All about Isla Holbox in Yucatán (2025 Travel Guide)

Isla Holbox is a small island off the northeastern coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico. It stretches 42 kilometers in length but is only about 2 kilometers wide.

The island’s only town, also called Holbox, is a laid-back fishing village with fewer than 2,000 residents. The main street, Calle Tiburón Ballena (which translates to Whale Shark Street), runs parallel to the beach.

Despite its small size, Holbox has over 100 places to stay, ranging from simple hostels to upscale boutique hotels. The island is also known for its fresh seafood, with local fishermen supplying restaurants daily.

What draws most visitors to Holbox is its stunning 34-kilometer-long beach, lined with palm trees and surrounded by shallow, turquoise waters.

In many areas, the water is only waist deep, making it great for swimming. You’ll also find good conditions for kitesurfing, surfing, and diving.

Biosphere Reserve

Holbox means "black hole" in Mayan, referring to the dark water in the lagoon, which gets its color from the mangroves.

The island is part of the Yum Balam Biosphere Reserve, a protected area with stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Exploring the mangrove forests by boat or kayak is a great way to experience the unique ecosystem up close.

Holbox is separated from the mainland by the Yalahao Lagoon. Today, flamingos and pelicans are a common sight here, but back in the 16th century, the lagoon served as a hideout for pirates for more than 40 years.

Whale Watching

Between May and September, you can spot whale sharks off the coast of Holbox. These gentle giants can grow up to 14 meters long and weigh around 15 tons. Swimming alongside them is definitely one of the most unforgettable experiences Holbox has to offer.

On dark nights, you can also witness bioluminescent plankton glowing along the shoreline. The shimmering sea sparkle is something you really have to see in person to fully appreciate.

What You Should Know

Holbox is definitely geared toward tourism, but it’s still nothing like the big hotspots like Cancún or Tulum. The Caribbean hurricane season runs from June to November, so if a storm is on the way, it’s good to have a backup plan.

The island isn’t a flawless paradise. Since most roads aren’t paved, and cars are rare (you’ll mostly see golf carts, mopeds, and bicycles), getting around can be tricky, especially in the rainy season when paths turn into giant puddles.

Cleanliness in town isn’t always great either. And while the beach is beautiful, it’s sometimes affected by sargassum, the seaweed that washes up along the shore.

How much of it you’ll see depends on the year, but sargassum season usually runs from around April to October, with the biggest amounts often appearing in the summer.

If you’re okay with these things, Holbox is still a great place to visit.

How to Get to the Island?

To get to Holbox, you can take a ferry from Chiquila on the Yucatán Peninsula to Holbox. The trip takes about 20 minutes. There is also a small island airport that is served by five-seater cessnas from Playa del Carmen and Cancún airports.

Five Key Tips

If you're planning a trip to Isla Holbox, here are my five key tips:

• Bring cash. There are only a few ATMs on the island, and they often run out of money or don’t work.

• Use eco-friendly insect repellent. Mosquitoes can be a problem, especially in the evening and near the mangroves.

• Pack light and wear comfortable sandals. The roads are sandy, and getting around is easiest on foot, by bike, or by golf cart.

• Help protect the island’s nature. Avoid plastic waste, use reef-safe sunscreen, and be mindful of the wildlife.

• Take a whale shark or bioluminescence tour. Swimming with whale sharks is an incredible experience, as is the tiny plankton that shimmers at night.

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