Fly into Cancun (CUN)

Private transfer or rental car to Chiquilá (2 hrs)- We have used Memo from Memo’s tours for our transportation needs in the Yucatan for years. Safe, reliable, and a great guy.

Ferry from Chiquilá to Holbox (25 minutes) - There are two ferry companies, Holbox Express and 9 Hermanos, that alternate departures every 30 minutes from 6 am to 9 pm daily. Tickets can be purchased directly on the pier from either of the operators. It is recommended to arrive at the dock and purchase from the operator for the next boat out. Advanced tickets can be purchased, but they may increase your wait time. Ticket prices are around 220-330 MXN (12-18 USD).

Golf carts are the primary mode of transport on the island. Upon arriving by ferry in Holbox, you'll find a taxi stand (yellow 4WD Can-Am golf carts) ready to take you to your hotel or into town. This is the island's official taxi fleet, and you should expect to pay between 50-200MXN(5-11 USD) depending on your location. 

Fly private- This is the most expensive way to get to Holbox, but at 30 minutes, it's by far the fastest. Flights to Holbox can only be booked during daylight hours as the Holbox airport, a grass landing strip, does not have lights. These flights accommodate 2-10 persons and have weight restrictions, with prices ranging from 600 to 1800 USD one way. There are multiple platforms to book, Bookaway, Holbox Air, Flights Holbox, and Cancun Airplane Tours. 

Found Tip: Pack light, plan ahead for ferry timing, and bring pesos — ATMs are limited.

Villas Caracol – Located on Playa Norte, the north and quieter part of the island, this intimate boutique offers 15 elegantly crafted suites within lush tropical surroundings, designed with natural materials and building techniques. The property boasts a 24-hour butler service, a beachfront restaurant and bar (Las Hamacas), a private pool, paddle boards, kayaks, and a private beach area complete with Balinese loungers for its guests.

Nomade Holbox – Adults-only, eco-conscious, beachfront property located on a secluded stretch of Isla Holbox. Awarded a Michelin Key, this property provides minimalist luxury with a fusion of modern design and rustic materials to create a peaceful, immersive experience. The property offers 30 uniquely crafted rooms with holistic programming at its core, offering yoga, sound baths, water therapy, dream journeys, and much more.

Hotel Casa Palapas del Sol– Also located on Playa Norte, this 22‑room beachfront hotel showcases rooms decorated with local fabrics and furniture from mainland Solferino. Reserve the superior suite with a private watchtower for an extra exceptional stay. The hotel offers a beach club with beachfront spa services as well as a yoga studio.

Yum Balam Reserve – In Mayan, Yum Balam means “Lord Jaguar”, a nod to the sacred animal and Mexico’s first community‑managed protected areas with no large‑scale hotel developments, while also maintaining small‑scale, eco‑focused tourism. It is incredibly biodiverse with marine life, birds, mangroves, wetlands, and terrestrial animals. This is why Holbox is special; it’s full of wildlife.

Three Islands Tour (Tres Islas) – Book a guided boat tour, 6–10 people, or a private charter around Isla Holbox and its surrounding protected areas. This 3–4 hour excursion, which we recommend taking in the morning (cooler temps, calmer waters, and more birds), is one of the most popular day trips to take. First up, Isla Pajaros (Bird Island) is a protected sanctuary home to flamingos, herons, pelicans, and many other migratory birds. Next, Isla Pasion, a tiny island with white sand beaches, is a great place to stop and swim or take photos. The final stop is Yalahau Cenote (Ojo de Agua), where you can cool off in this freshwater spring surrounded by mangroves.

Turtle Nesting – Hawksbill and loggerhead turtles come to nest on the remote beaches between May and October.

Kayak the mangroves directly from the beach or inland, to explore quiet lagoons and spot birds and crocodiles.

Whale Shark Tours – From June to September, take a guided or private charter to swim with these gentle giants in the offshore waters.

Visit Punta Cocos and sit in the sea hammocks in the calm, shallow sea—a popular spot for seeing the bioluminescence, but also one of the best places to catch a sunset.

Rent a Golf Cart for the day or your entire stay. Our recommendation is to book a rental through your hotel's concierge. The golf cart is delivered and returned to your doorstep. Given the island's inexpensive taxi service, we recommend hiring a taxi driver for 3–4 hours to explore the island, its streets, and shops, and then head out west to Punta Cocos.

Punta Mosquito – On the Northeastern tip of Holbox, you will find this long stretch of untouched sandbar, no restaurants, bars, or hotels, just raw, natural beauty and one of the best places to see the seasonal flamingos (April–October). The key here is to check the tide and find a time when the low tide, the best time to go, coincides with sunset for a picture‑perfect night.

Bioluminescent beaches – Tiny marine organisms called bioluminescent plankton light up when disturbed. This seasonal magic is best viewed between June and September, and when the moon is not bright. Tours are available but are not a must; walk through shallow water or splash your hands to see the sea shimmer with an electric blue‑green glow. The most popular area for this is Punta Cocos, but we have seen this ecosystem phenomenon on Playa Norte.

