IS HOLBOX AN ISLAND PARADISE + 11 UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN HOLBOX.
I am by nature, an Island Girl. I believe that I was born to live on a tropical island. Thus I was drawn to Holbox like a moth to a flame. Despite a few quibbles with Holbox (more on that below) I truly do believe that Holbox is an island paradise. And I hope that it will remain one for years to come.
Don’t have time to read the full post?
Holbox top picks 😍
Short on time? Some of our top recommendations for Holbox are:
Accommodation 🏨
- BUDGET – Golden Paradise Hostel
- MID-RANGE – Alcobas Del Mar
- LUXURY – Hotel Villas Flamingo
Tours & Activities🎫
Tips 💡
Take cash with you, as the ATMs in Holbox are few and far between (and often don’t work)
Transport 🚌
Take the Ado bus to Chiquila, then ferry to Holbox (you do not need to book the ferry but we recommend booking the bus.)
Why Holbox is worth visiting
The sand is white. The water is warm and there are often happy dogs swimming in it (my idea of heaven). The sunsets are spectacular and best accompanied with a cold drink. If that’s not paradise, I’m not sure what is.
Yet, Holbox has a feeling that it is purpose built, designed specifically with tourists in mind. But, before you imagine Benidorm, it’s not quite like that.
Holbox is colourful and aesthetic. It is touristy, but it caters to a certain type of trendy tourist looking to let their hair well and truly down. However, unlike Tulum, it’s not trying to be too bohemian, instead it oozes hedonism. Holbox is of course not authentic Mexico, but you can find glimpses of it if you try hard enough.
Is Holbox an island paradise or has it been ruined by tourism?
Personally, I think Holbox is absolutely an island paradise.
The practical selling points about Holbox cannot be ignored too. It is a small island, easy to get around by foot or on one of the many go cart style taxis. From any hotel in the main area of Holbox you can reach the beach in under 10 minutes, a supermarket in under 5 and a bar in less than 2.
I believe this is what makes it so popular with families, couples and anyone looking for an easy breezy holiday. The beauty of Holbox can also not be ignored, the beaches are simply stunning and I didn’t want to leave them at the end of our trip!
All of that said, you can’t get away from the fact that tourism seems to have been imposed on Holbox a little bit too much and the island does seem to be fighting back a bit.
The roads lack drainage and have been hacked up by the millions of golf carts and quad bikes driving around on a daily basis. This means the roads are frequently flooded, muddy and frankly unsightly.
It puts a lot of tourists off and explains why you can read many a blog designating Holbox as a “no go” or simply “too dirty to visit.” The truth is, it’s not dirty, but the infrastructure does seem to be maxed out.
As of July 2024, the roads in Holbox were being resurfaced after disastrous flooding in February 2024. I’m yet to learn if this has had any major impact or made improvements – but you’d expect that it would.
Fingers crossed this is the case and the island can continue to allow many a holiday maker to enjoy this quintessential paradise. In the meantime, we still recommend travelling to Holbox just take note of some of the practical points to help your travel go smoothly – more on that below.
A few practical things you need to know before visiting Holbox
Here are a few practical things that are worth being aware of before you travel to Holbox.
1/ Holbox is car free but not buggy free
Many blogs you will read will tell you that Holbox is a car free island. Theoretically this is true, but this is not to say that it is a completely vehicle free environment. There are golf carts and buggies, all of which use petrol.
There are so many buggies being used as taxis and they are actually quite annoying as they make it impossible to walk on the roads! You will also see delivery vans around the island too. So whilst there are no cars as such, it doesn’t mean that the roads are only for bicycles or pedestrians.
If you do want to visit a totally idyllic and genuinely car free island – try Nusa Lembongan in Bali.
2/ Holbox can flood
Speaking of roads – many of the roads in Holbox are frequently flooded. This is because they don’t really have drainage and the are hacked up by the buggies. And of course, it often rains in Holbox!
