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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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
940 reviews
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Very good
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85
Poor
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Terrible
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jessiestep
Connecticut376 contributions
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
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.
Gloria
2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Lots of mosquitos and No See Ums bugs. The Noseeum bug on the island is resistant to mosquito repellant, our bug bites were insane! We were only there for two nights.
The island was cute but there were a lot of puddles. The golf cart taxi is overpriced, and we couldn’t rent a golf cart due to the puddles of water on the street.
The affordable place to eat tacos was called Tacos Queto. Other places were overpriced. The water was not as clear as I expected after watching YouTube videos and pictures but that could have been due to the time of year we visited in December.
We liked the dowtown vibe and tasted our first marquesita on the island. We have been to the Yucatán several times and wanted to try a new place. We don’t regret coming here because it was an adventure and something different but I don’t think we will go back due to the bug bite factor and the back and forth golf cart transportation cost.
We sprayed everyone with big repellent different brands and types and we were still covered in bites everywhere which impacted the majority of the rest of our vacation.
We looked like we had a disease when we left.
The island was cute but there were a lot of puddles. The golf cart taxi is overpriced, and we couldn’t rent a golf cart due to the puddles of water on the street.
The affordable place to eat tacos was called Tacos Queto. Other places were overpriced. The water was not as clear as I expected after watching YouTube videos and pictures but that could have been due to the time of year we visited in December.
We liked the dowtown vibe and tasted our first marquesita on the island. We have been to the Yucatán several times and wanted to try a new place. We don’t regret coming here because it was an adventure and something different but I don’t think we will go back due to the bug bite factor and the back and forth golf cart transportation cost.
We sprayed everyone with big repellent different brands and types and we were still covered in bites everywhere which impacted the majority of the rest of our vacation.
We looked like we had a disease when we left.
Written December 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lorena C
Cancun, Mexico36 contributions
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.
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.
Erin L
Melbourne, Australia1 contribution
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.
Chilie T
Denmark94 contributions
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.
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.
Vst448
Toronto, Canada132 contributions
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.
plymouthontour2
Chiang Mai, Thailand94 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
Paradise they said , how wrong could you be.
The main area is just a large building site and the roads are not soft sand but a hard clay type substance which enables the hundreds of golf carts/ quad bikes and motorcycles without exhausts to race around.
Prices are high and they charge $500 for a sun-bed on the beach
There are some good restaurants about but you have to search for them.
This was not a good way to end our travels in Mexico
( Just to make it worse the dreaded seaweed arrived early and stank the whole area out. Not their fault but they still wanted $500 for the sun beds next to it 🤣🤣)
The main area is just a large building site and the roads are not soft sand but a hard clay type substance which enables the hundreds of golf carts/ quad bikes and motorcycles without exhausts to race around.
Prices are high and they charge $500 for a sun-bed on the beach
There are some good restaurants about but you have to search for them.
This was not a good way to end our travels in Mexico
( Just to make it worse the dreaded seaweed arrived early and stank the whole area out. Not their fault but they still wanted $500 for the sun beds next to it 🤣🤣)
Written February 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rachael
Bristol, UK7 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
If you are looking for the Paradise island, that’s advertised, you will be sorely disappointed. Mosquito Island, really is no joke, it’s covered in mosquitos. The problem is likely caused by the lack of care that is taken of the island. It really looks and feels uncared for. Rubbish everywhere and the roads are often impassable due to huge puddles and mud. I liken it to Goa 50 years ago where they too suffered dirt roads and regular power cuts. I am widely travelled and rarely write negative reviews, however, in this instance I felt the need. The beach area is beautiful but is spoilt by overpricing of food, good drinks and taxis.
A 1 or 2 day visit would be perfect if only to walk along the beach sandbank but 4 days was far too long and we couldn’t wait to get off.
Oh be careful at the port in chiquila, ‘official looking’ people tell you that you have to pay a tax to get on the island and provide you with a wrist band for 55 pasos per person. This is not necessary DO NOT BE FOOLED
A 1 or 2 day visit would be perfect if only to walk along the beach sandbank but 4 days was far too long and we couldn’t wait to get off.
Oh be careful at the port in chiquila, ‘official looking’ people tell you that you have to pay a tax to get on the island and provide you with a wrist band for 55 pasos per person. This is not necessary DO NOT BE FOOLED
Written September 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mer21maid
Copenhagen756 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
We came to Isla Holbox thinking we were going to a relatively peaceful place with beautiful nature and bird reserves.
Instead we were met by hordes of noisy young people, extremely high music everywhere and practically unwalkable streets. It was like coming to some kind of youth backpacker festival-party ongoing 24/7. We are a family traveling with two young people of 21 and 23 years of age, who are quite interested in partying, and they also did not like it.
Further, when arriving with the ferry there is a big sign showing the prices for transport with the ‘golf’-carts, for example the price to our hotel was 49 Pesos. We had to take two, as we also had luggage. When we arrived at the hotel they demanded 150 pesos each. Now you are WARNED!!
