rustic using whatever materials are available. Connections to the island is either by charter plane (at $575 each way for the entire 5 seater plane - 20 minute flight from Cancun) or a 2.5 - 3 hour drive/ferry ride. As it is remote and less accessible, all of the materials and food etc. has to be trucked and ferried in, so it is not a cheap destination. The thing that I liked most was the laid back attitude, good food and beautiful gradually sloping beach that is VERY dog friendly. Our dog was off the leash while at the beach (and at our hotel)... but not in town.

If you are looking for a laid back, off the grid location with great beaches, then Holbox may be a good choice. There are other destinations in the Yucatan that may be a better choice and easier to get to.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jessiestep
Connecticut386 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021
Getting there from the Cancun Airport: We used Miguel's Holbox Taxi Service and paid $160 roundtrip for a private van. This was for the two hour drive from Cancun to the town of Chiquila. Heads up, the drive is through the jungle on a very bumpy road. When you get to Chiquila you then take a 20 minute ferry ride to Holbox. There are two ferrys that run every 30 minute. The 9 Hermanos ferry was much nicer in my opinion.

Where to stay: Definitely stay on the beach. The town is very chaotic and smells like trash. The town and beach are like two different worlds. We stayed at Casa las Tortugas and it was stunningly gorgeous. The hotels down at the other end also looked really nice (Villa Flamingos and Las Nubes).

Where to eat: The food in Holbox was definitely not the best we've had. Doesn't compare to Tulum or other foodie destinations. Mandarina at Casa las Tortugas was our fave. The burrito at Taco Queto was very good. Everything else was just ok.

What to do: Holbox is definitely a lazy relaxation destination. Lay on the beach and go swimming! This is why you need to stay on the beach, not much else to do otherwise. Also take a walk out to the sandbar at low tide, crystal clear water!! So pretty! Rent golfcarts and explore town. If you love animals you have to visit Refugio Animal Holbox, and bring gifts! There are lots of things they need from the states. You can also walk the dogs on the beach. We didn't do the whale shark tour but we heard a lot of people saying it was amazing. I believe you can only do this in the summer.

Tips:
- Bring lots of pesos, some of the fancier restaurants take cards but everything else is pesos only. ATMs on the island aren't reliable so bring enough pesos for your whole trip. Don't forget pesos for tipping as well.
- Bring bug spray with deet and bring anti itch. You'll mainly need this around sunset
- Bring games, the island does not have good wifi
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lorena C
Valle de Bravo, Mexico57 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2021 • Friends
I went for the weekend from Cancún. The bus to Chiquilá is $298. The ferry round trip is $440 and you can buy it on the bus with card. They also accept card for the bus tickets.

Arriving the island look for your staying in maps, because is probably like 10 minutes away by walk, so you won't need a taxi (are golf carts, the town is really small)

There's only 3 ATM, 1 is CiBanco in the main street tiburón ballena and the interest for withdrawal is $17 (really chip), another one in the main square and is BBVA, but is not always working or with money. And another internacional one, a street away from the main square but the comission is for like $60. I highly recommend arrive already with all the cash you can, because the places that accept card, charge between 3 to 5% extra for each pursache.

The ocean is like a huge pool and the sunsets are incredible.
Written April 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rubybirkenhead
Birkenhead, UK653 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
It’s a half hour ferry ride (200 pesos pp) to the Island and they go every 30 mins. We had hired a car so parked in the port (no cars allowed on island) for 100 pesos per day. Plenty of places to choose from.
Once on the island yellow taxi golf buggies whisk you to your accommodation. Don’t pay more than 40 pesos.
The island has a small main square which is quite buzzy at night.
Main attraction is the fantastic beach - walk on the sandbanks when the tide is out. Water is warm and crystal clear.
Go before this place gets smartened up and exploited.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CT
Denmark82 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Couples
We had planned on staying for 5 nights, but cut our stay short and left the same day we arrived. Holbox was absolutely horrible and I would not recommend anyone visiting - here’s why:

1. An overpriced destination with absolutely no wish for sustainable development.

2. There are massive puddles everywhere on the island with stagnant and smelling (sewer) water, which makes it impossible to walk. If you try, you’ll be run down by the noisy gas-driven golf carts serving as both rentals and taxis.