If you want to avoid this as much as possible, then travel between February and April. At all other times, you can expect to have to pick your way carefully around the puddles. But, we hear that there were some improvements made in July 2024 – hopefully this has helped things on the roads.
3/ Cycling in Holbox can be tricky
Because of the aforementioned roads and aforementioned buggies, cycling in Holbox is not as idyllic an experience as you might expect.
We had intended to hire bikes but on arrival we saw the roads and decided against it. We recommend you hold off booking your bike hire until you arrive on the island and have assessed the roads.
4/ The ferry to Holbox is easy to catch
We were wondering if the ferry would be a bit of a faff, but actually the small boat from Chiquila to Holbox is a total breeze. They run every thirty minutes, tickets are easy to purchase and it takes only around 15 to 20 minutes to get across the water.
5/ Holbox can be pricey, but is possible on a budget
Comparative to other areas in the Yucatan Peninsula, such as Merida, Valladolid and even Cancun – the prices are a little high.
Holbox has similar prices to Tulum, perhaps marginally cheaper in some areas. As Holbox is an island, it can be tricky to get goods there – as such, prices for clothing and groceries are a little higher than in other places.
6/ Bring cash to Holbox
Bring cash to Holbox There are a couple of ATMs on the island, but they are erratic and charge high commission rates (one charges 180 Pesos). We met one couple who had tried every ATM on the island and discovered that none of the machines work with Mastercard. Although some hotels, restaurants and bars will accept card many do not. We recommend taking enough cash with you for your stay on the island
10 wonderful and unusual things to do in Holbox
Holbox is a relaxing island perfect for an idyllic vacation. You might, quite rightly, just intend to chill out on the stunning beaches. But, if you’d like a few more unusual things to do in Holbox – here are some ideas.
1/ Walk on water
For a bit of quiet time, one of the best spots to visit on Holbox is the Yalahau Lagoon.
It’s got an amazing sandbar that shows up when the tide is low. So, it looks and feels a bit like walking on water. The walk along the beach to this spot is beautiful, with every step it feels as though the sand gets whiter.
Heads up, you can only walk here at low tide, so check tide times before you head off. Expect to walk around 30 to 40 minutes each way from the main town. This is one of the most unique things to do in Holbox and you’ll feel that you’re on your own voyage of discovery.
2/ Visit Punta Mosquito
Visiting Punta Mosquito is one of the most scenic and unusual things to do in Holbox.
A little further on from the sandbank is Punta Mosquito. A remote and serene beach located on the eastern side of Holbox.
You can walk, but it will take you around 90 minutes. Taxis also take you to this area, or you can book a tour. This area is known for its abundance of birdlife, including flamingos, making it a haven for nature lovers. The beach’s shallow flats are ideal for wading and observing the diverse marine and bird species that inhabit the region.
What about visiting Punta Coco in Holbox?
Just a note on Punta Coco, which lies to the West of the island. We had heard that Punta Coco was one of the best beaches on Holbox – personally, we don’t recommend it.
The mosquitos in the area are rife and the beach is not nearly as pretty as Punta Mosquito. If you’re pushed for time, we would definitely suggest going East rather than West.
3/ Kayak to see the bioluminescence
Bioluminescence in Holbox is a mesmerizing natural phenomenon caused by bioluminescent plankton. This is such a unique thing to do in Holbox!
These tiny organisms emit light when disturbed, creating a beautiful spectacle in the water. Visitors can join special tours at night to experience the surreal glow of the bioluminescence, making for a unique and captivating experience.
You can choose to kayak on the water amongst it or just take a tour to see it from the shore. Definitely one of the unique things to do in Holbox.
If you want to see the bioluminescence without a tour, this is possible. First, walk to Punta Coco and then you can walk around to the luminescence area once the sun has set. Just a note of caution, the mosquitos are rife in this area and you will need lots of repellent.