It is a total disgrace with the appalling state of the streets that are practically lakes in most parts, and it is not nice to walk around. I love that the streets are made of sand, and don’t think they should be paved - but it should be possible to maintain them with all the incredible amounts of money floating in to Holbox.
Needless to say, the place is seriously overpriced.
I cannot by any means recommend going to Isla Holbox.
Instead we were met by hordes of noisy young people, extremely high music everywhere and practically unwalkable streets. It was like coming to some kind of youth backpacker festival-party ongoing 24/7. We are a family traveling with two young people of 21 and 23 years of age, who are quite interested in partying, and they also did not like it.
Further, when arriving with the ferry there is a big sign showing the prices for transport with the ‘golf’-carts, for example the price to our hotel was 49 Pesos. We had to take two, as we also had luggage. When we arrived at the hotel they demanded 150 pesos each. Now you are WARNED!!
It is a total disgrace with the appalling state of the streets that are practically lakes in most parts, and it is not nice to walk around. I love that the streets are made of sand, and don’t think they should be paved - but it should be possible to maintain them with all the incredible amounts of money floating in to Holbox.
Needless to say, the place is seriously overpriced.
I cannot by any means recommend going to Isla Holbox.
Written January 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Inge de Oliveira Andrez
6 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
This island is relaxt but the beaches weren’t that special. We stayed one day and is not enough if you wanna go on a whale shark tour. It’s a good whole day leaving very early in the morning, therefore we couldn’t do it and was the reason for our trip. We instead we did the classic tour the 3 islands. Definitely worthy but unfortunately there came a dangerous storm with lightening very nearby. On all the islands you need mosquito spray because they eat you up. After raining it’s dangerous to walk because there’s no walkway and the streets are sand which becomes mud. The taxis (golf carts) abuse it and to go to the other side of the island they charge you 500 pesos to rent it for one hour cost 300 pesos. I’m glad we saw the island Holbox but won’t go back because of the mosquitoes.
Written July 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nicole D
Louisville, CO3 contributions
Travelers who have visited since June 2021- do most tour operators/ restaurants accept credit cards?
Nicole D
Louisville, CO3 contributions
Travelers who have visited since June 2021- do most tour operators/ restaurants accept credit cards?
Catarina E
Gothenburg, Sweden34 contributions
Is there a way to get to the island after ferry hours? Taxi boats?
BeachBumReady2Retire
Haughton, LA291 contributions
Can anyone recommend a hotel that offers two bedrooms in one unit?
What is the situation with seaweed now in mid April 2021?!
Also are there any places where we can swim in the ocean or is it shallow all along the beaches?
Hans G
Munich, Germany2 contributions
I’ve just returned from 2 weeks Cancun-Playa del Carmen-Tulum vacation.
But I have not been to Holbox. However there is at least light Sargassum season already, as I heard.
Especially south of Cancun to Tulum and further south, there is plenty of it every day & expected to be even more in the more unstable weather season coming up.
(Besides it’s getting worse every year, unfortunately - it’s a widely known manmade problem->>>>>
I just watched youtube videos from news channels: It’s a world problem only in the beginning but already having massive negative influence on many areas of the Caribbean and marine life!!)
I have been starting posting some environmental things, also concerning that, on Instagram : hanzthepilot
We have to make a change and involve politics - it’s vital !!!
Cindynata
Monterrey, Mexico1 contribution
Se puede ir directamente de Cancún a holbox? O se tiene que llegar a chiquilla y tomar el ferry ? Gracias
Sonny M
2 contributions
Is there sargassum in the beaches? planning to go in March 2020.
Russiannewyorker
New York City, NY55 contributions
A lot, just got back from there
Holbox Island - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Holbox Island
- We recommend booking Holbox Island tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 24 Holbox Island tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Holbox Island:
- Holbox Island Full Day Trip with Lunch From Playa del Carmen (From $80.00)
- HOLBOX ISLAND TOUR - from Holbox (Private) (From $130.00)
- HOLBOX ISLAND TOUR from Riviera Maya and Cancun (Private) (From $350.00)
- Magic Island, Holbox Tour! Round Transportation from Tulum City (From $127.00)
- Holbox Tour (From $76.00)
- Hotels near Holbox Island:
- (0.03 mi) Ingrid Hostel Holbox
- (0.03 mi) Hotel Boutique Casa Maya
- (0.04 mi) Tropical Suites by MIJ
- (0.04 mi) Moon Dreams Holbox
- (0.04 mi) Hotel La Casa del Capi
- Restaurants near Holbox Island:
- (0.02 mi) Al Chile Holbox
- (0.03 mi) TACOS DE HUMO HOLBOX
- (0.03 mi) Veintidós
- (0.03 mi) Big Fish Litros Bar Micheladas & Aguachiles
- (0.10 mi) Arte Sano vegan restaurant Holbox
- Attractions near Holbox Island:
- (0.07 mi) Holbox Adventure
- (0.09 mi) Holbox Whale Shark Tours with Willy's Tours
- (0.07 mi) Holbox Shuttle
- (0.09 mi) La Puerta Rosa
- (0.10 mi) Holbox Taxi