3. The taxis are overcharging. We walked to the hotel with our luggage but decided on a taxi when leaving. We confirmed the price prior to getting in, but upon arrival it was suddenly 100 % on top of the already agreed price.

4. None of the money from tourism seem to be invested in infrastructure. I think the sandy roads are charming, but a drainage system is needed, and so is a clean-up. There is trash and building debris everywhere you look.

5. Food and hotel prices are outrageous and the quality of both really isn’t worth the premium price tag.

6. The island has clearly been overdeveloped way too fast and does not have the capacity to support the current influx of tourists.

7. The vibe there is just odd. Loud techno music all day and no genuine Mexican vibe, just “locals” having absolutely no love for their (once beautiful, I am sure) island. It seems like the game is to rip off every tourist to come through.

There are so many amazing places in the world, so save your money and visit one of those instead of going to Holbox. An absolute waste of time and money.
Written July 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

grraffa
London, UK38 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
Keen to add some beach time to our Mexican itinerary we visited Holbox Island in September 2023. It was somehow disappointing, especially for someone coming from Europe. Restaurant prices equal the ones in London and the cuisine is mediocre at best. I wouldn’t recommend it unless you need a break from typical Mexican towns and you want to experience all inclusive.
Written September 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

doveydovey
swampscott40 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Get to this magical place before it gets ruined by mass tourism!! Construction is creeping up over the island and the calm, relaxing ambiance, dirt roads and quaint village will not last. In 10 years and it will be Tulum or Cozumel replete with drugs, muggings and the national guard. For now, enjoy the beautiful, warm calm, beaches, kind people, diverse biosphere with beautiful pink flamingos, good food and interesting activities. Worth repeat visits until the population explodes.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shea W
Greater Sydney, Australia10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
6 of us met up in Holbox over NYE. A STUNNING island, but we got it wrong...

We booked in the city centre which is where all the backpackers are and the beaches are 6/10. The perfect sands is to the east but typically they're reserved for guests only - spend the extra cash and stay at any of the beach front hotels on the east side.

Taxis are cheap to drive around and there's no reason to go into town apart from dinner in the evening.
Written March 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Vst448
Toronto, Canada257 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022
I am absolutely disappointed in Holbox.Many acquaintances agreed with me.This Island is an excellent example how advertisement works and how they manipulate our mind.All organized to suck money from your wallet.This is veeeery noisy place: motorcycles, "golf" carts (not electrical),renovations and builders,airplanes. Brrrrr. I stood at the intersection far from Downtown and I found that someone drove minimum one time every 3 minutes,Karl ! I expected to find quiet place with flamingo and crocodiles. All animals disappeared from this crazy place. All is expensive.In Manzanillo I bought on can of beer"Victory" for 25 MXN,here 50 MXN and in a bar 75 MXN ! Local food market is very poor.No fresh fish,that I bought at the Pacific ocean side. Bars and pubs play loud music simultaneously. You can hear 2,3,4 different melodies.When you are trying to relax on the beach and hear only sounds of waves,stupid personal of bars plays music + sellers do not give you chance to get nap,because they sell junk souvenirs and wake you up.In the evening many people go to watch sunset.LOL. Advertisement says that this is a greatest sunset in Mexico.Of course,if a tourist lives in basement in Paris and suddenly can see the Sun at the "Mother nature" environment,he/she might impressed. LOL. There are many young people from Europe.
Written December 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Erin L
Melbourne, Australia4 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2023 • Solo
This is genuinely the worst place I've ever been in more than 20 years of travelling. Maybe if you've never been anywhere else you'd like it, but it's just so, so awful. The beach can be nice but the town is atrocious. Overpriced, people constantly yelling at you to come into their shop, or flat out ignoring you (the contempt the locals have for tourists is unlike anything I've seen anywhere). I get it, their slice of paradise has been ruined by rampant overdevelopment with zero concern for sustainability, but there's absolutely no need to be hostile. Tourists and taxi drivers race around all day and night in noisy "golf carts", restaurants and bars are insanely overpriced, and there is rubbish and construction everywhere. There arent any good supermarkets if you wish to self cater instead of buying overpriced and underwhelming food. This place sucks so hard, do not waste your time and money coming here.
Written February 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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