4/ Do a bootcamp class
If you feel like you need want some more active things to do in Holbox, or perhaps you need to balance out all the tacos and tequila, try a bootcamp on Holbox island.
There is a small class that is run daily in a nice spot just by the beach. A professionally run boot camp, and you can dip in for one class, or hit the weights every day of your travels.
5/ Relax in a yoga class
If you’d rather wind down instead, try a yoga class. What could be better than feeling the earth beneath you from your yoga mat and listening to the sound of the ocean.
6/ Visit a local market
Like all Mexican towns, Holbox has a municipal market. It is not as big as you would expect to find in cities like Merida, but it is still a good place to visit to get some fresh fruit and vegetables or some delicious tacos for breakfast.
Prices at the market tend to be a little lower than in grocery stores in town. Plus, having a little nose around even if you don’t buy anything is one of the fun things to do in Holbox.
7/ Take a cooking class
We always love to take a cooking class in new countries. This is one of the unique things you can do in Holbox.
There’s a charming little cooking school in Holbox hidden behind a pink door, La Puerta Rosa. Classes run every morning and evening and could be a fun and unusual thing to do in Holbox, especially if you want to learn more about Mexican food. Check out details about classes on the Holbox Cooking Class website.
8/ Help out at a local dog refuge
Holbox has quite a number of friendly stray dogs, thankfully there’s an animal refuge who seek to take care of as many dogs as possible on the island.
One of our favourite and unique things to do in Holbox was take one of the dogs from the refuge for a walk. You can turn up between 09:00 and 12:00 and 17:00 and 20:00 any day of the week and offer to walk a dog. If you’re going to walk along the beach – why not take a pooch on a day out with you?
We’ve recently heard that the dog shelter in Holbox has been struggling financially after a number of storms hit the island. If you do visit and have a chance to donate, please consider it.
9/ Dance to live music at The Hot Corner
Nights in Holbox tended to end for us at The Hot Corner – a live music bar. Those with expensive taste order drinks inside the bar, others gather on the corner to dance and drink beer from the local supermarket. No prizes for guessing that we were in the second group. There are also cool bars on the beach that play loud music into the night, but for us, the music at The Hot Corner is the best to salsa too.
10/ Swim with whale sharks in Holbox
Have you ever dreamed of swimming with sharks, that is one of the unique things you can do in Holbox. From Holbox, tours can be booked make your dreams come true and swim with sharks.
It’s easy to find tours on the island or to book online. If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming with the big fellas, then this is your chance. We didn’t visit during whale shark season and weren’t able to swim with sharks (that’s our excuse and we are sticking to it!) but we hear that it’s fun.
Holbox Whale Shark Season
If you’re interested in swimming with whale sharks or observing them in their natural habitat, it’s advisable to plan your visit during whale shark season. Whale shark season around Holbox typically occurs from late May to mid-September, with the peak season being June, July, and August.
Here are some great tours that you could book in advance to see whale sharks in Holbox.
11/ Dine out
There are a couple of hot spots for food in Holbox. Taco queto is one of these – an inexpensive taco joint which serves up consistently good food at a good price.
This place is not fancy, but it’s really popular – not least, because you can take in your own beers. There’s often a queue but tables quickly become free. Eat here at least once for a fun night in Holbox.
For another great place to eat on a budget, we loved Cenaduria La Tapatia. This is a beautiful outdoor eating environment and the regularly host live music nights too. As a bonus, they also have an extensive tequila menu too.
For vegan food and brunch, Arte Sano is a popular place in Holbox. But there are loads of places for brunch along the main streets at on the beach front.
If you’re a seafood and fish fan, Big Fish Comida is a really nice and laid back restaurant. You can find many more great restaurants in Holbox, but we suggest getting off the main streets into back roads to find the best hidden gems.
