Main Square (Parque Principal)
The small main square with a church and basketball court is the village's evening gathering point, with food stalls and golf cart taxis. The surrounding streets are painted with many murals.
Mexico
Isla Holbox
IslandBeachNature
Holbox is a narrow island, approximately 40 kilometers long, off the north coast of Quintana Roo, between the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. In its only village, golf carts and bicycles travel over sand roads instead of cars.
by Felix Gillen
Holbox is a narrow island, approximately 40 kilometers long, off the north coast of Quintana Roo, between the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. In its only village, golf carts and bicycles travel over sand roads instead of cars. The island belongs to the Yum Balam protected area and is known for its shallow beaches, flamingos, and the summer whale shark season.
Sights
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Yum Balam Nature Reserve
Established in 1994, the protected area comprises Holbox, Yalahau Lagoon, and surrounding mangroves; home to flamingos, pelicans, and crocodiles, among others. In summer, you can snorkel with whale sharks on guided tours; the season ends mid-September; most animals are seen in July and August.
Punta Cocos
The western tip of the island, about three kilometers from the town, is popular for sunset. On dark nights, plankton occasionally glows here in the shallow water, especially in the summer months.
Punta Mosquito
Headland and sandbank about eight kilometers east of the town. You take a golf cart over a sandy track almost all the way there, walking the last part, partly through shallow water at low tide. Flamingos and pelicans are often seen in the lagoons behind.
City walks in Isla Holbox
Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.
Island Magic on Holbox: A Walk Through a Colourful Paradise
Discover the unique charm of Isla Holbox on this relaxed walk along the main streets and the coast. From colourful street art to the iconic sandbanks, immerse yourself in authentic island life. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the beauty of this Caribbean gem.
Stops (6)
Restaurants & Cafés
Centrally located spot with wood-fired pizza, seafood, and Mezcal; often live music in the evenings.
Simple family restaurant with Yucatecan cuisine and fish, popular for breakfast and lunch.
Beachfront restaurant north of center. Fish, seafood & Mexican cuisine. Upscale prices. Evening tables in sand.
Food & Drinks
The menu mainly features fish and seafood; lobster pizza is a specialty.
Lobster-Pizza
Pizza with spiny lobster meat is considered an island specialty.
Ceviche
Fresh fish in lime juice, at almost every beach spot.
Culture & Character
From Fishing Village to Tourist DestinationHolbox once thrived on fishing; today, tourism shapes the island. Cars are not permitted on the island; travel is by golf carts and scooters on sandy roads. The island is part of the Yum Balam protected area, established in 1994; since the early 2000s, whale sharks off the coast have attracted visitors.MuralsMany house walls are adorned with murals, some of which were created during an international festival for public art.
Getting There & Around
FerryThe companies 9 Hermanos and Holbox Express depart from Chiquilá to Holbox approximately hourly, with a journey time of about 25 minutes. The first boats leave around 6 AM. Reservations are not possible, and trips are cancelled in bad weather.To ChiquiláADO buses run from downtown Cancún to Chiquilá, taking approximately two and a half to three hours. If you're driving a rental car, you can leave it at a supervised parking lot there. On the island, you get around on foot, rent a bike, or take a golf cart taxi.
Accommodations in Isla Holbox
Find perfect stay in Isla Holbox
Booking.com* (Affiliate link)
Search Hotels
Agoda* (Affiliate link)
Search Hotels
Airbnb
Vacation Rentals
* Affiliate link: if you book through it, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.