Fishing – The shallow waters of Yum Balam Reserve and Holbox, originally a fishing village, provide world‑class conditions for fishing. Charter a small boat with a local fisherman and fish the traditional way using a handline instead of a rod for snapper, grouper, barracuda, and triggerfish. If fly fishing is your sport, between May and September, Holbox offers around its lagoons and tarpon “silver king” season, as well as snook and bonefish.

Found Tip: You don’t need an itinerary. Relax and let the island guide you.

LUUMA – A tropical living room under the stars. Small plates and tapas with an international fare dominate the menu, paired with a creative cocktail program. Some nights feature live music or a DJ.

Painapol – A favorite breakfast and brunch spot on the island, which also means long queues, unless you head there right after sunrise. This relaxed, open‑air café offers fresh juices and fruit, smoothie bowls, as well as healthy breakfast and brunch dishes.

Pinchis Tacos – Funky, laid‑back spot in Holbox town center for late‑night eats and street tacos.

Tortilleria Marie Esther – This local gem is not a restaurant but rather a family‑run tortilla shop where locals buy their daily tortillas. No frills, no menus, and they're open till they're all gone, usually early afternoon.

Copal Cafe Zomay – Artsy cafe perfect for an early morning coffee, smoothie bowl, or fresh juice.

Alma Bar – Located in the town center, this is one of the island's chic evening spots for cocktails, small bites, and a sophisticated vibe.

XOPE – Lively bar with occasional live music, offering a diverse menu of cocktails.

Capitan Capitan – Lively beach club bar offering local seafood, Mexican snacks, karaoke, live music, beach games, and fantastic sunset views. Enjoy your meal or drinks with your toes in the sand under shaded palapas.

Mr. Happy – Retro brunch and breakfast spot serving up waffles, chilaquiles, and lo‑fi vinyl.

La Cabane / Roots Pizzas a la leña – Favorite west side spot serving up some of the island's best wood‑fired pizzas and tacos (including their famous lobster pizza).

Maestro / El Ma. Carmita – Taquería – A taco bar serving up authentic Mexican-style tacos on fresh handmade corn tortillas.

Tuch – Beachside is a favorite for seafood tacos, mescalitas, and listening to the waves.

Tierrasal – Wood-fired Mexican grill with excellent service in an elevated but laid-back vibe.

Santos Fuegos – Wood-fired grill in a tropical ambiance featuring a daily menu emphasizing Caribbean flavors.

Fishmonger, Blessing of God – Small, authentic local cuisine featuring excellent ceviche and seafood tacos prepared right in front of you by the owner.

Arte Sano – Charming dining experience serving up flavorful plant-based dishes for vegans, vegetarians, and non‑vegans alike, as well as juices and horchata.

Cronicas Taproom – Craft beer gastropub serving wood-fired pizzas, Mexican small plates, cocktails, and mezcal in the central plaza, don’t miss the rooftop terrace.

Clandestino Coffee – A must-visit for coffee enthusiasts, offering some of the island's best artisanal coffee. They also serve fresh bagels, pastries, and smoothie bowls.

Las Hamacas – Part of Villas Caracol, this stylish beach club restaurant/bar is the perfect spot for a chill beach day with luxury comfort, tasty cuisine, and refreshing drinks. Day passes are available for around 300 pesos (16 USD).

Cold Brew Coffee Cart – Mobile espresso cart operated by its owner, Ezequiel, rolling down the main beaches of Isla Holbox, serving refreshing nitro cold brew. Locals and visitors flock to this spot for their mid-day caffeine boost.

Piedra Santa – Unique dishes in a structure built inside a tree, this restaurant/bar creates a super unique dining experience.

Bilú – Cozy breakfast and brunch spot in the Centro area, nestled in a beautiful landscaped garden. Open 8 am – 1 pm except Wednesdays.

Mandarina Seaside – This refined beachfront dining experience is perfect for a romantic dinner: exceptional service, ocean views, a locally sourced menu, and signature cocktails.

Marquesitas y Crepas– Beloved Yucatan street food sold by street vendors, especially in the evenings around the main square. Crispy crepes filled with a variety of sweet and savory options. For sweet tooth’s only order “Sin queso, por favor” (without cheese), and bring pesos.

Complemento Coffee – Locals' favorite for high-quality coffee, smoothies, juices, and specialty sandwiches.

Casa Nostra – Offers a rooftop setting with stunning Caribbean views, complemented by a menu that blends Mediterranean and Sicilian flavors with a Caribbean twist. The restaurant also has a curated list of Italian wines to pair with its menu.

Wi-Fi is spotty – download maps and music ahead of time

Bugs are real – pack reef-safe bug spray

Bring cash/pesos – not all places accept cards

Go with the flow – the beauty of Holbox is in letting go and enjoying the vibes