Where to stay in Holbox/ Best Hotels in Holbox
BUDGET: A great budget option in Holbox is Golden Paradise Hostel, this is where we stayed and we found it a wonderful and restful hostel. All rooms are private, set in their own space with outdoor seating. There’s also great communal space with hammocks and a kitchen. Plus, a short five minute walk to the beach .
MID-RANGE: Alcobas Del Mar is a boutique style mid-range hotel on one of the quieter streets near to the centre of town. A short five minute walk will take you to the beach, but you can also enjoy a pool at the hotel too.
LUXURY: Hotel Villas Flamingo is one of the most popular 5 star hotels on the island. A beach front hotel found in one of the best spots on Holbox, towards Punta Mosquito and the sandbank. This stretch of the beach is simply beautiful. Villas Flamingo also offers a stunning swimming pool and water sports are included too.
How to get to Holbox
A journey to Holbox will normally be in two stages. Firstly, you must get to the port of Chiquila. This is a tiny town by the coast. From Cancun, it takes around 2 hours 30 minutes to get to Chiqulia on the bus and a little less by car. Buses run regularly but it may be best to book if you want to get on a particular bus.
If you’d prefer to book bus tickets in your own currency, you can also use Bus Bud – a handy booking site that operates for all Ado buses in Mexico.
Next, you must take the ferry. As soon as you arrive in Chiquila, it will become quite obvious where to get tickets as ticket sales people will start trying to funnel you there!
There are two ferry companies – 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express. There’s a long history and debate about which one is quicker and which one is cheaper. As of 2024, both boats take the same amount of time and cost the same. So, just pick whichever one you fancy or whichever suits your schedule best (9 Hermanos runs on the hour and Holbox Express at 30 minutes past the hour) and hop on board.
If you have luggage, there are porters to help with loading it. If you don’t you can simply walk on and find a season above or below deck.
From the ferry, you can either walk or take a buggy taxi to your hotel.
Holbox FAQs
Is Holbox a party island?
When it comes to nightlife, in our view, Holbox is tamer than places such as Tulum and Cancun. Nightlife tends to centre around one or two popular spots, on the beach and in town. But that’s not to say that you can’t find the party if you don’t want to.
Holbox has an early morning culture, with many people up exercising or exploring. However, you can still party until late if you want to! And of course, beach clubs and beach bars are available all day.
Where are the best beach clubs in Holbox?
First off, just keep in mind that the beaches in Holbox are vast and you absolutely do not have to visit a beach club to use the beach. One of the things that we love about this island is that it hasn’t been taken over by beach clubs!
That said, if you are looking for a beach club in Holbox – here are a few recommendations for the best beach clubs in Holbox.
BUDGET: Beach Club Escape Holbox is found to the west of the main beach. In a quieter stretch of beach, but still close to town. Here you can buy a few drinks and enjoy a lounger, without paying a charge for the loungers.
MID-RANGE: Captain Captain Holbox was one of our favourite hangs outs. A beach club very close to town. It has a fun party vibe, always good music and good cocktails.
LUXURY: Nomade Holbox is a beach club/ hotel with a bit of a luxury price tag. This is the perfect place for chilling, seclusion and divine drinks.
Holbox or Tulum – which one to visit?
Many vacationers often need to make the big decision as to whether to visit Tulum or Holbox. We’ve written a detailed guide to help you decide between the two – find it here.
Where to next in the Yucatan?
- Cancun – beaches & food
- Tulum – beaches, yoga and nightlife
- Holbox – island paradise
- Bacalar – paddle boarding and relaxing
- Celestun – flamingos & laid back beach
- Progreso – fun beach town
- Sian Ka’an – nature reserve
- Merida – gastronomic city & culture
- Campeche – glamorous historical city
- Valladolid – history & culture
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2 responses to “11 Unique Activities to Experience in Holbox”
[…] Find out more about how to get to Holbox here. […]
[…] over tourism were most obvious to us during our visit to Holbox island. Firstly, I should say that I adore Holbox island. We spent quite a while there and I could have quite happily set up camp there for much longer. […]