Exploring Holbox Where to stay Where to eat How to get around How to get there Favourite stays
If you’ve been looking for an island paradise, then look no further. Isla Holbox (pronounced hole-bosh) is the one.
Isla Mujeres is usually at the top of the list of islands to visit in Mexico, but we think that Holbox beats Isla Mujeres without any effort. Holbox has somewhat remained the hidden gem of Yucatan, managing to maintain a bohemian and laidback island vibe that entraps visitors for weeks.
This idyllic island has everything you could ask for: picturesque sunsets every evening, white-sand beaches and wildlife.
If you’re visiting Mexico soon, you’ve come to the right place. After reading this guide, you’ll know which area to stay in, where to find the best restaurants and how to get around this paradise island in Mexico.
Also, check out our list of the best activities in Holbox!
Is Holbox worth visiting?
There’s never any need to rush on Holbox, which is part of its appeal. By day it’s a relaxed place, but by night the streets come alive.
And by this, we really do mean the streets! Once the sun has set, everyone grabs a drink and heads to the streets to salsa the night away as the bars blast their music onto the streets.
We honestly can’t rave about Holbox enough and it probably has to be one of our favourite places in Mexico!
How long should you spend in Holbox?
If you like to relax, then you’ll never want to leave Holbox. People often head there for a few days, and end up extending their stay over and over again. It’s easy to slip into the relaxed way of life on the island, and your own routine of smoothie bowls, swimming, sunbathing and dancing on the streets.
We recommend a minimum of four days on Holbox. Any less, and it’s not really worth the journey from Cancun to Holbox.
Where to stay in Holbox
Choosing where to stay is a pretty simple task because only the southwest proportion of the island is inhabited. The majority of accommodation options are located within the centre of town or along the beachfront.
In the centre of the town, you’ll find accommodation for all types of travellers and budgets. From cheap hostels and homely Airbnbs to luxury hotels.
If you’re looking for a bit more seclusion, there are a number of hotels and Airbnbs a bit further from the town. You’ll find most of them on the way to both Punta Mosquito and Punta Coco.
Where to eat in Holbox
Holbox has plenty of restaurants to visit. There are a number of streets in the centre of town just lined with restaurants.
Being an island, it’s a great place to sample some fresh seafood or a barbeque restaurant situated on the beach.
Painapol — the best brunch spot in Mexico?
If there’s one restaurant you need to visit on Holbox, it’s Painapol. Painapol is the perfect breakfast and lunch spot offering spectacular smoothie bowls, eggs done every way you can think of, sandwiches and a selection of refreshing juices. It’s the kind of food that leaves you feeling satisfied and rejuvenated.
Tacoqueto — great, cheap tacos
To satisfy your taco cravings at a really reasonable price, head to Tacoqueto. Tacos aren’t the only thing on the menu, the nachos and burritos are also great choices with huge portions. The restaurant is rustic, but service is quick and you’ll leave with a smile on your face.
Roots Pizzas a la Leña — the pizza Holbox is famous for
On the more expensive end of the price scale is Roots Pizzas.
If you’re looking for a normal pizza, then another Italian restaurant may be better. But if you’re willing to pay 600 MXN ($35.00) for Holbox’s famous lobster pizza, head to Roots. It’s a thin-crust, wood-fired pizza topped with fresh lobster.
Also read: Top 14 Things to Do in Holbox
How to get around Holbox
If you look at Holbox on Google Maps, you’ll initially think that it’s quite a large island. However, look a little closer and you’ll realise that there’s only a small section that’s actually inhabited.
As a result, there’s no need for motorised vehicles on the island so you’ll only see golf buggies and ATVs whizzing past you. You can walk everywhere you need to go, which makes exploring the island super easy!
The only thing that can make moving around Holbox difficult is the rain. Unfortunately, the island doesn’t have a very good drainage system so the roads can often become flooded.
