Your #1 Isla Holbox Travel Guide – The Best Island in Mexico

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The Ultimate Isla Holbox Travel Guide – Mexico

Isla Holbox is a quaint and authentic island located on the Northside of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Isla of Holbox is known for its wildlife, nature reserves, and cozy beach town vibe. One of my favorite islands to visit because of the gorgeous beaches, small-town feel, and amazing food. This island is filled with so many restaurants that offer outstanding food and drinks.

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Isla Holbox Travel Guide – Getting to the Island

Fly to Cancun

From Cancun, you can either rent a car and drive or take the popular Ado Bus. We chose to drive as we were traveling to five other Yucatan cities. The toll roads are easy and worth the extra $174pesos ~ $9USD. Most of the drive is on a highway that is well maintained and easy to navigate.

Driving Distances

Cancun to Isla Holbox: 2 Hour Drive, Toll Road Route

Playa del Carmen to Isla Holbox: 1.5 Hour Drive, Toll Road Route

Valladolid to Isla Holbox: 2 Hour Drive, Toll Road Route

Rio Lagartos to Isla Holbox: 3 Hour Drive

Merida to Isla Holbox: 3.5 Hour Drive, Toll Road Route

Isla Holbox Ferry

There are two Ferry’s that will take you from Chiqulia to Isla Holbox Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos. Both Cost $220 Pesos ~ $11USD per person one-way. Tickets can only be purchased at the Ferry Port, do not purchase them online. The ferry schedule differs depending on the time of day but most boats leave on the hour and half hour.

Isla Holbox Travel Guide – Packing List

Isla Holbox Travel Guide – Getting Around Town

Walk: We walked everywhere during our three-day visit to Isla Holbox. Everything is within walking distance and easy to access. Make sure to check the weather! It rains a lot on, so be sure to bring shoes that will be okay to get wet and muddy. None of the streets are paved they are made of sandy dirt and when it gets wet it takes a while to dry out and create muddy walking paths.

*I wore Chacos every day I was here because they are comfortable walking shoes, stylish, can get wet, and easy to clean.

Bike Rental: Renting bikes to get around is a great option, especially if you want to explore the island. Bike rental stands are placed throughout the town and prices vary. Depending on how you approach the stand, your price will vary. Always offer less if you think the price is too steep and find a compromising price.

Taxi: Taxis in Isla Holbox are not your normal taxi. You call for “TAXI!” and a Side by Side off-roader will pull up. When you first get off the ferry many taxis are lined up waiting to offer a ride. This is a great option when you have a lot of luggage and your hotel is a bit far. We were curious as to why they used off-terrain vehicles but after seeing the large ponds created in the streets after a rainstorm, we understood it! The side-by-sides would go mud bogging through the streets. You can find taxi fare signs on the main corners throughout the island.

Isla Holbox Travel Guide – Best Isla Holbox Accommodation

Budget Friendly ($)

Casa Chujuk

We stayed at the Casa Chujuk. This was a great hotel with AC, hot water, WIFI, newly renovated, with a great outdoor area. This was a great find for just $35USD per night (prices will vary depending on the time of year). It is located off the main area in a safe neighborhood. It was comfortable, with a great pool, and helpful staff.

The biggest perk about this hotel is that it is sister to the 5-Star Beachside Amaite Resort. This included free access to the Amaite Beach Club. The beach club came with towels, wifi, lounge chairs, palapas.

Moderate Price ($$)

Corazon Mexicano Holbox

• Apartment Style with Kitchen + Living Area
• Breakfast Included
• Outdoor Pool
• Located near Ferry Port

Upscale ($$$)

Amaite Beach Hotel

• Resort Style
• Breakfast Included
• Beachfront
• Beach Club Access
• Palapas and Loungers Included
• Upscale Restaurant

Isla Holbox Travel Guide – Top Things To Do in Isla Holbox

Rent Bikes

Rent some bikes from the many bike rental stands and explore the entire island!

Sit under a Palapa on the Beach

We enjoyed our free access to the Amaite Beach Club. The service was great and the palapas offered great shade.

Beach Stroll

Walk down the Holbox white sand beaches. You will find many beach clubs, resorts, bars, and restaurants. There are areas with free public beach access.

Watch the Isla Holbox Sunrise/Sunset

El Centro

El Centro is the main hub of the city with a large park, basketball court, and many restaurants. At night the center becomes alive with live music, salsa dancing, and street food stands.

Holbox Sign + Beach Swing

Grab your camera and take a walk to the beach for some touristy photos. Stand proud and tall to create the missing L in the Holbox colorful sign.

Isla Holbox Travel Guide – Where to Eat in Isla Holbox

Isla Holbox Travel Guide – Where to eat Breakfast

Le Jardin

Le Jardin is a hidden gem located a few blocks from the beach and Isla Holbox town center. This is an authentic French breakfast and lunch spot. We went here twice during our time in Isla Holbox. The ham, turkey, and cheese omelet is light and delicious. The French pastries are cheap and the perfect sweet treat.

What to Order: Omelet + French Pastries

Painapol

Painapol is a healthy cafe situated one block off the town center. We found this place because of the long line of people waiting outside. We waited 30 minutes for a table and the food was well worth the wait. Painapol is known for its colorful smoothie bowls and jars. There are many creations to chose from. The breakfast dishes are healthy, simple, and delicious.

What to Order: Smoothie Jars + Regular Egg Dish

Isla Holbox Travel Guide – Where to eat Lunch

Holbox Foodie Market

One of our favorite meals during our Mexico adventures was at Holbox Foodie Market. The Lobster Pizza is a traditional dish in Isla Holbox. It is a refreshing, rich, and delicious bite. We went during happy hour with 2 for 1 cocktails, so we enjoyed a regular margarita and another traditional Holbox treat, the Blackarita. The Blackarita is quite different and not one of my favorites but it grows on you. This restaurant is laid out in a market-style with different wooden buildings offering a variety of food. You will find options for sushi, pizza, hamburgers, tacos, and cocktails.

What to Order: Lobster Pizza

Alma Bar

Alma Bar was one of the highlights during our Mexico trip. Nestled amongst the hotels and beach clubs on the west end of the island. This is a third-floor pool bar with gorgeous views of the turquoise ocean colors. The Margaritas are delicious and hand-made right at the center bar. The tacos are small but full of flavor. We stayed here for about three hours, relaxing in the cabanas, relaxing in the pool, and sipping on our drinks. On the weekends there is a live DJ that plays at the top floor tiki hut that overlooks the pool and bar.

What to Order: Shrimp Taco + Margarita

Isla Holbox Travel Guide – Where to eat Dinner

Luuma

Luuma is a contemporary Mexican and tapas restaurant located just a few blocks from El Centro. This is a fancier indoor/outdoor restaurant with gorgeous décor. The menu consists mainly of tapas along with large carving boards for the table to share. The cocktails cannot be beaten with creative concoctions.

What to Order: Tapas + Fish Croquettes

Isla Holbox Travel Guide – Best Bars

Bar Arena

We stumbled upon Bar Arena one night when looking for a fun bar that was a bit more laid back than Hot Corner. Bar Arena is a rooftop bar located right in the middle of town. The décor is simple and inviting with fun lighting, a pool bar, and views of the city. The waiter brought out some peanuts for us to munch on while enjoying our drinks.

What to Order: Drinks!

The Hot Corner

This is the busiest bar in town. Hot Corner is located just a block from the beach and el Centro. They have many drink options with Mexican bar food. They are known for their live music every night. Grab a partner and head out the street to work on your salsa dancing!

What to Order: Mint Mojito

Travel to Valladolid and try some Traditional Yucatan Food!