Riding a bike becomes virtually impossible and the only shoes you’ll be wearing are your flip-flops, any others are destined to be ruined!
By foot
Holbox is a small island, so most places you need to go to should be only a short walk away. All of the restaurants, bars and supermarkets are centrally located and easy to hop between.
There are a number of accommodation options right in the centre, and even if you opt for one a bit further out, you’ll still be within walking distance.
By taxi
When we say taxi, we don’t mean the conventional car taxi you were probably thinking of. The taxis on Holbox are in the form of golf carts.
The only place you may need to use a taxi is when you arrive at the ferry port with your luggage. When you get off the ferry, there will be a number of golf carts ready and waiting.
A ride to your accommodation should cost around 50 pesos.
By bike
Most hotels and hostels have their own bikes that you’re able to rent. If they don’t, then there are plenty of shops dotted around town that also have bikes available to rent.
This is a great form of transport on the island because it allows you to cover more ground than on foot and you can explore at your own pace.
You can rent a bike by the hour for around 20 MXN ($1.10) – 40 MXN ($2.30) or for the whole day from 100 MXN ($5.50).
By golf cart
One of THE things to do during your visit to Holbox is to hire a golf buggy and drive around the island. Not only is this a fun day out, but also a way to get around.
There are a number of places where you can rent a golf cart from. All you have to do is walk down any of the main streets and you’ll find one.
The only downside of golf carts is that they can be quite expensive. Prices start at around 710 MXN ($41.00) for 3 hours and go up to 1,810 MXN ($105.00) for 24 hours. If you’re splitting this between more people (the maximum is four), then it can make it more affordable.
Don’t forget that you can always haggle!
How to get to Isla Holbox
In summary
Now that you’ve finished reading this guide, you’re almost ready for your adventure in Holbox. The next step is to create your personalised itinerary with our top picks of things to do in Holbox. Simply choose your favourite activities and places to visit, and you’re all set to make lasting memories in Holbox.
Our favourite places to stay in Isla Holbox
La Casa del Alux - Treating Yourself
This adults-only hotel offers luxurious suites and spacious apartments rather than just rooms. Most of which come with balconies overlooking the nearby idyllic lake. If you opt for an apartment, you’ll also be able to enjoy your own kitchen facilities.
Scattered throughout the hotel there’s plenty of places to chill, from hammocks to sun loungers and little sun decks. La Casa del Alux is like a little oasis situated on the outskirts of Holbox town.
- Chill out area and hammocks
- Lake views
- Huge suites and apartments
- Adults only
Double rooms start from $80 per night
Isla Bonita - Mid Range
Isla Bonita makes sure that you’re stay on a tropical island is comfortable. Their rooms are spacious, well air-conditioned and have their own private balcony for you to relax on. Did we mention that there’s also a swimming pool at the centre of the hotel?
Some of the rooms also come with their own kitchen if you fancy whipping up a snack. If not, you’re only minutes from Holbox’s best restaurants and the beach.
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Rooms with private balconies
- Great location
- Airconditioned, spacious rooms
Double rooms between $50-80 per night
Kin Camping - Budget Friendly
Finding good accommodation on a budget is a relatively hard task on Holbox. Kin Camping is one of the best budget friendly options. And it also offers an unforgettable experience. Each of their tents comes with a comfy double bed, so you won’t be slumming it if that’s what you had in mind when you first saw the word camping.
They’ve created a campsite with great facilities, including a communal kitchen, and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to chill out and meet other like-minded travellers. The friendly staff are always there for anything you need.
- Everything you need for camping
- Communal kitchen
- Great atmosphere
- Relaxing chill out spots
Tent with double bed between $15-50 per night
Kate is a writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.
Aleksandra is a writer and editor who recently moved from Hong Kong to London. She’s worked and studied in four countries (and counting) and picked up a new hobby in each of them. She’s a big fan of long train journeys so you can count on her to take the scenic route, finding a few hidden gems along the way.
